REVIEW: Hamilton

By Isabella F.

At the end of each year, the theatre classes are allowed to choose to watch a movie during their free-time, and out of all the unlimited choices in the world, one is always the top pick: Hamilton. In other words, despite being several years old at this point, the theatre kids at AHS love this play.

Written by Lin Maunel Miranda from 2008 to 2015, it was brought to the stage in February of 2015, debuting off-Broadway. However, in August of 2015, it hit the Broadway stage at Richard Rodgers Theatre. Years passed since this musical first debuted, and it still hadn’t gained the attraction people believed it deserved although dedicated musical theatre fans formed a cult following. As a result, on July 3, 2020, Hamilton was brought to Disney+, releasing the story of the founding father, Alexander Hamilton, through songs and dances to millions around the world.

Primarily, it is set in the years 1776 to 1804 in New York City. The musical follows the historic event of the American Revolution and the journey to find out how to run the United States in the aftermath. All of this occurs while following Hamilton’s role in all of it.

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Through the element of multiple genres, catchy lyrics, storytelling choreography, and crucial stage directions, Hamilton provides a catchy, modernized way to retell history along with a superb production.

To begin with, the lyrics in Hamilton are catchy, allowing the audience to connect and vibe with the music. Within the first couple of songs, Miranda has provided music filled with upbeat, funny lines that provide insight into characterization and plot in ways that few other musicals do. The way he is able to display Hamilton’s determination to prove himself to his peers while in contrast also shows Aaron Burr’s cautiousness and patience against Hamilton’s ambition. 

Later on in the story, the Founding Fathers debate over government policies and laws by using a rap-battle format. This transforms dry, boring political disagreements into clever, catchy competitive exchanges. Miranda’s use of words gives history rhythm and makes every line feel like a statement of that person’s identity and purpose within the story. Not only does the musical portray these historical figures, it allows the audience to connect and pick a side between these contrasting figures as they experience the highs and lows of life.

Hamilton also provides another major strength: choreography and stage directions which could call for flaws, but these two work together to add a layer of storytelling that words alone can not achieve. Using movement and positioning, the cast is able to tell a story that separates from the lyrics. For instance, Ariana Debose’s ensemble role as “The Bullet,” a character marked by fans, represents death throughout the show. She tends to appear before a character’s death, interacting with them. 

Another clever play in stage directions is in “The Room Where It Happens,” where Burr narrates the thoughts of the public while Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson meet to discuss unknown subjects. To signify this, Burr faces downstage, or to the audience, while the other three face upstage, away from the audience, showing that nobody knows what took place during their conservation. While Burr is singing, the ensemble moves around him throughout the song, utilizing dancing instead of dialogue to display frantic, desperation. *

Finally, the acting and performances bring Hamilton’s themes to life with passion and truth. The cast’s performance of every line feels personal, as if the characters are truly fighting for something that matters to them. Each actor made sure to add their own portrayal of emotions: Miranda showing off Hamilton’s intent to prove himself, Leslie Odom Jr. embodying Burr’s patience that slowly turns to anger and regret, then Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton. Her performance brings warmth and tugs at the hearts of the audience during her heartbreaking story, especially during her solo song “Burn.” This turns the history-filled musical into a deeper, close emotional journey that impacts the audience into rememberng that these common people experienced unbelievable, yet real, moments in their lifetime.

Now that my opinion has been laid out, let’s take a glimpse into what students at Airport High School feel about Hamilton. A decent number of students have seen this musical, but the first person I turned to was Me’Kaylah H., a junior who participates in musicals here at Airport High School. She mentioned that the actors and actresses “convey the story perfectly” and she believes that “[she] learned more history than [she] did in Social Studies.” The performances make learning about history memorable and real, way better than a textbook ever could. The chemistry, emotions, and the dedication to take a moment from history and bring it back to life.

Another interviewee Elena N., a junior at AHS who loves musicals and has seen Hamilton live, expresses, “The set of Hamilton is amazing. The use of the rotating stage really gives the musical a dynamic feel, especially in scenes like "The Schuyler Sisters" where the characters are actively walking past people through town.” She believes the platform that wraps around the sides of the stage also helps to add depth and levels to the show's overall look, as it helps create a staggered look in the ensemble.

Now, the professional critics had a lot to discuss about Hamilton. Rotten Tomato currently has it at a 98% on the Tomatometer, written reviews by critics, and a 99% on the Popcornmeter, the average audience members’ review. Maureen Lee Lenker, an author from Entertainment Weekly, had a lot to tell about his findings. She wrote in her review, published on EW.com,, “We like to talk about how stage acting, particularly in musical theater, is big and boisterous, while film acting is small, with performances living in the single lift of an eyebrow. This cinematic rendering of Hamilton whole-heartedly steam-rolls that myth.”

 In another review from The Telegraph, by Chris Harvey from the Daily Telegraph (UK), he explains the flaws that transformed into praise. “On first viewing, I thought the fact that Burr is more sympathetic, and in Odom Jr’s hand’s more charismatic, than Hamilton, was a problem; on a second watch, it feels like a strength. [Another example is] Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton is the emotional touchstone, whose power doesn’t truly become clear until the final scene” (Harvey, 2020).

Overall, I would give Hamilton a 9 out of 10 stars, the countless awards being able to back up my rating–11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy. To anyone taking or going to take US History, is interested in American history, romance, and musicals, I would recommend this. The emotional rollercoaster effect will make for an unforgettable occurrence, leaving one with countless knowledge and tunes stuck in their head. Hamilton is available to watch on Disney+ with a subscription, and in order to watch it on other platforms, payment is needed.