About Hamilton: An American Musical

The Creation of Hamilton

Hamilton: An American Musical is a sung-and-rapped-through biographical musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a revolutionary combination of hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes.

Inspired by Ron Chernow's 2004 biography "Alexander Hamilton," Miranda began working on the musical in 2008. After years of development, workshops, and off-Broadway runs, Hamilton premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6, 2015.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Hamilton quickly became a cultural phenomenon and critical darling, receiving unprecedented acclaim:

• 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical (2016)
• Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2016)
• Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album
• Record 16 Tony nominations - the most in Broadway history
• Countless other accolades from critics and theater organizations

The Story

Hamilton chronicles the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. The musical follows Hamilton's journey from his arrival in New York as an immigrant from the Caribbean, through his role in the American Revolution, his work as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and his complex personal life.

Key historical figures portrayed in the musical include:

• Alexander Hamilton - The ambitious immigrant who became George Washington's right-hand man
• Aaron Burr - Hamilton's friend turned rival, and eventual killer in their infamous duel
• George Washington - America's first president and Hamilton's mentor
• Eliza Schuyler Hamilton - Hamilton's devoted wife who preserved his legacy
• Angelica Schuyler - Eliza's sister and Hamilton's intellectual equal
• Thomas Jefferson - Secretary of State and Hamilton's political opponent
• King George III - The British monarch watching America's revolution

Musical Innovation

What sets Hamilton apart is its innovative approach to historical storytelling. Lin-Manuel Miranda deliberately cast actors of color to play the Founding Fathers, creating what he calls "America then, as told by America now." The diverse casting serves as a powerful statement about whose stories get told and who gets to tell them.

The score is equally groundbreaking, featuring:

• Complex rap battles that mirror 18th-century political debates
• Traditional Broadway ballads with modern sensibilities
• References to contemporary hip-hop and classic musical theater
• Dense, poetic lyrics that reward repeated listening

Cultural Impact

Hamilton has transcended Broadway to become a cultural touchstone. The musical has:

• Reignited public interest in American history and the Founding Fathers
• Inspired educational programs bringing students to see the show
• Generated extensive academic discussion and analysis
• Influenced conversations about representation in theater and media
• Created a devoted fan base spanning all ages and backgrounds

Touring Productions and Accessibility

To make Hamilton accessible to audiences beyond New York City, multiple touring companies have been launched across the United States. These productions maintain the same high quality and standards as the original Broadway show, allowing millions of people nationwide to experience the musical.

In 2020, a filmed version of the original Broadway production was released on Disney+, making Hamilton available to a global audience and ensuring its legacy for future generations.