Check Out Final Issue of Vol. 57 and This Years 1st Semester Issue!
Written By: Paige Barnum
Written On: 11/20/23
Section: Editorials
The smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2015, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. The story about the Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, is depicted through the musical from his life to death. The amazing recreation of his rise to power in the early days of America has earned the show a Tony Award, a Grammy, and countless other accolades. But one of the questions that often comes up is: how true is the story of Hamilton?
The dates and most events lined up. There were a few things that weren’t factual, but worked with the storyline musical. The show’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, took great care to research the history behind the story and ensure that the plot was as accurate as possible. For example, the song “Cabinet Battle #1” is based on an actual debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over Hamilton’s proposed legislation for a national bank. The musical also features a number of other historical figures, including George Washington, Aaron Burr, James Madison, and King George III.
While some of the characters in the musical take on a larger-than-life persona, the story is still rooted in reality. Lin-Manuel Miranda has said that he wanted to show the “essential truth” of Hamilton’s life. Given the audiences he’s reached out to, we can successfully say he has succeeded in creating a work of art that captures the spirit of the Founding Father’s journey. At its core, Hamilton is a story about ambition, hard work, and the power of one’s convictions. While the show may not be 100% accurate, it does a great job of capturing the main essence of Alexander Hamilton’s life and the events that shaped our nation. It’s no wonder the audience becomes helpless to watch it more than once.