Hamilton

[Geminijust]

DD18 says she would like to see Hamilton for a birthday treat. Doesn't seem to know much about it but has heard a couple of songs she likes and said "I feel I ought to see it".

I've tried listening to the soundtrack and it seems OK, with a couple of decent tracks ( I know it can take a while to learn songs so will perservere). I googled the plot and I have to say it sounds a bit dull. I told DD if she really wants to see it I'll book it but we must learn the songs beforehand. Did that with SIX and loved it but this has many many more songs.

Reviews seem mixed, people seem to love it or hate it.

Well, it seems she's keen to go so it looks like I will be booking.

I generally like musicals. Loved Les Mis, Jamie, Evita, Billy Elliot for example. Hated Phantom, King & I.

Any tips on how to get the best out of it?

It's not like a musical where you need to be able to recognise or sing along with the songs at all. It's like being at a play, they just happen to be singing/rapping. It's more beneficial to have an idea of the history than the songs. But it is amazing. One of the best things I've ever seen.

It is really good but you do need to know the story a bit first because it’s not the easiest to follow!
We just read up on Hamiltons life story first from the internet which really helped follow the plot.
Our main problem though was the seats, they must have been the tightest I have ever been in and I have been to most of the London theatres. If you are over 6’ I would say they are impossible to sit comfortably in. The lady sitting next to me had hip problems and although not tall she just couldn’t move her legs and had to leave in the interval, great for us though as we moved up and could sit sideways!

I also have to say, we loved six too , but it's not even slightly comparable. Hamilton blows all other shows away. The more times we see it, the better it gets.

It's fantastic. I think I had a really good intro to it because I watched the televised Broadway version in lockdown, crucially...with subtitles. It meant I could really grasp what was going on and understand the plot. Then we came out of lockdown and I saw it once in London and once in Manchester. It's really fantastic, a modern musical, intelligent, insightful, funny, it is great.

I'd recommend reading up a little about who the main people are, if you aren't already familiar with this part of American history. It's useful to understand who Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, Burr, were (sir), in order to get the most out of it. I already had a bit of knowledge of this but it will help if you're new to this topic.

Have fun, do it, enjoy!

Second act plot is lame and so schmaltzy and American.

Lyrical gems include
“you’re gunna need congressional approval coz you ain’t got the votes” 😅😅😅
Borrrrriiiing

but the songs are mega catchy
overall one of faves it’s the staging, dancing and singing and songs l. They are just great and I love it!

grab dinner somewhere nice like sticks and sushi beforehand!

It’s worth having a brief understanding of the history and story of it or it won’t make much sense. The performances would still be good, but it’s nice to know what they’re on about.

You see, that kind of lyric is why I love Hamilton. I can see it's not for everyone but as a history/politics geek, I just think it's incredibly clever.

Amazing performer

There is no talking - it al songs so I'd advise you know the story and historical period in advance and you'll enjoy it even more.

I've studied politics and needed up explaining the history context to a bunch of women who were "what is going on?" in the toilets at the interval 😂

It's honestly one of the best - if not the best - thing you can see in London right now! It's a proper masterpiece. I adore musical theatre and Hamilton went right to the top of my faves when I saw it live.

You will love it

I loved it. Don't learn it first, you're sucking all the joy out of it.

I cannot hear anyone ask “what’s your name?” Without mentally answering “Alexander Hamilton” in that tone. Even reading this thread makes me want to watch it again!

Just go don’t research or listen. I did this and it blew me away. The whole show is immense the dancing and staging is incredible. I’ve seen it in london and Edinburgh both times I loved it. I cry so much at the 2 nd half take tissues. Enjoy

I’m on the love side - watched it on Disney plus during lockdown, played the soundtrack plenty and have now seen it 3 times in London.
I’d recommend watching it on Disney beforehand and getting to know it a bit first. It’s like going to see a band in concert, much better when you’re familiar with some of these stuff.

I actually think it’s a great song too 😅but the plot is more than a bit dry in act 2

i am now singing “you’ll be back” in my head 😅😅

One of my favourites, went to see it early doors , have always said it’s one of the few shows I would go and see again .

I’m intrigued by your rule that you need to know all the songs before you go , why is that ? I mean it’s not like you are going to sing along . Although the soundtrack is also one of the few musical ones that I own and still listen to . I genuinely believe you could go without needing to know anything about it though , it’s not a hard follow .

It is absolutely amazing.

I seem to be a bit of an exception- I liked it a lot but didn’t love it and didn’t come away obsessed with it.l which has happened to a few people I know! It’s not my favourite Musical. 🤷🏼‍♀️

It's amazing - the staging is just so fantastic.

I am in Team Learn The Songs First. I would watch it on Disney +. I went to see Six "cold" and didn't enjoy it at all, then I went home and listened to the soundtrack and after a few listens I loved it, and wished I could see it again.

It’s genius. I am slightly judging anyone who doesn’t love it.

Yes this.

Just go and experience it fresh. Why does she need to know the songs first? It's so much better to go and hear them for the first time live.

Amazing musical. My favourite by far. Have seen it twice and DD knows every word.

I saw the tour earlier this year and it was ok. Just ok. It’s also nearly three hours long.

Don’t do this!! You’ll ruin it.

Hamilton is amazing. I’m not sure how anyone could describe the American civil war as dull.

I’ve only seen the televised version but am off to see the live version in July. My daughter however played the score non stop on the car back in 2018/19.

It’s a pretty amazing musical but I have to admit to being a little bit in love with Lyn-Manuel Miranda…what a talent ☺️

I didn’t enjoy it in Disney+ but LOVED it in person. I know a tiny bit of US history (from visiting historical sites in Philadelphia Boston and other places a few times). Personally after switching off Disney+ I didn’t bother listening ahead of time. I just dove in on the night and loved it.