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 fabulous......just you wait,just you waiiiitttt

It is an absolute triumph. Completely immersive. Hip hop is just one small part of it. The orchestra, the songs, the choreography...just fantastic. I have seen it twice and am going again a third time.

It is a truly mind-blowing piece of theatre. I’m not that keen on rap music (am a professional classical musician) but loved it nonetheless.

Not sure why you would want to learn all the songs in advance?

I told DD if she really wants to see it I'll book it but we must learn the songs beforehand.

What is this weirdness? Why would you learn the songs before a show? Surely part of going to see a new show is the story? Learning the songs spoils all that. Do you read the plot synopsis on IMDb before going to the cinema?

It’s fantastic and do watch it first as others says there’s lots going on

I watched it on Disney plus a long time ago and found it quite dull. The music was not my vibe. But that's just me.

I watched Hamilton on Disney + with the subtitles on- the singing is very fast, so I needed it to keep up with the story. Lyrically it’s incredible! LMM is a genius!

I found it very beneficial to have read all the words beforehand when I saw it live, so I was able to concentrate on the spectacular choreography and staging.

I struggle to see how anyone can call it rubbish. Not liking it, I can understand. But the lyrics alone are outstanding.

"No one has more resilience or matches my practical tactical brilliance"

I think it’s a bit Marmite!

It is absolutely spectacular. I detest musicals. Hamilton is like no other.

I saw it without ever having hear a single song. I listen to the soundtrack on repeat often.

Why would you need to learn the songs?
Just go and watch it!

It's amazing. So good. But why do you need to learn the Songs before you go? That's weird. I'd say make sure you know the basic storyline because some of the rap is fast.

I don't rate LMM as a singer. But his writing is amazing. There's so many little hidden things in it. Like how many songs there are and why. Just genius.

FFS. I’m gonna have to listen to it now!

It's incredible. We went to a matinee and would have gone again that night if it wasn't sold out.

It's not the civil war!! That was more than a hundred years later 😂 It's the War of Independence!

I’m not sure why you’d need to learn the songs first. It’s amazing, really clever, affecting, brilliant.

I totally agree about LMM but Leslie Odom Jr in the original cast is just spectacular

It's on Disney+. I'd love to see it. I had the soundtrack on a loop in 2020

OP, please assure us you aren't planning to sing along..

I’m seeing it for the first time in July. I’ve watched it over and over on Disney+. I would recommend doing this if you can. Some of the rap is so fast you might miss some of the brilliant lyrics. I booked the tickets last summer and can’t wait. Click boom!

This is quite literally my experience of it too.
We saw it in London last year and have booked to see it on the tour next year. DH and I have seen quite a lot of live theatre together and this was the best thing we've seen live. Honestly you won't regret it OP!

Not read the thread

it’s brilliant. Completely brilliant

personally I wouldn’t bother watching it first - Disney + just isn’t comparable

just go, honestly - can’t recommend highly enough

Oh agreed. He's incredible. I may have a rather large crush on him.

I've seen it 4 times now, first time was in UK previews and it was so tricky to follow but I loved it- would suggest at least knowing the outline before it seeing it as it's very fast paced and the doubling up on some actors characters threw me off!

It's brilliant. But learn a bit about who Hamilton is. Just get a vague idea, you don't need anything in depth, then it's easier to follow what's going on.