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?

Agree. I only saw it last year because I was put off by the hype. Someone treated me for my birthday. I'm very grateful.

I absolutely loved it. But yes, on the ball is necessary.

On paper, Hamilton looks deathly dull, but I promise you, it's one of THE best shows out there. It's won literally ALL the awards, and when you see it, you'll understand why.

I'm not sure why you feel the need to "know" all the songs before hand...? Bit of a weird take.

Why would you learn the words? Do people sing along at these shows
I've read enough to know I would absolutely hate it.
Great that so many people have had so much fun though!

I'm not sure why you feel the need to "know" all the songs before hand...? Bit of a weird take.

Yes, don't understand this. You're not singing along. I didn't know the songs and still loved it. I did know the story of Hamilton, though.

Just watch it all on Disney plus first, with subtitles. The songs and lyrics are insanely good and clever and it is magic. In real life it is perfect, the performances are mesmerising.

Yet to meet anyone who dislikes it in my MT world. It's a very much loved top show.

Get the best out of it?
You're overthinking it.
Just turn up and enjoy the show.

Yep I didn’t watch it beforehand or know much at all about it

It blew me away, it’s ok to not know much it’s still great

I’ve seen it twice in London and many times on Disney+.

I absolutely love it. Everything about it is so well done, the staging, the choreography, the lighting (when characters switch political views the lighting changes accordingly), the costumes……. It’s all just brilliant in my opinion.

I don’t “get” learning the songs before going to a musical though. I did know a fair bit of Hamilton before going but didn’t know Six or Come From Away before going (loved Come From Away and went again, Six was okay but I wouldn’t go again). Going to see Hades Town soon and know the story of Hades & Persephone but not heard the songs.

Watch it on disney if you can. You will fall in love and be so excited to see it live!!!

If you’re watching in London, the grand circle boxes are a great shout especially if there’s 4 of you as you get your own room with so much space and can move around / lean over to see everything (visibility is a tiny bit restricted but not to affect the experience - it feels like a real treat).

We’d watched on Disney + in lockdown & all 4 of us incl dc aged 10 & 8 really enjoyed it (they are Theatre kids tho).

i definitely agree there’s something about knowing the story and songs a bit first - I didn’t really enjoy wicked all that much the first time I saw it because missed so many lyrics.

This could be outing (joking) because I didn’t like it at all and I’m the only one I know who didn’t enjoy it. But one man’s trash is another’s treasure, so give it a try!

I thought it was well produced but difficult to follow in parts as the rap wasn’t as clear as speech. I thought the schylur sisters songs weren’t the best - felt a bit screechy in parts. Not sure if it was the music or the singer. And I would prefer more songs with a more recognisable motive. I enjoyed it but wouldn’t put it right up there like many on here have.

I couldn’t understand why there was a musical about a racing car driver…… !

In fairness that might have been more entertaining! 😂