Are you curious about what musical theater is and why it is becoming increasingly popular? Well, let’s take a look at the immensely popular Broadway Musical Hamilton!
Is Hamilton musical theater?
Yes! Musical theater is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. As such, this Broadway show is a mix between hip-hop and traditional musical theater, making it unique and different from nearly all musicals that have come before it. From cabinet rap battles to beautiful emotional ballads, even if you aren’t into musical theater or hip-hop, the music of Hamilton will have you singing.
What is Hamilton about?
Hamilton is about the life of American founding father, Alexander Hamilton with music, lyrics, and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The show, inspired by the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by historian Ron Chernow, has achieved both critical acclaim and box office success.
The story follows founding father Alexander Hamilton through his life and work as the right-hand man to George Washington during the American Revolution and as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. There is so much history packed into one musical.
Why is it so popular?
In 2016, Hamilton received a record-setting 16 Tony nominations, winning 11, including Best Musical, and was also the recipient of the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
One of the most unique parts of Hamilton is the diversity. All the characters, with the purposeful exception of King George III, are played by people of color. The casting was done as a way to have a reflection of America today telling the story of America then. Although you may think a story about America’s founding fathers would be filled with songs sang by only old men, much of the musical is filled with wonderful female led hip-hop tunes and powerful ballads.
Why should I take Musical Theater at the Omaha School of Music and Dance?
Musical theater is fun! Students get to learn many styles of both music and dance.
The Musical Theater class here at OSMD is structured to spend a few weeks in each style learning pieces from popular shows including Oklahoma!, Chicago, Hamilton, and others. The class combines music and dancing in a weekly 45-minute session.
If you have additional questions or would like to take a trial class please call us at 402-515-9639.
