Hamilton: An American Musical has been making history since its debut in 2015 as an off-Broadway production at the Public Theater in New York City. How has the press been reacting to this international phenomenon? Here is some of the press coverage the show keeps getting.
On the review of this “brave new show,” the New York Times praises how good Hamilton really is after its Broadway debut in August 2015.
I am loath to tell people to mortgage their houses and lease their children to acquire tickets to a hit Broadway show. But “Hamilton,” directed by Thomas Kail and starring Mr. Miranda, might just about be worth it — at least to anyone who wants proof that the American musical is not only surviving but also evolving in ways that should allow it to thrive and transmogrify in years to come.
The New York Times – Review: ‘Hamilton,’ Young Rebels Changing History and Theater
Billboard also writes about Hamilton’s unusually fantastic opening night with famous rappers, actors and fireworks.
It’s not every day Busta Rhymes comes to a Broadway opening, but Hamilton has proven to be the exception to many rules. Not only that, but artists like Busta and his contemporaries served as inspiration for characters and songs in the sung-through, hip-hop- and R&B-infused musical about the rise and fall of the “10-dollar founding father.”
Billboard – ‘Hamilton’ Opens on Broadway With The Roots, Fireworks & Famous Faces
An “urban” musical about the founding father did not sound like an instant hit on Broadway until Hamilton arrived. How did that happen? The Guardian explains Hamilton’s secrets of success and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s unique voice.
It’s not that Miranda’s isn’t an original voice. It is. Wildly. Wonderfully even. He has just been awarded a MacArthur “genius grant” and it’s hard to think of a contemporary music theater composer who deserves it more. But what’s original about his work is the fervor and fearlessness with which it borrows and recombines other genres and styles – pop, rock, jazz, operetta. He is a living iPod Shuffle. I don’t know too many other theater artists who could appropriate, with dash and conviction, TLC, 40s girl groups and Gilbert and Sullivan. All in the same song.
The Guardian – How did Hamilton become Broadway’s breakout hit?
From putting hip-hop center stage to having a winning crew, there are a lot of reasons why Hamilton is embraced and recognized even by teenagers. CNN analyzes what makes Hamilton so special.
It’s not just New York’s theater patrons who have embraced the show. The “Hamilton” cast album had the highest debut for any Broadway cast album since 1963, hitting No. 12 and selling more than 50,000 copies its first week.
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Daveed Diggs, who plays Thomas Jefferson, told GQ he was recognized by a teenager — in the Bronx.
“This, like, 17-year-old kid is crossing the street. I’m running past him, and he dropped his stuff on the ground. ‘Oh my God, you’re Thomas Jefferson!'” Diggs said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘That’s the first time anyone’s ever said that to me, but yeah. I am.’ And then, you know, he took a bunch of selfies, and we talked for a little while.”
CNN – Why we love ‘Hamilton’
The cast of Hamilton “reflects what America looks like today,” and the musical has been bringing people together and building a community even if they have not seen it for themselves. MTV writes about the devoted fans of Hamilton.
…arguably the show’s greatest legacy has been its fans, many of whom haven’t even seen the musical for themselves.
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They imagine every bit of the production in their minds, from the staging to the mannerisms of the actors. They have in-depth discussions on how the turntables at the center of the stage add to the dramatic impact of show-stopped like “The World Was Wide Enough” and “Satisfied.” Of course, if you really want to know how things are staged, the fans who have seen it will drop some knowledge.
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Just because someone hasn’t seen “Hamilton” doesn’t make them any less of a fan.”
MTV – Here’s How ‘Hamilton’ Is Radically Revolutionizing Fandom
Forbes writes how Lin-Miranda’s production dominates pop culture.
Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon far exceeding the realms of Broadway. From a soundtrack that topped the Billboard rap charts to a MacArthur grant for its creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical is now the subject of a top-selling new book, Hamilton: The Revolution.
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With a Grammy award win, performances at the White House, endless gifs and video reenactments of the musical by fans and tickets that are near-impossible to come by, Miranda has tapped in to a devoted—and lucrative—fan base.
Forbes – Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ Steadily Becomes An All-Around Blockbuster In All Forms of Media
Getting a ticket to Hamilton has been insanely hard. Even celebrities cannot stop posting about getting to see the show on social media.
Jennifer Lopez
https://www.instagram.com/p/53CcBTGuDS/Spike Lee
Oprah
Marc Jacobs
So excited for opening night of HAMILTON. The "problem" is what to wear! A 3 piece Bottega Veneta suit, or… pic.twitter.com/NXHv9Qmn0W
— Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) August 6, 2015
Alicia Keys
https://www.instagram.com/p/7t6rBvQFhW/See more comments and reactions from celebrities on the articles below.
Observer – Celebrities Can’t Get Enough of Broadway’s ‘Hamilton’
Buzzfeed – 43 Celebrities Who Are GUSHING Over “Hamilton” On Social Media
