Alexander Hamilton: Traditional Form Of Hip Hop Music

After performing the popular and diverse musical, Hairspray this fall it is imperative that the choice of musical for the next fall semester prove that the productions performed at this college only get better every year. Performing a musical that is new and risky may be the key to making next year's production even better. I wholeheartedly endorse the musical Hamilton. Hamilton is a musical about the founding father, Alexander Hamilton told non-traditionally through hip hop stylings. Hamilton is an excellent choice for this college’s next fall musical for a variety of reasons. For example, although Hamilton is historical, it is relevant to America today. Furthermore, Hamilton, like all great musicals, is touching and poignant. Finally, Hamilton

True to Miranda’s description, Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton so that Americans of today can relate. For instance, Hamilton uses modern hip-hop music style to amplify a better interpretation for the everyday American. For many Americans this style of music rings true to their struggles in daily life and is easily understood compared to the traditional form of music in musical theater. As shown throughout Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton went through similar struggles throughout his life. He is an immigrant who lost his mother, is not recognized by his father, and came to America for a better life. A pretentious rendition would not have done the justice to his story compared to how hip-hop/rap does. Additionally, Hamilton’s need for modern skills opens the door for non-traditional student performers. When many people go to try out for a musical they will find themselves performing a song, dance, monologue or a mixture of the three. Hamilton allows a wider spectrum of talent to be requested for the show. Thus, the requirements will encourage new talent. Many are intimidated by traditional theater and discourage themselves from auditioning. It is scary to try something new and easy to do something you are used to. Hamilton’s style will be more relatable to those who may have a bit of an interest in musical theater but never bothered trying because they felt like they could not compete. After

Actors in this performance must have a level of tolerance for its taxing musical numbers. Some of which require actors to dance, jump, and sing or rap all at the same time. For example, “Guns and Ships” is arguably the fastest Broadway song of all time. While the beginning starts out with Aaron Burr’s smooth, steady, and slow style of rap explaining the situation it quickly picks up. Suddenly, at the end he starts to sing as fast and furious as Alexander Hamilton himself. After Burr introduces Lafayette the company sings quickly in the background and Lafayette begins his rapid fire solo rap himself. In order to perform “Guns and Ships” the actor who plays Lafayette is required to say a lot of words in one standing and more. To further explain, in “Guns and Ships” the actor who plays Lafayette raps faster than anyone else on stage during the scene, in a french accent, along with jumping around on stage. This requires quite the amount of skill and dedication. Lafayette is a minor character yet he is one of the most difficult characters to perform. Him being a minor character with so much to do in one scene may be disheartening to many. Not to mention the list of intimidating requirements needed for this minor character will make it difficult to find someone brave and dedicated enough to take up his part. Furthermore, the musical in its entirety is unconventional. As Leah Libresco described it, “In a conventional musical,