Hamilton and 4th of July Muses from The Room Where It Happens

Disney+ Releases Hamilton, 5 insightful questions for viewers

Around 4 years ago, my sister Kelli was visiting me in Portland and told me, “I got some new music, you have to listen to it. It’s based on the life of Hamilton!” She was so excited, and I was so confused. Why would someone make a Broadway musical about Alexander Hamilton?

I wondered why they wouldn’t just do a Broadway about George Washington. Wouldn’t that make more sense? More people know his story anyways. Obviously I was missing the whole point, Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.

And within 3 seconds and 3 tracks, I was sold. We spent the rest of our trip listening to the first 3 tracks over and over again, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Sir, and My Shot.

When Disney+ announced that they would be releasing Hamilton on July 3rd, my girlfriend and I marked it on our calendars. That morning, we made breakfast and started watching it. And we spent the whole day watching and talking about it, watching it in 3 different portions and digesting it in between.

I had already listened to the album, probably more than 100 times through. I went on about a 4-month span where I listened to nothing else. And I bought the Hamilton Mixtape when it came out and started another 4-month run on it. And when the show came to Portland, Oregon, my friend Kyle got us some tickets so we could see it live. By this time, I had gotten many of my friends hooked on Hamilton as well.

Watching it on TV brought up so much again as my girlfriend and I sat on the couch with tears in our eyes, mesmerized by the courage of Eliza Hamilton and the heartache she had faced in her life, the affair by Hamilton, The Reynolds Pamphlet, the death of their son, Philip Hamilton in a duel, Blow Us All Away, and culminating with Alexander’s death in a duel with Aaron Burr, The World Was Wide Enough.

In processing my thoughts on Hamilton, I reached out to some friends to get some of their feedback and thoughts. The feedback was incredible and so I will go ahead and share it here. If you have further input or thoughts, feel free to write in the comments.

1. What attracts you to the story of Hamilton?

What attracts me to the story of Hamilton is that I never learned about it in history class, and Lin Manuel Miranda made something that I could’ve totally dismissed as “boring” into a piece of history that I view as so interesting and exciting. — Joanna

History, music, my husband’s love for it. — Christel

The music is what attracts me honestly. — Masha

I love musical theater & and am always interested in new shows, but the hype because of Lin Manuel Miranda’s brilliance was exciting. I was careful not to listen to the soundtrack before we saw it because I wanted to experience it during the show (did the same thing for Wicked), and because I’m privileged that my parents regularly buy season tickets it was easier to be patient until we could see it. I was curious and excited to see a musical that centered on hip hop and contemporary dance. I didn’t know much about Hamilton as a historical figure so that element was not a draw for me… — Erin

I think this more unknown story of Alexander Hamilton is unique because of his background and rise to prominence. Being an orphan and a Caribbean immigrant, his heritage was perhaps different than the common Euro-centrist (and whiteness) of other founding fathers. And his zeal for writing: Eliza’s verse “the worlds you keep creating and replacing in your mind…” gives testament to his passion to build an American system that would sustain and long outlive him. — Josh

The story of a founding father who never got to grow old and see what he had created. Musicals+history are 2 of my most fav things everrrr and this show brings them together so beautifully. And knowing the intricate backstories of historical figures. And the women in their lives lol — Lauren

I love that Hamilton is the story of an immigrant while simultaneously being the story of a young nation. Like the song says, they are “young, scrappy, and hungry.” They grow; they make mistakes; they change. It would be easy to make this story just be about “American pride.” Instead, Lin Manuel told Hamilton’s story from the perspective of an immigrant and showed us how valuable Hamilton’s experience as an immigrant was to building a new nation. — Ashley

The show is an experience. It made me think a lot — real men and women sacrifice their lives so I can be sitting in a very comfortable chair. — Susan

Having read about the founding fathers in history books I was interested in seeing a new take on it, in a way that could make their stories more interesting to the general public. Also, the hype, awards it had won and the fact that it is a groundbreaking hip-hop musical made me want to watch it. — Alex

The music and the history at first… which then turned into the choreography, dance, acting, singing and absolutely every single bit of it... attracted me to the Hamilton show… but as to what attracts me to the character of Hamilton, can be summed up in Non-Stop, “John Jay got sick after writing five, James Madison wrote twenty-nine, Hamilton wrote the other fifty-one, How do you write like you’re running out of time? Write day and night like you’re running out of time?…History has its eyes on you, I am not throwin’ away my shot, I am not throwin’ away my shot, I am Alexander Hamilton, I am not throwin’ away my shot.”— John

What I loved about watching it on a screen was the detail in their facials/emotions that I would have otherwise probably not noticed. I also noticed and greatly appreciated how they never once changed sets, the story telling was all through one set and told through words, music, and a few props. — Allison

I love the humanity of it. How pretty much every character is portrayed as both sinner and saint throughout. And I love that song. How love and death don’t discriminate. Obviously, everyone has to take responsibility for their actions, but there was so much trauma and heartbreak. I appreciate how it shows the challenges of being human, navigating your own demons in community with others trying to navigate theirs. And the consequences of it. — Angie

2. What did you notice watching it in your living room versus watching it live or from listening to the album?

My husband and I had the privilege of seeing Hamilton on Broadway in NYC last summer, and SHEESH. It is INCREDIBLE. I will say that I loved getting to watch the original Broadway cast in the Disney+ version! I did notice that the original cast each brings something unique to their character (movements, inflection, etc) that is different than the cast members that we saw on Broadway. — Joanna

Seeing their facial expressions close up compared to watching it live from far away. — Christel

The facial expressions of course. I felt a greater connection seeing their faces so clearly — Masha

I saw it before I listened to it, so I dont think I can speak to that, but I wonder if you’re getting at the casting! We have also been very fortunate to visit OSF in Ashland often (I’m in the interpreter pool so we get discounted tickets). They often intentionally make changes with casting to explore different things in Shakespeare’s work and has sparked fun conversations for us. For me, I’ve noticed that changing the race of a character (since all of Shakespeare’s characters were really white except Othello and Shylock was Jewish) is either something I don’t notice or that I really enjoy. They also change the gender of characters often and that is often harder for me because of how relationships change (father-daughter is difficult from mother-daughter, etc) — Erin

Overall, the vocals of the original cast cannot be matched, and I am so grateful it is documented in this way.

The energy, however, feels so different on screen vs. live theatre. You cannot replicate the intimacy and all-consuming emotional journey of a live theatre performance (in my opinion). — Josh

I noticed facial expressions, spit lol, the emotion each character portrays. Also small things like hand placements, certain choreography, who someone is turned to when singing. A lot of small details like that. Each time I watch it though I’ll probably notice something different lol — Lauren

I see and / or hear something new literally every time I listen / watch. There is always a stray word, a stray facial expression, something I didn’t catch that brings a whole new level of understanding. And… watching it, well, there is always that one word that changes everything where you’re like, ‘shoot, I’ve been saying it wrong the whole time!’— John

I felt deep sadness for Burr this time around. I felt it before but it was deeper for me tonight. He so wants to be included, important, significant, wanted… and he doesn’t ever seem to find it. He’s always second. To Hamilton, to Jefferson, to Theodosia (mistress).

The guy who played John Laurens was incredible. The other two actors I’ve seen in that role were forgettable. The OC guy was so good. I love Leslie Odom Jr. His performance did not disappoint at all.

The woman who plays Angelica is also amazing. You feel her strength.— Kelli

First time watching it other than watching their Tony mini performance on YouTube, thought they did a good job filming the stage and keeping the feel of a Broadway musical. — Alex

Facial expressions gave the songs more intense emotion for me. — Angie

3. Which character do you resonate with the most and why?

I’m not sure if I necessarily “resonate” with Eliza, but when she sings “It’s Quiet Uptown” I am a MESS. Lots of empathy, I guess? — Joanna

Eliza, she hungers for love, to be loyal to husband and family, to make a difference in the world. — Christel

I resonate with Hamilton because of his passion and for his lack of patience lol. — Masha

I resonate the most with Aaron Burr and the song Wait For It, and with Eliza throughout — Erin

I would say Angelica. She’s the oldest sister, kind of looks after Eliza and Peggy during all the craziness of trying to find a husband and in the midst of the revolution. “I know my sister like I know my own mind, You will never find anyone as trusting or as kind I love my sister more than anything in this life I will choose her happiness over mine every time” as an older sister, I feel this sort of care for my sister and having the responsibility to put her happiness at the forefront, just as she would for me. Minus the cheating & marrying for money lol — Lauren

My favorite character is obviously Hamilton. Why? An immigrant who came to the USA with a dream. Found an opportunity to be part of something bigger than himself; founding the good ol’ USA. He was also so human; falls in love, has an affair, wants power, is looking for an identity.

Alexander Hamilton for sure. I feel like he was an Enneagram 3, like me. Always having to be productive. Always having to write like he’s running out of time. Always needing someone to take him by the hand and slow him down. Always with an eye towards history, with leaving a lasting impact on the world.— John

Don’t we all have some Hamilton inside of us? — Susan

Hamilton and Burr with their duality of immediate action vs waiting until the most opportune time. — Alex

Really most of them on some level. Mostly on the sides of their struggles. Wanting to do the right thing, but really screwing up sometimes. But, probably Eliza the most; being married to someone who was constantly working and having to prove something to himself or others, not being able to really take a break or be content with not working on something. I resonate with that line “you write like you’re running out of time.” And then being left and now thinking I’m left to tell your story. And that hope probably everyone has that when you die the story that’s told is one of the love you left, but also knowing you’re both a sinner and saint in your life, so the narrative could always go in either direction. So, it really is who tells your story. I get really emotional in that last song. Eliza was always in the shadow of Hamilton but once he dies, her voice is strong, active, no longer in his shadow, she has her own stage. She finished his story with all the shadows he brought into their marriage but she allows their love to win and writes her own story.

Also, with Eliza, that pull of wanting to just enjoy your person but seeing a bigger picture of they aren’t “yours” and they have their own dreams and passions and drive. So not wanting to stifle who they are as a person. And, like Kelli said, if he had stayed home, what would have been different in our country? So trying to have that balance of looking at “your” person within a larger context of community and society and what they bring and want to bring to it. That was always my struggle with wanting a simple, quiet life being married to someone who wanted to change the world.

But, actually, that might not be totally true. I think we both had both desires. We just each leaned a little heavier on either side on how the day to day of getting there looked.— Angie

4. Which scene / song stands out to you the most?

“Satisfied” because Angelica gets the spotlight, raps, and the audience gets to know her on a deeper level. — Joanna

One last time, who tells your story, anything with King George 🤣 — Christel

The last song of the whole musical because that where you realize how much Eliza played such a big part in history. If it wasn’t for her, Hamilton’s story and history wouldn’t have been told correctly — Masha

I love them all for different reasons! I love the syncopation, the lyrics, the humor, and the dancing always. LMM is brilliant. — Erin

One Last Time. Washington’s humility, desire to leave a lasting legacy, stepping down and helping to create the democracy we have today. Not that it is perfect by any means, but there is space for it to become more and more so and I believe it is. The song is so perfectly written. — John

Always, the most powerful scene (for me) is the Garden scene in “Uptown”…the very moment Eliza reaches for Alexander’s hand. Redemption. Forgiveness.

Things we all yearn for. Universal truths and realities of our human experience.

Any story that has a “redemption” arc will get me every time.

And the way Eliza cherishes his legacy and and honors him by continuing his work for her next 50 years is a testimony to her strength…and the depth of her love.

These things are not easy. They are not sexy. But they are GOOD …and TRUE.

And if there is anything humans need, it is something that is good and true.

Amen. Haha — Josh

One Last Time when Washington steps down as president. At the time, that separated them from the British monarchy so much and was such a stepping stone in our nations history. You can feel all the emotion he feels. He is very reflective of his experience and is honored to be the first. But also recognizes that his time is up and it was someone else turn. Lyrics like “It outlives next when I’m gone” & “I want to sit under my own vine and fig tree in the nation we’ve made & “history has its eyes on you” shows the care he had for our country. Plus Christopher Jackson’s performance literally brought me to tears with his strong and powerful voice through the end of the scene. Then as the crowd was cheering, he wept. So good. — Lauren

Song: it stands out on the album and last night — Wait for it. It is truth and resonates to my core.

I also felt more of the foreshadowing in Satisfied last night than I have before. I think it was being able to see their faces. That song with choreography and lighting is genius.

I also was more aware of Eliza’s refrain of That Would Be Enough. She was content with who and what Hamiltonian from the start. He continually needed to prove himself. The struggle for stay here, stay with me, stay with us… was always declined by him and always led to massive heartbreak for Eliza (his affair, death of son, his death). What if he could have let go of his proving himself in one of those instances? How would that have changed his life? How would that have changed our country? — Kelli

The final song was very emotional and left a lasting impression. Also, the King George parts were very funny. — Alex

The song that stands out most to me is Dear Theodosia. We see two lives, so different, yet at their core wanting the same thing — a better world for their child. I love the humanity that shows for both characters. — Ashley

5. Have your feelings towards 4th of July changed in any way in the last several years?

I think I’ve learned more about our country in the past few years, but I don’t know that I’ve necessarily changed my feelings towards 4th of July. — Joanna

There’s still lots of work to be done. Black Lives Matter. — Christel

My feelings have changed Yes, definitely. The 4th of July has never meant anything to me expect for another holiday I get to be with my friends and family and swim in my aunt Shannon’s pool. Lol — Masha

No but this year was weird due to the virus — Alex

A few years ago I wrote a blog, ‘Why I’m not celebrating July 4th.’ I didn’t end up posting it because I felt like it would stir up unneeded controversies. I don’t think people were ‘ready’ for it. I feel like I could post it now and it would be heard. I’m still very conflicted by July 4th. I am conflicted by our Founding Fathers. I am conflicted by our nation’s history. I do think their is beauty weaved through our history and their are freedoms many other places around the world don’t have. I don’t look down upon anyone who celebrates July 4 but I have trouble embracing it myself. — John

Ive never been the one to celebrate the 4th. But I feel I got permission to participate this year by watching Hamilton. It really touched me in a deep level him being an immigrant and being part of the history of USA.

While I feel there is a sector who is ashamed and wants to rid of it’s identity, I am starting to feel some sense of responsibility to live the USA greater than what i5 was when I moved 18 years ago.

Its my country and like Hamilton said, “I am not going to waste my shot” — Susan

I think this is at least in part due to the culture of someone who grew up in the PNW, but patriotism was never a part of my identity or seen as a part of my faith (when I lived in Texas for a short time I was surprised to see that perspective). As a kid the fourth was a day to spend with family and friends and enjoy pretty fireworks at the local fairgrounds (where I had likely been all day performing). As a young adult I was often abroad in other countries during July 4th. My feelings towards July 4th are complicated. This isn’t new, but I have to be intentional in considering things about it that I want to celebrate (that makes me think of Langston Hughes’ poem Let America Be America Again). This year I’ll be watching Hamilton and cheering for the brilliance of Americans like Lin Manuel Miranda and everyone in the show, and sitting with the complications of July 4th & our current nation. — Erin

Yes, very much so. Growing up, 4th of July used to be my favorite holiday. Being outside, friends, fam, cooking out, fireworks. As I got older, (esp becoming a history teacher) I realized that the holiday isn’t meant for everyone. While the founding fathers were celebrating their independence from Britain, slaves were being carted, beaten, slaughtered, etc. Which begs the question, why celebrate the holiday if it wasn’t meant for everyone who lives in the “land of the free” ?

Also: side note. Some people have said that Hamilton shouldn’t be supported/watched bc it glories slave holders and colonizers. I see their point, but I think it’s bigger than that. This play is portrayed by actors (poc, immigrants, women) that would make the founding fathers turn over in their grave. When people watch/listen to it, the irony/poetic narrative that is has is unmatched = white man’s story being told by poc, immigrants, & women. — Lauren

The 4th for me this year feels less like blind patriotism and more like hopeful revolution and progress. I am saddened the more I learn about things I was never taught, but I am grateful to live in a country where progress is possible. I also think it’s important to be sensitive the the cultural moment and not throw patriotism/nationalism in the faces of those who have been deeply wounded by this country. — Allison

Yes, I think we can still hold the day as a step towards what our country could be in terms of freedom, but we can’t think we ever arrived. We’re still on the same track and still have so much work to do as a country. So I think it needs to be taught differently in school and celebrations need to also recognize the work that’s still left to do. — Angie

After listening to the Hamilton soundtrack… over and over and over again and watching it live, I felt I had learned more history from a soundtrack that I had in most of my life. It was told so brilliantly, through music, through dance, through performance, through the staging and choreography. It wasn’t that I hadn’t been taught history in the past, but I’d never learned in such a way that made me want to learn more and more. So in that vein, Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the greatest history professors I’ve ever had. And credit to Ron Chernow who wrote the book Alexander Hamilton that inspired Lin-Manuel. And I continue to learn about history and how it affects each day from the past to the present through listening and learning to the stories around me, History Has Its Eyes On You.