It’s been four years since Hamilton first hit Broadway, and the world has been obsessed ever since. The hip-hop musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, in a way that is both historically accurate and incredibly entertaining.
But now, with the recent release of the filmed version on Disney+, fans have a whole new way to experience Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece. And as someone who has seen the show live twice (and listened to the soundtrack countless times), I can confidently say that this filmed version is an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves theater, music, or American history.
First things first: if you’ve never seen Hamilton before, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. After all, it’s just another musical, right? Wrong. There are plenty of reasons why this show has become such a cultural phenomenon.
For starters, there’s the music. Miranda infuses traditional Broadway tunes with contemporary hip-hop beats to create something entirely unique. The songs are catchy and memorable – even after just one listen – and they tell a complex story in a way that feels effortless.
Then there are the performances. The original cast (which includes Miranda himself) is nothing short of incredible; each actor brings their own style and energy to their role while still fitting seamlessly into Miranda’s vision for the show. And while no one can truly replace those iconic performances, it must be said that the actors in this filmed version do an excellent job of bringing their own interpretations to these characters.
But perhaps most importantly, there’s the story itself. Yes, Hamilton is technically about one man – but it also tells us so much about America as a whole. It shows us how our country was founded by flawed individuals who were trying their best to build something better than what came before them. It reminds us that history isn’t always neat or tidy – sometimes it’s messy and complicated and full of contradictions.
And that’s where this filmed version comes in. By capturing the live performance on stage, it allows viewers to experience the show in a way that is both intimate and grandiose. We get to see every facial expression, every bit of choreography, every detail of the set design – and all from multiple angles thanks to the cameras strategically placed throughout the theater.
But at the same time, we also get a sense of just how massive this production really is. The ensemble cast is constantly moving and dancing and singing together in perfect harmony, creating a sense of momentum that propels us through Hamilton’s life story with incredible speed. And even though we’re watching it all from our couches (or wherever else we happen to be streaming), there’s still a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning some specific highlights – so let me take a moment to gush about a few standout moments from this filmed version:
– Leslie Odom Jr.’s performance as Aaron Burr has always been one of my favorites, but seeing him up close on screen only made me appreciate his talent even more. His rendition of “The Room Where It Happens” is especially thrilling.
– Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton brings such depth and emotion to her role; her solo number “Burn” never fails to give me chills.
– Daveed Diggs shines as Lafayette/Jefferson – not only because he raps faster than seems humanly possible but also because he infuses both characters with so much personality and charisma.
– And finally, I have to give a shoutout to Jonathan Groff for his scene-stealing turn as King George III. He only appears three times in the show but manages to steal every scene he’s in thanks to his hilarious facial expressions and over-the-top delivery.
All that said, I should note that this filmed version isn’t a perfect representation of the live show. There are a few moments where it’s clear that some editing was done to smooth out transitions or cut to different angles, which can be a bit jarring if you’re used to seeing the show in person. And of course, there’s always going to be something lost when watching theater on screen – that sense of being part of a live audience and sharing in the communal experience.
But those quibbles aside, I truly believe that this filmed version is a triumph. It not only does justice to Miranda’s groundbreaking work but also serves as a reminder of just how powerful and important theater can be. In these difficult times, when so many people are feeling isolated and disconnected from each other, Hamilton offers us a chance to come together (virtually) and celebrate something truly special.
So whether you’re an avid fan who has been counting down the days until this release or someone who has never even heard of Alexander Hamilton before now – trust me when I say that this filmed version is worth your time. It will make you laugh, cry, tap your feet, and maybe even learn something new about American history along the way. And isn’t that exactly what great art should do?