50 Facts About Hamilton (Musical)

The Birth of Hamilton

Hamilton is a musical that has taken the world by storm. Lin-Manuel Miranda's creation blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's Founding Fathers. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this groundbreaking show.

1. Inspiration from Ron Chernow's Biography
   Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired to create Hamilton after reading Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton during a vacation in Mexico. This book laid the historical groundwork for the musical.

2. First Song Took a Year to Write
   Miranda spent a full year writing the first song for Hamilton, and another year on the second. This careful approach was key to the musical's unique narrative.

3. Historical Context and Musical Influences
   Miranda drew inspiration from various sources, including historical research and other musicals like Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar.

4. Hip-Hop Narrative
   Miranda was fascinated by Hamilton's story of writing his way off the island where he grew up, inspiring him to create a hip-hop musical about Hamilton's life.

5. Previous Adaptations of Hamilton's Story
   A 1917 Broadway play titled Hamilton, written by Mary Hamlin and starring George Arliss, also explored Hamilton's life.

Unique Musical Elements

Hamilton stands out for its innovative use of music and diverse cast. Here are some unique elements that make the musical special.

6. Incorporation of Rap
   In Hamilton, actors sing and rap more than 20,000 words in 2.5 hours, averaging around 144 words per minute.

7. Rap Speed Record
   Lafayette raps at a speed of 6.3 words per second in "Guns and Ships," adding to the show's high-energy performance.

8. Diverse Cast and Representation
   The principal roles, except for King George, are performed by nonwhite actors, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.

9. Casting Choices
   Leslie Odom Jr., who played Aaron Burr, found emotional significance in Hamilton's representation of him as a young teenager.

Behind the Scenes

The technical production of Hamilton is as impressive as the show itself. From lighting to costumes, every detail is meticulously planned.

10. Technical Production
    Moving the show from city to city requires 13 53-foot trailers and nearly 60 people working together every night.

11. Lighting Instruments
    Over 350 lighting instruments and more than 1,000 light cues, many automatic, are used in the show.

12. Sound Technology
    Advanced sound technology includes speakers that can change the direction of sound physically, enhancing the overall experience.

13. Orchestra
    A live 10-member orchestra, including two keyboards, drums, percussion, bass, guitar, and a string quartet, performs every show.

14. Set Construction
    Building, painting, and automating the set took more than 500 days. Almost all the brick and wood on the set is fake, made from materials like Homasote and Vacuform.

Costumes and Props

The costumes and props in Hamilton are designed with incredible attention to detail, adding to the show's historical authenticity.

15. Show Deck
    The show deck is only 9 inches tall but houses all the mechanisms needed to make the turntable work.

16. Catwalk
    A catwalk flies in at intermission, representing the continued building of America.

17. Paper Props
    There are more than 50 different types of paper props, with over 20 hidden prop boxes around the set.

18. Costume Fabrication
    Fabrics for the costumes are made specifically for the show in France and England. The ensemble military wools are hand-woven and dyed in England.

19. Custom-Made Shoes
    All the shoes are custom-made for each performer, ensuring a perfect fit.

20. Men’s Shirts
    The men’s shirts are made by a company called Darcy Clothing, dedicated to the style of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.

21. King George’s Wig
    King George’s white wigs are made of yak hair, and his crown weighs 2.5 pounds. The crown also has a microphone hidden inside it.

Health and Safety

Ensuring the well-being of the cast and crew is a top priority for the production team.

22. Physical Therapist
    The show travels with a full-time physical therapist to keep the cast in top shape.

23. Hidden Speakers
    There are 14 speakers hidden around the set so the cast can hear the band clearly.

Audience Engagement

Hamilton has found unique ways to engage with its audience, making the experience even more memorable.

24. Ticket Lottery
    Hamilton offers a ticket lottery before every show, initially offering 21 front-row seats and occasional standing room tickets.

25. Premiere and Off-Broadway Production
    The musical premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater in Lower Manhattan on February 17, 2015, and was extended twice due to its acclaim.

Awards and Recognition

Hamilton has received numerous accolades, solidifying its place in theatrical history.

26. Historical Consultant
    Ron Chernow, the author of the biography that inspired the musical, served as the historical consultant.

27. Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prize
    Hamilton received a record-breaking 16 nominations at the 70th Tony Awards and won 11 awards, including Best Musical. It also received the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

28. Disney+ Release
    A filmed version of the Broadway production was released in 2020 on Disney+, allowing a wider audience to experience the musical.

Legacy and Impact

Hamilton has left a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

29. Chicago Production
    The Chicago production has been a significant part of its legacy, continuing to inspire audiences with its powerful storytelling.

30. Eliza Project
    The Eliza Project aims to preserve Alexander Hamilton's legacy through various initiatives, including interviewing war veterans and raising funds for the Washington Monument.

31. Themes and Emotional Impact
    The musical explores themes like ambition, legacy, love, and the power of storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences.

32. Cultural Impact
    Hamilton has had a profound cultural impact, not only in theater but also in popular culture.

33. Touring Productions
    The touring productions have been highly successful, with multiple tours across North America, the West End, and international destinations.

34. Set Design and Automation
    The set design is highly automated, allowing for quick changes and smooth transitions between scenes.

35. Lighting and Sound Coordination
    The coordination between lighting and sound is crucial, with over 1,000 light cues and advanced sound direction.

36. Costume Design
    The costume design is meticulous, with fabrics made specifically for the show in France and England.

37. Prop Usage
    The use of props is extensive, with over 50 different types of paper props and more than 20 hidden prop boxes around the set.

38. Physical Performance
    The physical performance of the cast is crucial, with a full-time physical therapist ensuring the cast is in top shape.

39. Audience Interaction
    The show encourages audience interaction through various elements, including King George’s microphone in his crown.

40. Historical Accuracy
    The historical accuracy is significant, with Ron Chernow serving as the historical consultant.

41. Awards and Recognition
    Hamilton has received numerous awards, including eight Drama Desk Awards, 11 Tony Awards, and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

42. Disney+ Release Impact
    The release on Disney+ in 2020 allowed a wider audience to experience the musical, further cementing its place in popular culture.

43. Cultural Relevance
    Hamilton remains culturally relevant due to its themes of ambition, legacy, love, and the power of storytelling.

44. Educational Value
    The musical has significant educational value, providing a unique perspective on the life of Alexander Hamilton.

45. Touring Logistics
    The touring logistics are complex, requiring 13 53-foot trailers to move the show from city to city.

46. Lighting Instruments and Cues
    The use of over 350 lighting instruments and more than 1,000 light cues is a testament to the show’s technical prowess.

47. Sound Technology Advancements
    The sound technology is state-of-the-art, including speakers that can change the direction of sound physically.

48. Orchestral Performance
    The live 10-member orchestra includes two keyboards, drums, percussion, bass, guitar, and a string quartet.

49. Costume Fabrication Details
    The fabrics for the costumes are made specifically for the show in France and England, adding to the historical authenticity.

50. Legacy and Impact
    Hamilton has left an indelible impact on popular culture and the world of theater, continuing to inspire and educate audiences across generations.

The Legacy of Hamilton

Hamilton isn't just a musical; it's a cultural phenomenon. From its hip-hop narrative to its diverse cast, it has redefined what Broadway can be. The meticulous technical production, including over 350 lighting instruments and advanced sound technology, showcases the dedication behind the scenes. The live orchestra and custom-made costumes add layers of authenticity and immersion.

The show's impact extends beyond the stage, influencing popular culture and providing educational value about American history. Its success is evident in the numerous awards, including 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. The release on Disney+ brought the magic of Hamilton to homes worldwide, ensuring its legacy endures.

Hamilton has set a new standard for theater, blending history with modern music and storytelling. Its legacy will inspire future generations of artists and audiences alike.