We had the opportunity to see the Broadway hip-hop production of Hamilton this past weekend and it really was a reminder of everything great about uptown's storied past and Harlem's amazing diversity. Lin-Manual Miranda's musical is not only a modern love letter to the Heights of which the west side is named after but also a history lesson to the part of Manhattan where crucial battles of the Revolutionary War were fought and also the home of one of our great historical figures. The nation's first Secretary of The Treasury's house called Hamilton Grange stills stands today on West 141st Street on the north end of St. Nicholas Park but many did not know that the estate's purchase nearly bankrupt the Founding Father who apparently was terrible in his financial and personal life.
Going back to the groundbreaking play, the multicultural cast rang out a large message to the audience since the casting conceit bridges the neighborhood's past and present in a brilliant fashion. Who knew pop culture, modern Harlem and classical choreography could come together in such a remarkable fashion? A show of this caliber only comes from having a deft knowledge of musical theater along with having a full understanding of contemporary culture. Mr. Miranda's genius has made The Great White Way shine a little brighter in 2015 by actually making it less so and in return has founded a modern musical about the past that will also be remembered as groundbreaking in the future.
Shows are sold out for several weeks so make sure to book your tickets in advance!
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