Understanding the importance of art to our society is subjective. There are so many mediums that speak to a wide variety of people in different ways. For instance, I love big, vibrant paintings and ballet, my kids (and now my granddaughter) love singing and theatre, and my son-in-law’s family is filled with musicians.
Hamilton, The Musical
Having seen the live stage show in New York and, like almost everyone, having been swept away by the story telling, musicality, and choreography, I was thrilled when I heard it was available for streaming. Then I learned it was on an app I had yet to subscribe. So, I frugally waited for it to become available on one of my usual streaming channels. After months of waiting, I gave up and enrolled in Disney+ for $6.99 a month. I mean really, $6.99! Why was I waiting?
Saturday night, piled on the couch with my grandchildren and a bowl of ice cream in hand, we began the long-awaited viewing of what I consider the best play I have ever seen. Hamilton checked all my sensory boxes and redefined what Broadway could look like and how it could be used for education.
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
As I sang along (and occasionally jumped up and danced) to the three-hour Broadway show, I learned about our country’s history and was reminded that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Immigrants, with nothing to lose, built America. Politicians with egos bigger than common sense postulated. Pamphleteers and extortionists sidled for position. Men cheated on wives, dared their enemies, and fought to the death (maybe they should bring back dueling).
In less than 24 hours, my grandchildren and I watched Hamilton twice. Yes, we did. It was even better the second time.
Thank you, Lin Manuel Miranda for your passion and hard work. The creative gods have spoken through you to expand our minds, enhance our society, and bring joy to so many of us. I’ve been singing and smiling to the memory of your work, Hamilton, ever since.
