Musical (2015)


Musique: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Paroles: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Livret: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Production à la création:

A new musical about the scrappy young immigrant who forever changed America: Alexander Hamilton. From bastard orphan to Washington's right hand man, rebel to war hero, loving husband caught in the country's first sex scandal to Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy, Hamilton is an exploration of a political mastermind. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Hamilton, and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe, Aaron Burr, all attend this revolutionary tale of America’s fiery past told through the sounds of the ever-changing nation we’ve become.

Act One
The musical begins with the company summarizing Alexander Hamilton’s early life as a bastard orphan in the Caribbean, including the destruction of his town by a hurricane when he was 17. He writes about the devastation, and his extraordinary ability earns him passage on a ship to the American colonies to pursue his education (“Alexander Hamilton”).

In the summer of 1776 in New York City, Hamilton seeks out Aaron Burr, anxious to discover how he finished college in two years, a feat Hamilton wishes to repeat. Burr is impressed but concerned by Hamilton's verbosity and passion, advising him to "talk less; smile more." Hamilton rebuffs Burr’s philosophy (“Aaron Burr, Sir”) and instead joins three revolutionaries he meets: abolitionist John Laurens, the flamboyant Marquis de Lafayette, and the tailor's apprentice Hercules Mulligan. Hamilton dazzles them with his oratory skills (“My Shot”) and they dream of laying down their lives for the cause ("The Story of Tonight"). Meanwhile, the wealthy Schuyler sisters — Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy — wander the streets of New York, excited by the spirit of revolution in the air. The oldest, Angelica, is searching for minds that will challenge her own ("The Schuyler Sisters").

A vocal British loyalist preaches against the revolution, and Hamilton refutes and ridicules his statements ("Farmer Refuted"). A message arrives from King George III, reminding the colonists that he is willing and able to fight for their love ("You'll Be Back").

The revolution is underway, and Hamilton, Burr, and their friends join the Continental Army. As the army retreats from New York City, General George Washington realizes he needs help to win the war. Burr offers his services, but Washington is more interested in Hamilton. Though Hamilton desires a command and to fight on the front lines, he recognizes the opportunity Washington offers him, and accepts a position as his “Right Hand Man.”

In the winter of 1780, the men attend “A Winter’s Ball” given by Philip Schuyler, and Hamilton sets his sights on the man’s daughters. Eliza is instantly smitten, and after being introduced by Angelica, she and Hamilton soon wed (“Helpless”). Meanwhile, Angelica is also intellectually and physically attracted to Hamilton, but swallows her feelings for the sake of her sister’s happiness (“Satisfied”). After Hamilton’s wedding, he and his friends celebrate. Burr arrives to offer congratulations, and privately admits to Hamilton that he is having an affair with the wife of a British officer. Hamilton advises him to take action (“The Story of Tonight (Reprise)”). Burr, however, prefers to wait and see what life has in store for him (“Wait For It”).

As the revolution continues, Hamilton repeatedly petitions Washington to give him command, but Washington refuses, instead promoting Charles Lee. This decision proves disastrous at the Battle of Monmouth, where Lee orders a retreat against Washington's orders, which prompts the commander to remove him from command in favor of Lafayette. Disgruntled, Lee spreads slanderous and vindictive rumors about Washington. Hamilton is offended, but Washington orders Hamilton to ignore the comments. Laurens volunteers to duel Lee so that Hamilton may avoid disobeying Washington's orders ("Stay Alive"). Laurens wins the duel by injuring Lee ("Ten Duel Commandments"). Washington is enraged at the duel and angrily reprimands Hamilton for participating, then orders him to return home to his wife ("Meet Me Inside"). When Hamilton returns home, Eliza tells him she is pregnant with a son. She reassures a hesitant Hamilton that he is enough for her as long as he allows her to be a part of his life ("That Would Be Enough").

Lafayette takes a larger leadership role in the revolution, convincing France to join the American cause. With France on their side, the balance shifts in favor of the Continental Army. Washington and Lafayette realize they can win the war by cutting off the British navy at Yorktown, but they will need Hamilton to do so, and the general reluctantly gives him his long-awaited command ("Guns and Ships"). On the eve of battle, Washington recalls his disastrous first command, and advises Hamilton that no man can control how he is remembered ("History Has Its Eyes on You"). After several days of fighting, the Continental Army is victorious. The British surrender in the last major battle of the war ("Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"). His forces defeated, King George sarcastically asks the rebels how they expect to govern on their own without their people hating them ("What Comes Next?").

Soon after the revolution, Hamilton’s son Phillip is born, while Burr has a daughter, Theodosia. The two men reflect on how to build a nation their children can inherit ("Dear Theodosia"). Hamilton's moment of peace is shattered when news arrives that Laurens has been killed in a skirmish with retreating British soldiers after the war had already ended (“Tomorrow There’ll Be More of Us”).

Hamilton and Burr both return to New York to finish their studies and pursue careers as lawyers. Burr is in awe of Hamilton's “Non-Stop” work ethic and becomes increasingly irritated by his success. Hamilton is chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and asks Burr's help in publishing a series of articles in support of the new U.S. Constitution, but Burr refuses, still hesitant to take action lest he choose the losing side. Hamilton instead enlists James Madison and John Jay to write The Federalist Papers without Burr. Angelica marries and moves overseas, but still holds affections for Hamilton. Eliza struggles to understand why she is being slowly marginalized out of his life. The newly elected President Washington enlists Hamilton for the job of Treasury Secretary. Over Eliza's protests, he accepts.

Act Two

In 1789, Thomas Jefferson returns to the U.S. from France, where he spent most of the revolution as an ambassador. Washington has asked him to be Secretary of State, and James Madison asks for Jefferson’s help to stop Hamilton's financial plan, which Madison believes gives the government too much control ("What'd I Miss?"). Jefferson and Hamilton then engage in debate over the merits of Hamilton's financial plan during a Cabinet meeting. Washington orders a break as the debate gets heated, pulls Hamilton aside, and tells him to figure out a compromise to win over Congress ("Cabinet Battle #1").

Hamilton begins working at home, and on Phillip's ninth birthday, he amazes his father by performing a short rap. Eliza asks Hamilton to accompany her on vacation upstate at her father's home, but Hamilton refuses, saying that he has to work on his plan for Congress. In England, Angelica trades correspondence with Hamilton, advising him to convince Jefferson of his plan in order for Congress to accept it. She travels to the U.S. to join the Hamiltons on their vacation, and though she is excited to see Eliza, she is saddened that Alexander won't be joining them. In the end, the Schuyler sisters go without him ("Take a Break").

While alone, Hamilton is visited by Maria Reynolds, who claims her husband is mistreating her. When Hamilton offers to help her, she seduces him and they begin an affair. Maria's husband James Reynolds blackmails Hamilton into paying him money. Hamilton is furious with Maria, but pays Reynolds and continues the affair ("Say No To This").

Hamilton tells Burr that he'll be yielding Burr's old advice to "talk less, smile more" to get his plan approved. Hamilton leaves to discuss his plan with Jefferson and Madison over a private dinner, which results in the Compromise of 1790, giving support to Hamilton's financial plan in exchange for moving the United States capital from New York to Virginia. Burr is envious of Hamilton's sway in the government and wishes he had similar power ("The Room Where It Happens").

Burr defeats Eliza’s father, Philip Schuyler, in a race for his seat in the Senate. Hamilton accuses Burr of switching to Jefferson’s party, the Democratic-Republicans, solely to run against Hamilton’s father-in-law. Burr says he was simply seizing the opportunity, but Hamilton doesn't believe him, driving a wedge between the two friends ("Schuyler Defeated").

In another cabinet meeting, Jefferson and Hamilton argue over whether the United States should assist France in their revolution. Washington ultimately agrees with Hamilton’s argument for remaining neutral ("Cabinet Battle #2"). After the meeting, Burr, Jefferson, and Madison bemoan how nice it must be for Hamilton to always have Washington's support, and they seek a way to damage Hamilton's image ("Washington on Your Side").

Washington tells Hamilton that Jefferson has resigned from his position in government in order to run for president, and that Washington himself is stepping down. Hamilton is shocked, but Washington convinces him that it is the right thing to do, and they write a farewell address ("One Last Time"). In England, King George III receives news about Washington's step down from leadership and the election of John Adams. The king exits merrily, ready for the United States to fall under Adams' leadership ("I Know Him").

Adams and Hamilton have a huge altercation and effectively destroy the Federalist Party ("The Adams Administration"). Thinking they have discovered a scandal capable of destroying Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Burr accuse him of embezzling government money and committing treason. In reality, however, they found the transactions from his affair with Maria Reynolds. Hamilton, knowing that the truth is the only way out, tells them about his affair and begs them not to tell anyone ("We Know"). Still worried that they will tell, Hamilton thinks about how writing openly and honestly has saved him in the past ("Hurricane"), and publicly writes “The Reynolds Pamphlets” to come clean about the affair, hoping to save his political legacy. His personal reputation, however, is ruined. In despondence, Eliza burns their correspondence, destroying Hamilton’s chance at being redeemed by “future historians” and keeping the world from knowing how she reacted ("Burn").

Years pass, and Hamilton’s son Phillip, now nineteen, is praised for having the same intelligence, charm, and good looks as his father. Phillip challenges a man named George Eacker to a duel for his slander of Hamilton’s reputation. Hamilton orders Phillip to aim his gun to the sky instead of at Eacker, saying that if Eacker is a man of honor he will follow suit. Phillip aims for the sky from the beginning of the duel, but at the count of seven, Eacker shoots him ("Blow Us All Away"). Phillip is taken to a doctor, and Hamilton and Eliza rush to his side, but it is too late ("Stay Alive (Reprise)"). In the aftermath of Phillip’s death, the Hamiltons move uptown and become reclusive while “going through the unimaginable.” Hamilton asks for and receives Eliza’s forgiveness (“It’s Quiet Uptown”).

“The Election of 1800” results in President John Adams being defeated, with Jefferson and Burr deadlocked in a tie. Burr visits Hamilton to lobby for support, and tells him that he's doing everything he can to be president. Hamilton is upset that Burr has once again changed his ideals for personal gain, and instead throws his support behind Jefferson, who ends up winning by a landslide. Burr, enraged, exchanges letters with Hamilton and challenges him to a duel (“Your Obedient Servant”). Before sunrise on the morning of the duel, Eliza asks Hamilton to come back to bed, but he says he has to leave, not telling her why ("Best of Wives and Best of Women").

Burr and Hamilton travel to New Jersey for the duel. Burr points out that Hamilton is wearing his glasses, which he concludes must mean Hamilton intends to take deadly aim. The men raise their guns to shoot, and as a shot sounds, Hamilton soliloquizes on death, his relationships, and his legacy. He aims his pistol at the sky and is struck by Burr’s shot, dying soon after. Burr laments that even though he survived, he's cursed to be the villain in history, remembered only as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton ("The World Was Wide Enough").

The company congregates to close the story. Washington enters and reminds the audience that they have no control “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” Eliza explains how she tells her husband’s story over the next fifty years, fighting to save his legacy, but still frets that she has not done enough. After her death, she joins Hamilton in the afterlife, and the company asks the audience who will tell their story.[5]

1 Hamilton peut-être considéré comme un Top musical


While on a vacation from his hit Broadway show In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda decided to pick up a biography to read on his trip. At the airport he purchased and began reading Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, a comprehensive biography of Alexander Hamilton's life. Miranda quickly began envisioning the life of Hamilton as a musical and researched whether or not a stage musical of his life had been created. A play of Hamilton's story had been done on Broadway in 1917, starring George Arliss as Alexander Hamilton. Upon Miranda's discovery, he began his work as a project titled The Hamilton Mixtape, that he worked on during his spare time from In The Heights. On May 12, 2009, Miranda performed the opening number at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music and the Spoken Word. He spent a year after that working on another early number from the show, "My Shot".

Genèse complète


Acte I
"Alexander Hamilton" – Full company (except King George)
"Aaron Burr, Sir" – Hamilton, Burr, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan
"My Shot" – Hamilton, Burr, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan
"The Story of Tonight" – Hamilton, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan
"The Schuyler Sisters" – Angelica, Eliza, Peggy, Burr
"Farmer Refuted" – Samuel Seabury, Hamilton
"You'll Be Back" – King George
"Right Hand Man" – Washington, Hamilton, Burr
"A Winter's Ball" – Burr, Hamilton
"Helpless" – Eliza, Hamilton
"Satisfied" – Angelica, Hamilton /
"The Story of Tonight" (Reprise) – Hamilton, Burr, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan
"Wait For It" – Burr
"Stay Alive" – Hamilton, Washington, Charles Lee, Laurens
"Ten Duel Commandments" – Laurens, Hamilton, Lee, Burr
"Meet Me Inside" – Washington, Hamilton
"That Would Be Enough" – Eliza, Hamilton
"Guns and Ships" – Burr, Lafayette, Washington
"History Has Its Eyes on You" – Washington
"Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" – Hamilton, Lafayette, Laurens, Mulligan
"What Comes Next?" – King George
"Dear Theodosia" – Burr, Hamilton
"Tomorrow There'll Be More Of Us"‡ – Laurens
"Non-Stop" – Burr, Hamilton, Washington, Eliza, Angelica

Acte II
"What'd I Miss" – Burr, Jefferson, Madison
"Cabinet Battle #1" – Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison
"Take a Break" – Eliza, Phillip, Hamilton, Angelica
"Say No to This" – Burr, Hamilton, Maria, James Reynolds
"The Room Where It Happens" – Burr, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison
"Schuyler Defeated" – Phillip, Eliza, Hamilton, Burr
"Cabinet Battle #2" – Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison
"Washington on Your Side" – Burr, Jefferson, Madison
"One Last Time"† – Washington, Hamilton
"I Know Him" – King George
"The Adams Administration" – Burr, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison
"We Know" – Burr, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison
"Hurricane" – Hamilton
"The Reynolds Pamphlet" – Full company
"Burn" – Eliza
"Blow Us All Away" – Phillip, George Eacker, Hamilton
"Stay Alive" (Reprise) – Phillip, Hamilton, Eliza, Doctor
"It's Quiet Uptown" – Angelica, Hamilton, Eliza
"The Election of 1800" – Jefferson, Madison, Burr, Hamilton
"Your Obedient Servant" – Burr, Hamilton
"Best of Wives and Best of Women" – Eliza, Hamilton
"The World Was Wide Enough" – Burr, Hamilton
"Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" – Eliza, full company

† Previously titled "One Last Ride" in the Off-Broadway production
‡ Not included on the Original Broadway Cast Recording.

Aucun dossier informatif complémentaire concernant Hamilton

Aucun dossier informatif complémentaire concernant Hamilton


Version 1

Hamilton (2015-02-Public Theatre Newman-Off Broadway)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Public Theatre - Newman (Broadway (Off) - Etats-Unis)

Durée : 2 mois 2 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : 20 January 2015
Première: 17 February 2015
Dernière: 03 May 2015
Mise en scène : Thomas Kail
Chorégraphie : Andy Blankenbuehler
Producteur :
Star(s) :
Commentaires : Directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the musical debuted Off-Broadway at The Public Theater, under the supervision of the Public's Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, with previews starting on January 20, 2015 and officially opening on February 17. The production was extended twice, first to April 5 and then to May 3.
Chernow served as historical consultant to the production.
The show opened to universal acclaim according to review aggregator Did He Like It.

Version 2

Hamilton (2015-02-Richard Rodgers Theatre-Broadway)

Type de série: Original Broadway
Théâtre: Richard Rodgers Theatre (Broadway - Etats-Unis)
Durée :
Nombre :
Première Preview : 13 July 2015
Première: 06 August 2015
Dernière: 31 December 2029
Mise en scène : Thomas Kail
Chorégraphie : Andy Blankenbuehler
Producteur :
Star(s) : Lin-Manuel Miranda • Leslie Odom
Avec: Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Christopher Jackson (George Washington), Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr), Jonathan Groff (King George III), Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton), Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton), Daveed Diggs (Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler), Javier Munoz (Alternate for Hamilton)
Commentaires : Hamilton premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (home to Miranda's 2008 Broadway debut In the Heights) on July 13, 2015 in previews, and opened on August 6, 2015.
The production is produced by Jeffrey Seller and features scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Nevin Steinberg, who all reprised their roles from the off-Broadway production.
The production was critically acclaimed by many theater critics.

Already sweeping the board at the Drama Desk Awards, Hamilton has already made history at for its 16 Tony Nominations in 2016, picking up an eye watering 11 gongs on the night, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Direction and three Acting Awards for original cast members Leslie Odom Jr, Daveed Diggs and Renee Elise Goldberry. See it for its reinvention of the musical genre, a brilliant fusion of beautiful, sweeping choruses and raw street-style hip hop.
Presse : Les critiques sont excellentes:

"'Hamilton' makes us feel the unstoppable, urgent rhythm of a nation being born." Ben Brantley for New York Times

"With 'Hamilton,' Broadway is officially the coolest place on the planet. And the smartest. And most exhilarating." Joe Dziemianowicz for New York Daily News

"Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 'In the Heights' may have been a hit — but his 'Hamilton' is a phenomenon." Elisabeth Vincentelli for New York Post

"The greatest American musical in decades." David Cote for Time Out New York

"It was phenomenal off-Broadway. It's even better now. 'Hamilton' is that rare musical that fires on all cylinders, even ones we never knew existed." Roma Torre for NY1

"This is a musical often stunning in its audaciousness." Mark Kennedy for Associated Press

"This enormously ambitious and entertaining musical history lesson is even more impressive on a second viewing." Frank Scheck for The Hollywood Reporter

"This innovative show is shaping up to be just as much of a phenomenon uptown, playing in a Broadway house with four times the seating capacity, and to a more traditional but no less enthusiastic audience. That universal appeal to crossover audiences is one unmistakable sign of a groundbreaking show." Marilyn Stasio for Variety

Version 3

Hamilton (2017-12-Victoria Palace Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original London
Théâtre: Victoria Palace Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 2 ans 4 mois 2 semaines Se joue actuellement
Nombre :
Première Preview : 21 November 2017
Première: 06 December 2017
Dernière: Open end
Mise en scène : Thomas Kail
Chorégraphie : Andy Blankenbuehler
Producteur :
Star(s) :
Avec: Rachelle Ann Go (Eliza Schuyler), Giles Terera (Aaron Burr), Rachel John (Angelica Schuyler), Obioma Ugoala (George Washington), Christine Allado (Penny Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Jason Pennycooke (Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Cleve September (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton), Giles Terera (Aaron Burr), Michael Jibson (King George), Rachee Ann Go (Eliza Schuyler Hamiton), Rachel John (Angelica Schuyler), Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Obioma Ugoala (George Washington), Cleve September (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Christine Allado (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Tarinn Callender (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Ash Hunter (Hamilton - certain performances), Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jack Butterworth, Marsha Songcome, Jon-Scott Clark, Mariam-Teak Lee, Alexlzandra Sarmiento, Jade Albertsen, Curtis Angus, Jonathan Bishop, Kelly Downing, Leslie Garcia Bowman, Lia Given, Greg Haney, Leah Hill, Barney Hudson, Waylon Jacobs, Phoebe Liberty, Christopher Tendai, Lindsey Tierney.
Commentaires : Hamilton will open at the refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre in Victoria in November 2017, with an official press opening in December 2017
Presse : "In the end, however, the power of Hamilton lies in its ability to make the past seem vividly present. It suggests its subject was an Icarus who flew too close to the sun. But it also shows that he was an outsider who believed in strong central government and an enlightened capitalism. Above all, Miranda has created an invigorating and original musical that, at a time of national crisis, celebrates America’s overwhelming debt to the immigrant."
Michael Billington, The Guardian ★★★★★

"This musical is history in the re-making and I mean that quite literally."
Ann Treneman, The Times ★★★★★

"Whether or not Hamilton is the best musical of our generation – it clearly is, but whatever – it’s been a hit for the only reason anything is a hit: because it is a great work of entertainment."
Andrzej Łukowski, Time Out ★★★★★

"Reviewing it feels like sizing up the Mona Lisa or Beethoven’s Fifth and, in truth, Hamilton lands on the London stage looking every inch the classic."
Matt Trueman, Variety

"“The Greatest Show on Earth”, one paper declared the other day. C’mon! But seriously folks, there’s going to be more where that came from, because – lock up your doubters: I have to report that it really is as good as we’ve been told."
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph ★★★★★

"Hamilton is a touchstone. It’s zeitgeist, youthquake, Momentum, it’s woke, it’s post-musical. From masculinity, power struggles and the small things on earth, it metastasises into a crying epic about legacy, principle, nations, all the incredible mongrel people within those nations, and how all those people – every single one – can change the world."
Tim Bano, The Stage ★★★★★

"Hamilton is a knockout, and its British cast is superb, with two star-making performances from Giles Terera and, in the title role, magnetic newcomer Jamael Westman."
Henry Hitchings, Evening Standard ★★★★★

"This has been the most frenziedly anticipated musical in London since The Book of Mormon and the implacable publicity blitz might lead even the most mildly rebellious soul to wonder if anything could possibly live up to this degree of hype. I’m delighted to report that, for the most part, Hamilton manages to do so – quite exhilaratingly..."
Paul Taylor, the Independent ★★★★★

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