Hamilton is a critically acclaimed musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, using hip-hop and R&B music to tell the story of his life and legacy. The show was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music, lyrics, and book, and made its Off-Broadway debut in 2015 before transferring to Broadway later that year.
Miranda was inspired to write the musical after reading Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. He saw Hamilton as an immigrant who came to America and made a significant impact on the country's history, and wanted to tell his story in a way that was accessible to a modern audience.
Hamilton premiered Off-Broadway at The Public Theater in New York City in February 2015, where it received rave reviews and quickly sold out its entire run. The show opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre later that year, and was an instant hit, winning 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016.
Hamilton's popularity has continued to grow, with productions opening in London's West End in 2017, and in several other cities around the world, including Chicago, San Francisco, and Sydney. The show has been praised for its groundbreaking use of hip-hop and diverse casting, as well as its portrayal of the Founding Fathers as complex and flawed individuals.
Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, with its cast album becoming a best-seller and winning multiple awards. The show has also been praised for its educational value, as it has inspired many people to learn more about American history and the contributions of Alexander Hamilton.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is sung and rapped. The musical about Alexander Hamilton was written from 2008 to 2015. Miranda was inspired to write the musical after reading Ron Chernow's 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton. Miranda thought Hamilton was a hip hop record. Hip hop, R&B, pop, soul, and show tunes dominate the broadcast. Non-white performers portray the Founding Fathers and other historical people. Miranda called Hamilton "America then, told by America now."
Hamilton opened to near-universal praise. Miranda played Alexander Hamilton at the Off-Broadway premiere at the Public Theater in Lower Manhattan on February 17, 2015. It sold out for several months. The show earned eight Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical. On August 6, 2015, it opened at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre to rave reviews and strong sales. Hamilton won 11 Tonys, including Best Musical, at the 70th Tony Awards. Drama Pulitzer Prize 2016. Disney+ launched a 2020 Broadway film.
Hamilton premiered at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago in October 2017. The West End show launched at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London on December 21, 2017, after previews from December 6 and winning seven Olivier Awards in 2018, including Best New Musical. The inaugural U.S. national tour began in March 2017. A second U.S. tour debuted in February 2018. Hamilton's third U.S. tour began January 11, 2019, with a three-week engagement in Puerto Rico in which Miranda returns to the role of Hamilton. The first non-English production opened in Hamburg in October 2022 for which it had been translated into German. Hamilton lacks amateur and professional licenses.
