When hubs was in San Francisco before I got there, I got a
text from him that said ‘Hamilton is here in San Francisco’. They’re doing a run in SF, and it’s been
there almost a year.
We’ve been wanting to see Hamilton for YEARS, but it was no
where near us and the tickets are outrageously expensive. The price range for Hamilton tickets are $300
- $900. Each. I’m not kidding. And not only that, tickets are incredibly
hard to get. It’s always sold out. I mean, it won 11 Tonys. And a Pulitzer Prize.
So he decided to call, just for kicks. Just to see if they had any tickets, and if
they did, how much they were. And THEN
he was going to see if they had any tickets in the disabled seating section
because of Xylo.
A short while later, I got a text from him that said ‘so…we
have Hamilton tickets.’
WHHHHAAATTTT?!?!?
My first thought was oh my, do I need to get a second job to
pay for them? And then his next text was
‘they were $75 each’. ?!?!?!?!?. I was actually speechless. Apparently he called the Orpheum theater
directly, asked them about disabled seating, told them about our service dog
and that we would need some extra space, and they said they had 2 tickets
available with plenty of extra space.
For $75 each. I am still
shocked. I’m wondering if they give
discounts on the disabled seats???
Because these were GOOD seats. We
were on the aisle. We had one ‘attached’
seat (like a regular seat), and then right next to that was like a nice chair
that could be moved to give Xylo space to lay on the carpeted floor between
us. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it!
Taken from our seats:
Anyways. Back to
Hamilton. We got there, got some drinks
(theaters now allow you to have drinks in the auditorium, they sell them in sippy
cups), and got settled.
The show was amazing.
I found myself leaning forward and holding my breath almost the whole
time. And I even knew what to expect as
far as the songs and the order of the songs.
I’ve been listening to the soundtrack since 2016. It’s the story of Alexander Hamilton’s entire
life. And the cast of historical
characters: Aaron Burr, a politician,
army officer, and vice president to Thomas Jefferson (oh, and the guy that
killed Hamilton). General George
Washington, before and during his presidency.
Thomas Jefferson, before and during his presidency. James Madison, before his presidency. Hercules Mulligan, the tailor/spy. Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat
and military officer. King George. The Schuyler Sisters: Angelica, Eliza, Peggy. And Maria Reynolds.
Hamilton the musical is such a big deal because it is unlike
anything you’ve ever seen in a live Broadway production. This is why:
- It’s
the historical account of the founding fathers, a bunch of white men, performed
by a completely diverse cast of people of all races.
- The
cast doubles up on parts. One actor
plays Thomas Jefferson AND Lafayette.
One actor plays James Madison AND Hercules Mulligan. One actor plays John Laurens AND Phillip
Schuyler. One actress plays Peggy
Schuyler AND Maria Reynolds.
Brilliant.
- The
music is all hip-hop/R&B/pop/jazz.
It is extremely fast paced but it doesn’t feel rushed. The 2nd half is pretty emotional, (Hamilton’s
affair, and the death of his son). When
Eliza finds out about his affair and sings ‘Burn’, her voice cracked a few
times and she was singing her heart out as she was literally burning his
letters up on stage. I teared up a few
times.
I’ve listened to the soundtrack so many times, but it has so
much more meaning now that I’ve seen it:
*Before it starts, King George makes the announcement about
turning off all cell phones, and then says ‘thank you for coming to watch MY
show’. Ha ha.
*There’s a part in ‘It’s Quiet Uptown’, the song right after
Hamilton and Eliza’s son is killed. Eliza
hasn’t forgiven Hamilton for his affair AND his dueling advice to his son
Phillip that ultimately got him killed. They
are walking around, Hamilton grieving and begging for Eliza’s forgiveness. She finally takes his hand. And his reaction to that is about what did me
in.
*King George plopping down in his chair on the side of the
stage in GLEE so he can watch the mess that is the Adams Administration.
*King George asking the audience to sing along with him (la
da da da da, ya da da da da ya da da, etc.)
*Hamilton getting all worked up, then turning to the
audience and saying ‘Oh I’m sorry am I talking too loud? Sometimes I get overexcited and shoot off at
the mouth.’
*Hercules Mulligan throwing flowers at Alexander and Eliza’s
wedding.
*Thanking the audience for coming to the Cabinet meeting,
and then the use of rapping microphones during Cabinet Battle #1.
*The attitude and flamboyance of Thomas Jefferson.
*The amazing stage presence of Hercules Mulligan.
There were just so many moments!
The choreography is amazing.
Part of the stage is circular and in constant motion for most
songs. Which means not only is the cast moving,
but the stage is moving as well. And
there are no ‘prop’ people. The cast
moves the props off and on the stage.
But they do it so subtly (yet quick) that it just seems natural.
My favorite song of the musical is Wait For It, sung by Aaron
Burr. He is singing about his
determination, despite Hamilton’s rise to power. Burr is convinced that his time to shine is
coming, so he’s hanging on and waiting. Wikipedia
worded it so great “the song finds sympathy for Burr’s chronic caution; with a
legacy and reputation to protect, he can’t risk as much as the ambitious
Hamilton, and what will become a murderous rage begins here as mournful
jealousy over his rival’s ability to openly work for what he wants and believes
in”. After this song you kind of feel
yourself rooting for Burr (briefly).
Google this song…it is amazing.
Lin Manual-Miranda was quoted saying that Wait for It and
The Room Where it Happens are two of the best songs he’s ever written. The lyrics are what make this entire
musical. They are amazing. If all history could be taught in this
fashion, we would all learn (and retain) a lot more.
It was hands down the best musical I’ve ever seen.
