Hamilton: The musical that rocked Broadway

How does a bastard, orphan, son of a Scotsman and a woman of ill repute rise to become the focus of one of Broadway’s most groundbreaking musicals?

Hamilton is the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics after being inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda saw in Hamilton the story of a scrappy immigrant who defied the odds — a man who used his intellect and ambition to help shape the United States. This underdog tale, marked by determination and grit, resonated with Miranda, particularly through the lens of modern hip-hop culture. To him, Hamilton’s rise mirrored that of today’s rappers, who use lyrical prowess to climb the social ladder.

While the idea of a musical about America’s first Secretary of the Treasury may seem unconventional, the production broke the mold with its bold and eclectic musical style. Blending hip-hop, rap, pop, jazz, and classic Broadway tunes, the soundtrack became one of its most defining features.

Another key element of its success lies in the casting. Staying true to the slogan — “America then, told by America now” — the show features a racially diverse cast, with people of color portraying founding fathers and other major historical figures. This deliberate choice reframes American history through a modern lens, making it more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

What Is Hamilton About?

The musical follows the journey of its title character — from a poor orphan in the Caribbean to George Washington’s trusted aide during the Revolutionary War, and eventually, the nation’s first Treasury Secretary. His meteoric rise ends in a tragic and well-known duel with political rival Aaron Burr. Along the way, the show explores themes of ambition, legacy, politics, and the complex relationship between the two — once friends, ultimately enemies.

Unlike traditional Broadway productions, this one breaks new ground with a dynamic score blending hip-hop, R&B, and classic musical theatre. Expect rapid-fire lyrics, powerful storytelling, and clever wordplay — including several high-energy rap battles that reenact historical debates. Think Les Misérables meets Evita meets 1776, with a heavy dose of Notorious B.I.G.

Where Is Hamilton Playing?

Hamilton is currently playing on Broadway at the historic Richard Rodgers Theatre, located at 226 West 46th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue in New York City.

The Richard Rodgers Theatre first opened its doors in 1925 and was later named in honor of legendary composer Richard Rodgers, best known as one half of the iconic duo Rodgers and Hammerstein. This venue also holds special significance for Lin-Manuel Miranda — his first Broadway hit, In the Heights, ran at the same theatre from 2008 to 2011.

How Long Is the Show?

It runs for 2 hours and 55 minutes, including one intermission. Since it’s a bit longer than average, it’s smart to grab a meal beforehand to stay comfortable.

Performance Schedule

There are eight shows a week, with two performances typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mondays are usually dark (no show). For the most accurate schedule and ticket updates, check the official website.

Origins and Inspiration

The idea took root in 2008, while Miranda was on vacation from In the Heights. During his downtime, he picked up Chernow’s biography and was immediately struck by the story of the determined founding father. The connection was instant — a man obsessed with words and driven to make a mark, just like Miranda.

He began composing songs based on the story, initially dubbing the project The Hamilton Mixtape. It later grew into the full production we know today. That early version would also become a companion album to the cast recording, giving fans a deeper look into the show’s themes and sounds.

A Genre-Bending Soundtrack

This musical is almost entirely sung-through, meaning there’s very little spoken dialogue. The soundtrack blends genres — rap, soul, pop, jazz, and traditional Broadway ballads — into one seamless experience.

One of its standout features? Historical cabinet debates turned into fiery rap battles. Politics and history come to life through fast bars and clever rhymes.

Final Thought

This isn’t just a Broadway show — it’s a cultural phenomenon. Through fresh music, bold casting, and brilliant writing, the story of Alexander Hamilton has been reimagined for a new generation. Whether you’re a fan of history, hip-hop, or theatre, this one hits all the right notes.