Few shows bridge past and present as seamlessly as Hamilton. It recasts the nation’s founders through the lens of modern America, with its rhythmic verses and diverse cast as discourse about immigration, democracy, and inclusion continue to rage. Seeing it performed live in Boston at the Opera House on October 4 felt like witnessing both a history lesson and a work of art, doubling as a political statement—all unfolding in perfect harmony.
Hamilton traces the extraordinary life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. The musical begins with his tumultuous childhood in the Caribbean, marked by poverty and the loss of his parents, and his eventual immigration to New York City to pursue a better life. From there, the story follows his rise during the American Revolution as George Washington’s aide-de-camp and later as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. As the plot progresses, it captures his complex relationship with his wife Elizabeth Schyuler, his persistent ambition to shape the country’s financial system, and the personal scandals threatening to undo him. Most notably, the scandals revolved around his affair with Maria Reynolds, which was the first publicized political scandal in U.S. history. The narrative culminates in his fatal duel with Aaron Burr, who was his longtime rival and friend.
One of the most striking features of Hamilton is that there’s virtually no spoken dialogue; it is sung and rapped entirely from start to finish. Lin-Manuel Miranda — Hamilton’s starring actor, producer, director, and lyricist — intentionally used this musical choice not just for flair but to deepen the storytelling. The show relies on rap, hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway melodies to reflect the diversity of America and to bridge the past and present; he transforms eighteenth-century revolutionaries into figures who speak the language of today. With its quick tempo and dense lyricism, hip-hop and rap seamlessly allow characters to express their ambition and intellect. Moreover, this specific style reveals the characters’ drive to leave a mark on history before their time runs out, potentially explaining why characters like Hamilton and Lafayette are primarily rapping, as it is a musical choice that portrays their early deaths and relentless energy. In contrast, R&B and soul emphasize the show’s more emotional instances, giving voice to profound moments of love and grief. Elizabeth Schuyler sings in this tranquil and traditional style, and it fittingly reflects her longevity and her role in carrying Hamilton’s story forward.
The Boston production of Hamilton largely mirrored the original Broadway performance, with most songs and acting choices faithfully replicated. However, subtle differences emerged, such as slight variations in vocal delivery and pacing, adding unique nuances to the performance. The Boston cast notably maintained the show's commitment to diversity as they cast actors of color in the roles of the Founding Fathers and other central figures. The sole exceptions were King George III and Samuel Seabury, portrayed by Paul Louis Lessard and Stephen Carrasco, respectively, who are traditionally cast as white. This casting choice highlights the production's ongoing dedication to inclusive representation and aligns with Miranda's vision of reflecting a more diverse America on stage.
Ultimately, Hamilton is not just a retelling of history but a living piece of art. With its mix of rap, R&B, and Broadway classics, and a cast that brings modern energy to the Founding Fathers, the Boston production proves every performance can feel fresh. The show reminds us that the past is never truly distant and that art has the power to make history feel urgent and deeply human.