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How Musicals Are Restaging America's Past, and Its Present

Jackson Hayes

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Published in Historians On Hamilton: How A Musical Is Restaging America S Past

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In recent years, there has been a growing trend of musicals that retell historical events. These musicals, such as "Hamilton," "The Great Comet," and "Fun Home," have been praised for their innovative storytelling techniques and their ability to shed new light on the past.

One of the most striking things about these musicals is their use of music to convey historical events. In "Hamilton," for example, the music is used to tell the story of the American Revolution from the perspective of Alexander Hamilton. The music is fast-paced and energetic, reflecting the excitement and danger of the time period. In "The Great Comet," the music is more somber and reflective, reflecting the tragedy of the Napoleonic Wars.

Historians on Hamilton: How a Musical Is Restaging America s Past

Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical Is Restaging America's Past

by Claire Bond Potter

4.4 out of 5

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In addition to their use of music, these musicals also use innovative staging techniques to tell their stories. In "Fun Home," for example, the stage is divided into two levels, representing the past and the present. This allows the audience to see how the characters' past experiences have shaped their present lives.

These musicals are not simply retellings of history. They are also commentaries on the present day. In "Hamilton," for example, the story of the American Revolution is used to explore themes of race, immigration, and the meaning of freedom. In "The Great Comet," the story of the Napoleonic Wars is used to explore themes of war, love, and loss.

These musicals are a powerful reminder that the past is always present. They can help us to understand the mistakes of the past and to avoid making them again. They can also help us to appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by those who came before us.

"Hamilton"

"Hamilton" is a musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The musical was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and premiered on Broadway in 2015. It has been praised for its innovative storytelling techniques, its use of hip-hop music, and its diverse cast.

The musical begins with Hamilton's arrival in New York City in 1776. He quickly becomes involved in the American Revolution, and he plays a key role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. After the war, Hamilton serves as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and he helps to establish the financial system of the United States.

"Hamilton" is a complex and nuanced portrait of one of the most important figures in American history. The musical explores Hamilton's ambition, his intelligence, and his flaws. It also sheds light on the challenges that the United States faced in its early years.

"The Great Comet"

"The Great Comet" is a musical that tells the story of Pierre Bezukhov, a young aristocrat who is caught up in the Napoleonic Wars. The musical was written by Dave Malloy and premiered on Broadway in 2017. It has been praised for its immersive staging, its use of folk music, and its emotional storytelling.

The musical begins with Pierre's arrival in Moscow in 1812. He quickly falls in love with Natasha Rostova, a young woman from a wealthy family. However, their love is forbidden, and they are forced to keep their relationship a secret.

"The Great Comet" is a sweeping and romantic musical that explores themes of love, war, and loss. The musical is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, and it sheds light on the challenges that people faced during the Napoleonic Wars.

"Fun Home"

"Fun Home" is a musical that tells the story of Alison Bechdel, a lesbian cartoonist who is struggling to come to terms with her sexuality. The musical was written by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron and premiered on Broadway in 2015. It has been praised for its honest and moving storytelling, its use of humor, and its exploration of LGBTQ themes.

The musical begins with Alison's childhood in the 1970s. She is raised by her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man, and her mother, Helen, a deeply religious woman. Alison struggles to fit in with her family, and she is often bullied by her classmates.

"Fun Home" is a powerful and moving musical that explores themes of family, sexuality, and identity. The musical is a reminder that everyone is different, and that it's important to be true to yourself.

These musicals are just a few examples of the many ways that musicals can be used to tell historical stories. These musicals are a powerful reminder that the past is always present, and they can help us to understand the mistakes of the past and to avoid making them again. They can also help us to appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by those who came before us.

Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical Is Restaging America's Past

by Claire Bond Potter

4.4 out of 5