Hamilton : the revolution
Ratings73
Average rating4.6
15
Ratings73
Average rating4.6
Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject, the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap, and claims our country's origins for a diverse new generation.
Hamilton: The Revolution gives readers an unprecedented view of both revolutions, from the only two writers able to provide it. Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages--"since before this was even a show," according to Miranda--trace its development from an improbable performance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later. In addition, Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes for his award-winning libretto, the full text of which is published here.
Their account features photos by the renowned Frank Ockenfels and veteran Broadway photographer Joan Marcus; exclusive looks at notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators, and more than 40 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself. The book does more than tell the surprising story of how a Broadway musical became a national phenomenon: It demonstrates that America has always been renewed by the brash upstarts and brilliant outsiders, the men and women who don't throw away their shot.
Reviews with the most likes.
A fascinating look at how this era-defining musical came together. I am a huge fan of Hamilton (and Lin) so I pretty much knew I would enjoy this and it didn't let me down. I've read a lot about Hamilton but there was still plenty of new info in this behind-the-scenes exploration.
I listened to the audiobook while leafing through the hardcover. The book itself is a little unwieldy so I found it useful to be able to jump between the two or pick up the book when I wanted to see the accompanying pictures and design. The book itself is a beautiful object well worth owning.
I was kind of hoping Lin would be the main narrator in the audiobook but I see how the structure didn't really allow for that. I did really enjoy the section at the end when he read his annotations, though, as I followed along in the book.
Waiting for physical copy to read Lin's liner notes, but listened to the rest. A few interesting backstory pieces that I didn't know. Definitely funny to hear Mariska Hargitay trying to read slang or pronounce rap names. Such a hilariously bad choice in narrator that it had to have been intentional, though I don't get the intention.
Adore the musical, of course, and this provides a really interesting look into the process behind bringing it to the stage, Lin-Manuel Miranda's footnotes on the libretto, essays about most of the lead actors, and so many amazing pictures! If you like Hamilton you should get this book, it's stunning.
(Bookriot Read Harder 2016 Challenge: #23 Read a play)
5/5 stars
I received this book as a gift from my aunt, because she know's that I adore the musical Hamilton, and while I'm in my “I really want to read, but nothing sounds good” reading funk, I picked this up because it's something way, way different then what I usually read. And I knew I enjoy it from the first word, and I was right.
It was so fascinating to read about the birth of the musical, and the trials and events that help influence the musical. I found myself staring at the pictures throughout for way too long, and all of Lin-Manuel Miranda's annotations during the song lyrics was my favorite part.
If you enjoy Hamilton like I do (or even if you don't), pick up this book, because not only is this book interesting, it's absolutely gorgeous.
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