ljay889 said: "Dave13 said: "Bottom line. Most other shows are simply pure entertainment. Hamilton is entertaining and educational. I doubt another show has or will every be able to come close to it. "
A statement like this is what irritates people. So no other show in the rich history of American musical theater has come close to Hamilton? Really? Showboat, Oklahoma, Gypsy, Fiddler, Cabaret, 1776, A Chorus Line, Company, Sweeney Todd just to name a few....you're saying those shows cannot touch Hamilton?? I understand Hamilton is a groundbreaking show, but I refuse to believe that it's the greatest show in the history of musical theater, a show that not even the classics can touch. I don't buy it.
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What distinguishes Hamilton from the rest of the shows you mentioned, is the impact Alexander Hamilton had in creating this country. The Alexander Hamilton story seems to be basically forgotten, as the Treasury decided to remove Hamilton from the $10 bill. Now it appears the Treasury seems to be back tracking from its decision to remove Hamilton from the $10 bill. Did Hamilton the musical force the Treasury to change it mind? Possibly. It certainly didn't hurt. What Broadway musical has changed government policy or decisions?
Also, it appears the timing of the Hamilton musical appears to be perfect given the fact it appeared we were almost erasing Hamilton from the history books. Now there is talk Hamilton will be produced as a movie. Not sure if it will be based upon the musical, or simply the biography. Nonetheless, the musical created this awareness of Hamilton. It will be a long time before Alexander Hamilton is "forgotten" again.
Simply, I cannot think of another show that has had that much impact and its only the beginning.
Not to be confused with Dave19.