Posted: 9/20/15 at 8:43pm
Should I listen to the Hamilton original broadway cast recording (it releases Sept. 25) before I see the show? I can't decide. Thanks!
Updated On: 9/20/15 at 08:43 PM
Posted: 9/20/15 at 8:49pm
Cast recording.
Hard call with this show. On one hand, it is a DENSE show and hard to process the show as it is happening as a result, in the sense that I felt I could never savor one amazing moment because the next one had already started. But, I also like seeing it live first anyway? So, if you think you will have multiple chances to see the show, maybe see it live first. If you may only see it with the OBC once, maybe listen first and get your bearings?
Posted: 9/20/15 at 8:50pm
Get ready for the onslaught of vituperative corrections ("OBC", not "ST"
. But yeah, I'd like to listen to it myself, before I see it 10/4. Thanks for raising the question.
Posted: 9/20/15 at 9:01pm
I think it would be a lot better to experience the music for the first time in the theatre. As in, don't listen to the cast recording. It seems like the recording is quite dense and I'm expecting it to be like reliving the show.
Listening to the music before seeing it might make your experience at the show less exciting.
I saw Hamilton in late July and have been dying to hear the music again - I cannot wait for Friday.
Posted: 9/20/15 at 10:03pm
lauren, as others have said, it is a pretty open question. On the one hand, I am a big fan of discovery; on the other, I don't think it will spoil anything for you because this show really truly is a synthesis of its elements.
Posted: 9/20/15 at 10:16pm
I'm of the ilk that I want my first experience to be in the theater. I did listen to Fun Home before seeing it, I couldn't stand the idea of waiting months.
Posted: 9/20/15 at 10:35pm
I loved seeing it fresh for the first time, and generally don't listen to OBCRs before I see a show. I usually pick out lyrics pretty easily though.
My mom wished she had had the OBCR before we saw it because she missed some words but she still loved it. She likes to listen to something multiple times before she goes in if possible so she isn't spending energy trying to catch the words.
So yeah--to each their own.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way. (Or if you don't--it won't be because you did or didn't listen to the recording.)
Posted: 9/21/15 at 4:14am
Saw Hamilton Saturday and while I'm excited to have the soundtrack, I'm glad my first experience with the music/show was in the theatre! Either way you're in for a wonderful performance when you see the show! We LOVED it!
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:00am
I would say it's always more exciting to discover a score in the context of the show.
But now, with ticket prices being what they are, especially for this show, it might be advantageous to hear a few of the songs in advance to see if you like them, and to help you decide if you are going to fork over big bucks to see it. I found the score undistinguished in the extreme. Others who feel the same might decide to spend their money in more rewarding fashion.
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:12am
The good news is: you're going to see Hamilton!
Because the material comes at you so fast and furiously, I would say listening to the album would increase your comprehension, BUT...
All of us who have seen it already (some several times!) have experienced the wonderful rush of entering that world and being immersed in it, lost and at its mercy, and coming to know the story, the characters and the point-of-view for the first time. That in itself is a wonderful experience and more than one of my friends has remarked that they feel a certain sudden sadness at intermission because, in the words of one, "I'll never see Hamilton for the first time ever again."
Whichever way to see it you choose, you'll be experiencing one of the greatest shows of your life. ENJOY!.
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:19am
Every word said on stage is said in the album, according to this website, which also features a first listen. I'm currently listening to act one. I'm LIVING.
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:22am
"All of us who have seen it already (some several times!) have experienced the wonderful rush of entering that world and being immersed in it, lost and at its mercy"
All of us?
You' ve got to be kidding. Since you outrageously and offensively chewed out a poster here who stated not having liked it, you know only too well that your statement is untrue.
As for me, I was certainly not lost in it. I was at its mercy, though. The problem is --- it was merciless!
Updated On: 9/21/15 at 08:22 AM
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:34am
Oh, pish-tosh. I've ceased believing you even go to the things you say you hate.
Posted: 9/21/15 at 8:39am
^
What you believe is irrelevant to the truth.
As is what you say.
Posted: 9/21/15 at 9:04am
After Eight said: "As for me, I was certainly not lost in it. I was at its mercy, though. The problem is --- it was merciless!"
Is it really other people's happiness that drives them up the wall?
Posted: 9/21/15 at 10:28am
CindersGolightly said: "Every word said on stage is said in the album, according to this website, which also features a first listen. I'm currently listening to act one. I'm LIVING.
"
It isn't EVERYTHING. Between Dear Theodosia and Non-Stop there is something missing, at least on this NPR version.
