Aside from the financial success it already is, and I’m sure will continue to be, I absolutely think “Hamilton” will earn its place in theatre history. It really feels more like a “movement” than any other musical in many, many years. It doesn’t just feel “popular”, like BoM or Wicked -- it feels important. It’s unique, it’s a masterpiece of writing, it’s opening up theatre to new styles, fans, and diversity, and it’s already making noise in the mainstream.
With every new article I read, every new magazine it pops up in, every new piece of praise it receives from artists of all kinds, I get a sense of witnessing a moment in theatre history that will be talked about. I get the feeling that while it’s happening right now we aren’t even able to get a sense of just how much of an impact “Hamilton” will have on the course of this art form.
Between “Hamilton” and the success of “Fun Home” this year, I feel like we are in a very important and evolving time in musical theatre. The art form is always evolving, and it certainly doesn’t mean that musicals of old will no longer be produced or respected, but if these two musicals are an indication of where musical theatre is going and the possibilities of what can be put onstage (and accepted by the masses), I’m excited to see what else the success of these two musicals ushers in for the future.
Happy opening to the “Hamilton” company tonight! I’ll be there on Saturday to cheer everyone on.