Hamilton bias — Page 2

ChildofEarth said: "I have a feeling the Tony Awards are going to show just how tired people are of the onslaught of Hamilton this year."

If Hamilton doesn't win in all its Tony categories, I don't think that implies "people are tired of onslaught". The acting categories, for instance, seem to be overly saturated with Hamilton nominees. That situation might divide/balance the votes enough for another actor to capture the category.

That doesn't mean people are tired of the show, though. The fact that those categories are Hamilton-heavy might indicate the opposite.

John Adams said: "If Hamilton doesn't win in all its Tony categories, I don't think that implies "people are tired of onslaught". The acting categories, for instance, seem to be overly saturated with Hamilton nominees. That situation might divide/balance the votes enough for another actor to capture the category.

That doesn't mean people are tired of the show, though. The fact that those categories are Hamilton-heavy might indicate the opposite."



I agree with this. I think Hamilton was rightfully nominated in so many categories because those elements of the show are among the best this season, but it doesn't mean they will be deemed the best. Ones that come to mind here are set design and choreography.

And Reidel has had an axe to grind for a while now.

"I only think those in the industry that are tired of it are people that are incredibly jealous of its success. (and I don't throw around the "jealously card" often.)"



I realize that you backed off this opinion, saying that you didn't "even know if there is any community/professional resentment" (which makes me wonder why you said it to begin with), but no, industry people are not jealous of the successes of Hamilton - or any other successful show. Even Wicked



That would be silly, childish and petty. Whether a Broadway professional personally likes a show or loathes it, they know that such juggernauts are great for the business in general. It's good for everyone, and that's nothing to be jealous over.



As others have said, if you're suffering from Hamilton fatigue, it's easy enough to avoid. Turn the page or change the channel.

LMM is pretty beloved in the community, as is the rest of the cast and the show itself.

If Hamilton loses in categories in which it is nominated, it will be because this has been a very good year for musicals on Broadway and Hamilton- while, I think, the best musical and production of the season- isn't necessarily the best in every category. I personally would vote for Shuffle Along's choreography, for example.

Riedel should not be taken as the gospel truth on any topic, and especially not Hamilton- a show he has openly expressed a desire to take down a peg.

As for the media onslaught: deal with it. Hamilton is that very rare musical nowadays that has managed to actually slip into the mainstream. "Story of Tonight" has gotten a cover that plays on the radio. The album debuted at #12 on Billboard. The show helped keep Hamilton on our currency. Of course theatre sites will want to capitalize on that because it means more traffic. People want to read about it and engage about it. Soon, they won't. And the articles will dwindle. But for now, deal with it. It's a show that is actually culturally relevant.

dramamama611 said: "I fully expect Hamilton's women to get shut out. Not because they aren't wonderful but because I think there were other amazing performances. I'll actually be disappointed if Erivo doesn't walk away with a statue."

Wow, you don't expect Renée Elise to win featured actress? Phillipa is a no brainer.

OK...maybe "fully expect" might have been a bit strong, and yes, I agree, Goldsberry has the better chance between the two.

Riedel has a strong bias against Hamilton. I really won't take anything he says about it seriously. If there was a fatigue it would have affected the nominations... Also LMM is loved in the theater community. It's not going to win every category but I doubt it will be because of the resentment or fatigue among tony voters.

And again Hamilton being big is only good for Broadway. For a lot of people it will be their gateway show to get interested in Broadway and theatre. Sure there are some people that just care about Hamilton, but who cares? If people are tired of Hamilton they should just ignore it.

Updated On: 5/5/16 at 11:12 AM

The Variety piece brought up another great point, are visitors to New York shelling out insane amounts of money on a pair of Hamilton tickets and not seeing anything else?

The Australian newspapers ran a piece on someone who payed over $1400USD for two tickets to sit in the second last row and she was saying that was the only thing she saw, cause her theatre budget went on one show!

I have talked to people who have come into town thinking they can get tickets to a hit show that is sold in advance. When they realized they couldn't get tickets they didn't see another show. I have suggested shows to them and the response was "No, we really wanted to see...".

I think it is great when Broadway gets into the national news/spotlight, but it seems to always be about just one show. There also always seems to have to be an angle also. "rent" was fueled by Larson's deat. "The book of Mormon" had the South Park creators behind it. "Wicked" and "Lion King" had built in draws. I could be wrong but there came a point where "Hamilton" overshadowed everything that there was no way for other shows to get any more attention. Every week it seems that the show is making some kimd of news. It was even swept into the changes of people on currency.

In my opinion this has been a womderfully diverse season. Possibly, in one without "Hamilton" we would have heard more about the blood in "Ameican Psycho" and is it "too much for Broadway". But all eyes are on "Hamilton". But as mentioned here a few times, if you are tired of it, ignore the coversge and conversations".

Yeah, I am a bit over it. but it is now what it is. I don't read every thread or comment on it but I like to check in from time to time. Like now! Jmo

I agree with what you say about past big Broadway shows having an angle to work with. Do you think Hamilton has one? I don't which is what makes what has happened with it so remarkable to me. In fact, on paper it is the opposite of commercially appealing. Hip-hop founding fathers sounds weird and embarrassing. I'm amazed that its got as far as it has by what is mostly word of mouth.

"But I am also sick of Hamilton."

Likewise, to the 100th power. Actually, I was sick of it during it.


" It was almost refreshing to see the Drama Desk nominations without Hamilton eligible. "

I felt exactly the same way, minus the qualifier, "almost." It was the sweetest sensation of gladsomeness, like the joy you feel when the first buds of spring appear.


"I have said all along that the attention on Hamilton would be positive for all of Broadway and I hope that's true. Is it true?"



I don't think so. Case in point: if the rumored $995 ticket price comes to pass.



"Or do the non-Broadway fans interested in Hamilton only care about Hamilton?"



I don't think it likely that they'll now turn their attention to She Loves Me or the original cast recordings of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or Ben Franklin in Paris.

uncageg said: "There also always seems to have to be an angle also. "rent" was fueled by Larson's deat. "The book of Mormon" had the South Park creators behind it. "Wicked" and "Lion King" had built in draws."

Do you think there's an angle with Hamilton's popularity?

" "Wicked" and "Lion King" had built in draws."

Lion King, sure - but Wicked? What was its draw? That it has a peripheral connection to The Wizard of Oz? Surely not the dark book that has little in common with the light-hearted spectacle. On paper, Wicked's success seems as unlikely as you think Hamilton's is. On that subject:

"In fact, on paper it is the opposite of commercially appealing. Hip-hop founding fathers sounds weird and embarrassing. I'm amazed that its got as far as it has by what is mostly word of mouth."

"mostly word of mouth"? You say this in a thread that is bemoaning the ubiquity of Hamilton press? LMM is a very sincere person, but he's also shrewd and media savvy.

"Yes it's a good thing - kind of - but in this case, it's reinforcing to mainstream America that Broadway is too expensive and they can't afford it."

It's a good thing for theater, period. Broadway is not the final word in theater. Mainstream America can see Hamilton in their home towns on tour, and they will. Many will go on to see other shows, and yes, many will come to Broadway and off-Broadway as a direct result of the Hamilton hype. I don't think it will have the longevity of Chicago, but eventually, it is similar in that it will become more affordable, and people will still want to see it years down the line.

Updated On: 5/5/16 at 12:48 PM