Will Hamilton become a cultural icon?- Page 2

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 5:58pm

I thought you were asking if Alexander Hamilton would become a more prominent figure in American culture. I thought that was more interesting so I'll respond to that first. I'm not sure. I don't think Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson or Assassins are on par with Hamilton's success but still, I'm not sure how strong they were as educational tools. 

As for your actual question, I'm not sure what you're asking. The cultural lexicon thing is confusing because the people behind things like The Simpsons and Family Guy and SNL include theatre geeks. So yes, they'll throw in jokes and parodies but they do that for more obscure things too. As for it being a phenomenon on par with Rent and Rocky Horror, I don't think it lends itself to the same kind of fandom. I could see certain fashion elements catching on from designers who are inspired by the show but people aren't going to just start walking around in frock coats and pantaloons.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 7:37pm

Alexander Hamilton as a cultural icon. Interesting.

I think I'm trying figure out if Hamilton is going to have a noticeable impact on pop culture of today. In 50 years, will this be remembered? When I think about the hype surrounding Rent, for example, I think some of the attention it was getting was simply about the amount of attention it drew. It was at the dawn of the Internet era. This is a musical at the height of the social media age. 

What I personally see is for every person going gaga over Hamilton with an Instagram post saying, "OMG, GUYZZZZ! Hamilton! Selfie with Jonathan Groff he's super hot!", I'm seeing a lot of of genuine discussion about what makes the show important and how is the commentary on our collective past, present, and future.

As for Andrew Jackson...well...I teach middle school social studies. I'm expected to teach AJ  as both a hero and a villain. BBAJ teaches one side of that story. I've had a few kids bring it up to me about why we can't listen to it to discuss Jacksonian politics and whether he was this huge, moody character.

[Kad]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 7:56pm

I love Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and this show is no Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson- and I mean that as a compliment. Leagues more complex, emotional, intelligent.

To dismiss the show as lacking "real" singing and dancing- when it very much has both- and dismiss the cast as "hip-hoppers"- well, damn. 

So glad you're above different approaches to music and musical theatre. So you don't like hip-hop. You don't like period costumes coupled with contemporary sound. It sounds like the problem with the show is that it wanted you to view it with an open mind.

Updated On: 8/6/15 at 07:56 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 9:19pm

"I am glad for it. Still feel the same. Many will see this & pay thru the nose to have bragging rights to say they saw it."

I paid $50 as a Public Theater member to see it from the third row. Surely, I should get to brag more than someone who paid $300+ on Broadway, no?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 9:51pm

It's ground breaking.  Original.  A game changer.  

I don't care if it's ever performed on the road or in schools or communities.   It matters now.   It makes a difference.   It already is a cultural icon.   

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 10:21pm

""I am glad for it. Still feel the same. Many will see this & pay thru the nose to have bragging rights to say they saw it."
I paid $50 as a Public Theater member to see it from the third row. Surely, I should get to brag more than someone who paid $300+ on Broadway, no? "

 Absolutely, hate. There is no greater thrill to me than seeing a show off-B, in early previews, that no one is paying attention to, and realizing about half way through that you have just seen a show that others will pay dearly to see on Broadway.

That said,I don't really understand the bragging rights thing. I go to the theatre for the experience, not to say I did. Yes there are certainly people in this world who do, but I wouldn't expect to find them here. Most theatre-lovers I know are not just looking for notches in their belts. (And to be clear, I'm not suggesting you see shows to brag.)