Discussion thread for Hamilton's streaming/theatrical release

Just finished it, and I'm gutted. I'd listened to the soundtrack enough to know what to expect, but the emotional hits in the second act are so much more powerful when you see them performed. "Burn" and "It's Quiet Uptown" were absolutely devastating.

Also, Eliza and Angelica can SING. They were phenomenal every time they were on stage -- and especially when they shared it. Beyond them there were so many great moments too. The "Helpless" and "Satisfied" back-to-back, Jefferson's entrance in the second act, the Cabinet Battles, recurring interludes from smarmy King George, "The Room Where It Happens" and "Washington on Your Side".

I already knew the writing and music was excellent, but seeing the complete picture with the staging and performances really drove home just how great and landmark this musical is. Really, I thought the whole thing was just splendid. I will probably re-watch it. Probably multiple times.

Also, I am very happy they chose to release it this way. I didn't get to see the live show when it toured in my area because ticket prices were still prohibitively expensive for me (and I definitely can't afford Broadway prices plus travel and lodging), so this was something I assumed I'd have to wait to see ten years down the road when another tour came around. I'm hoping its success will spur the release of more filmed plays. There is so much I want to see, and so many that I would revisit!

My thoughts: It was quite good.

The ensemble was not bad, the orchestra was good. The leads were great. I was really impressed by the singing of the Schuyler actresses. The lyrical agility of Lafayette/Jefferson was awesome. Mulligan/Madison had some real smooth vocals.

I have to say, though, that I found the choreography a bit on the subdued side. It seemed like there were at least 2 or 3 ensemble members that had the skills to pull off some impressive acrobatics. It wasn't until the last third or so of the show that they had a lift or went airborne more than 12 inches off the floor. I can only suppose that it was deliberately held back so as not to overshadow the vocal artistry.

I think the lyrics and musics were an epic work, especially considering there was next to no plain dialogue; there was music or beats practically from beginning to end. My hat goes off to Miranda for writing, producing and performing.

4 out of 5 stars; would recommend.

I loved it. I only listened to it through on Spotify before, and there are a number of things you don't get through the auditory experience.

The first is that Burr narrates the whole thing practically. Neat observation how he tells Hamilton's story until the end at which point Eliza takes over.

Peggy goes missing halfway through. This was kind of disturbing. Turns out she died young, but seeing her come on as a different character helped me make that connection.

The guy who plays Jefferson and Lafayette actually does some pretty sweet experimental rap. Story 2 by Clipping. is a great example. I watched with a friend and didn't make the connection until then.

Overall, I'd say the show should be seen at least once, then it can be mostly listened to. I didn't miss much, but having a visual for the characters while listening is a great help.

In addition to all the things they did fantastically well that other people have already mentioned, I was impressed by the camera work/editing for the recorded version. It was a lot more dynamic than other stage recordings I've seen. According to this they recorded it over three performances and cut them together. Whoever did it knows how to make a production play well on screen.

Coming from the position of one who generally doesn't like musicals, was annoyed by the hype, and was doubly annoyed by the incessant need of people i know to play the soundtrack: It was really good. Probably one of the best musicals I've seen, and I particularly enjoyed that it's song-to-song, rather than the awkward transition from a conversation to a number.

I'm also happy that it wasn't all rap, honestly that would have worn thin, but everybody did a bang-up job, even if the beginning was slightly rough. It seemed like it took a minute for everybody to get into it, but I enjoyed the whole thing.

I must say, I'm slightly disappointed in the subtitles...

Saw it, it was very tightly paced, to the point that if you bought the sound track, you pretty much got the whole show. I think it was exceptionally well made, but I felt like it needed some room to breathe between some of it's more frantic scenes.