hamilton homework

UAL L2 Performing Arts

Write a report on the Q&A / Discussion with the Hamilton cast.

Please write up this work on your blogs;

Deadline Monday 18^th November.

Answer the following questions:

1.     Briefly discuss the background context of Hamilton; who was Alexander Hamilton? What was his background and what did he achieve? What was important about him? What was happening in America at the time and what important historical events was he a part of part of? Why is Hamilton an important figure?

Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker and economist. Hamilton was an orphan, born to a half-British/half-French mother, who died when he was about 11, and a Scottish father, who left them.   They had no money.  However, when he was a teenager he was discovered to be a very good writer.  He was sent to university Kings College in New York by a group of elders. He fought in the American revolution and became right hand man to George Washington.  He also, co-founded the first bank of North America and married Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a general, whom he had met the year before the battle. Then, when the  war was almost over, he resigned his position to return to New York to join his wife and their son. Hamilton was remembered as an important part of US history. He was recognized as the first Secretary of the Treasure in the US.

2.     Who are the main characters in Hamilton and what are the central themes (subjects that are explored) ?

Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, George Washington, Elizabeth & quot Schuyler, Angelica Schuyler, John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, Hercules Mulligan, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Philip Hamilton, Maria Reynolds, Charles Lee, Samuel Seabury, King George III, Peggy Schuyler and George Eacker.

 The themes of Hamilton are War/Conflict.  The musical shows how the American revolution gave Hamilton his fame and success in the American government. Hamilton not only believes that war will help the country earn independence and prove its worth, but also would help him to stand out in history and prove himself.

 

3.       What are the different ways used to tell the story of ‘Hamilton’?

Singing, dance, and production skills, lights, sound, props, costumes.

4.       What musical styles did you hear in Hamilton?

I have heard Alexander Hamilton, My Shot, The Story Of Tonight, The Schuyler Sisters, Farmer Refuted, You’ll Be Back, Right Hand Man, Helpless, Satisfied, Wait for it, Stay Alive, 10 Duel Commandments, That Would Be Enough, History Has Its Eye On You, Yorktown,  Dear Theodosia, Non-Stop, (Act Two) What’d I Miss, Take A Break, Say No To This, The Room Where It Happens, Schuyler Defeated, Washington By Your Side, One Last Time, The Adama Administration, Hurricane, The Reynolds Pamphlet, Burn, Blow Us All Away, Its Quiet Updown, The Election Of 1800,Your Obedient Servant, The World Was Wide Enough and Finale

5.     How is this different/similar to other musicals you have seen?

All of these songs are involved in singing and dancing at the right pace live which makes me satisfied and persuading to watch every single bit. This also relating to the US history so it’s like I'm learning something new instead of just staring at them saying the lyrics. These songs for my opinion was motivational and also emotional because there were some sad bits in the song that made me upset but other than that the songs they were singing live was truly amazing.

6.     How successful were the performances in the production - were there any ‘stand out’ characters? What made their performances special?

For the production the musical takes the audience through the biography of the impassioned politician and invites the audience to contemplate the dramatic and momentous founding of the United States of America. The musical integrates rap and hip-hop into a traditional musical theatre score, and stages of historical events. Upon its premiere, the musical was instantly praised for its ingenious integration of elements, its fresh take on some dry history, and its meticulously rendered and catchy score. Its impact was unique in that it became an almost instant and record- breaking sensation. Not only were audiences clamouring to see the stage show, but people all across the country bought the soundtrack and praised its vital, explosive lyricism. Ticket prices were and remain unprecedentedly high, as hordes of people clamoured to see it onstage.

7.     How did the audience respond to the work at different points?
 

As I am one of the audiences I would say that the timing of the acting, dancing and singing is just like doing it by film with some editing and also how the casting was perfect, the staging was flawless, the choreography and the musicians were insane I just saw the rest of the audience cheer with happiness and hype.

8.     In the Q & A, what did you learn about the skills required to be part of the production?

What’s the most challenging thing to be in Hamilton?
 

“Being fresh everyday which was a challenge, the energy to get to the audience is the energy we are meant to have.”

 A school ask a question about “what is important about being successful?”

One of the people in the cast said that “introduce yourself and include everyone to be strong and stand together, we fight and fight and show people how it is, if we weren’t included to be an original then we wouldn’t be ourselves, this show is about being yourself and there’s nothing like it and also be truly who you are”. Another school decided to ask “What advice would you give to your young audience?”.

“For me, commitment... have belief of yourself, look at yourself at the mirror and believe yourself and try to think outside of the box, try and do everything, the dance, singing, acting, you have to find something else to do as well as not just chasing your 1 dream. Dont stop, the prices of writing let him come to New York, because of the story it keeps on showing up at the shows around the world.

 

 “How did they get ready for the show?”

 “My inspiration about what i do is to be a dad, as i am about to leave i get hugs from my two sons. When i take that step out from the door i know why i came to work, the folks are a family to me as well, connecting to people when i get to work is my thing, the important thing about getting ready for the show is home and the people in the cast”

What’s your favourite song to perform?

My shot is my favourite because it shows the power between each person and when we were all together so beautifully. Time is important also the power of the people, around the world remind me that we have powerful and push your limits to your dreams.

9.     What did you find out about the challenges of working as a performer in the industry?

 

What i found out about Gravin Spokes (King George) is that he had to remember all of those singing and acting in 2 DAYS! Which got me shocked because i thought actors take months to learn them but this guy was the funniest character ever and also inspirational as a comedian.

10.            What else did you find out about being part of the Hamilton production?

What I found out was actually one of the cast members said that “Time is important also the power of the people, around the world remind me that we have powerful and push your limits to your dreams.” That really did make me have a scene that in order to make everyone attracted to the stage there would be a pace of time and a movement while doing the act/singing

11.  What was the message or messages that Hamilton left the audience thinking about? 

The last bit they done is Jamel Westman (Alexander Hamilton) has done a little rap for the audience about being yourself and “raise your heart to freedom, raise your heart all day” That is showing the audience that they should be themselves no matter what. What the cast is trying to tell us is that they have the same life as us, believing in yourself, finding a true love, have a warm loved family and also being respectful to everyone around them.

12.            How can this inform your own approach to your training?

Hamilton has made me learn so many things that I at first didn’t believe. When I first went into the theatre my first impression was it was going to be boring but as the show got going I realised it was far more interesting than I had expected.  The songs were amazing they inspired me in so many ways and the pace of the singing and dancing left me with my jaws open. So what I should improve is to probably be in the main character because I would normally pick the shortest line and also i need to improve on my pace of time in order to keep the audience looking.