'The Hamilton Phenomenon' brings together a diverse group of scholars
including university professors and librarians, educators at community
colleges, Ph.D. candidates and independent scholars, in an exploration
of the celebrated Broadway hit. When Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical
sensation erupted onto Broadway in 2015, scholars were underprepared for
the impact the theatrical experience would have. Miranda's use of rap,
hip-hop, jazz, and Broadway show tunes provides the basis for this
whirlwind showcase of America's past through a reinterpretation of
eighteenth-century history.
Bound together by their shared interest in 'Hamilton: an American
Musical', the authors in this volume diverge from a common touchstone to
uncover the unique moment presented by this phenomenon. The two parts of
this book feature different emerging themes, ranging from the meaning of
the musical on stage, to how the musical is impacting pedagogy and
teaching in the 21st century. The first part places Hamilton in the
history of theatrical performances of the American Revolution, compares
it with other musicals, and fleshes out the significance of postcolonial
studies within theatrical performances. Esteemed scholars and educators
provide the basis for the second part with insights on the efficacy,
benefits, and pitfalls of teaching using Hamilton. Although other
scholarly works have debated the historical accuracy of Hamilton, 'The
Hamilton Phenomenon' benefits from more distance from the release of the
musical, as well as the dissemination of the hit through traveling
productions and the summer 2020 release on Disney+. Through critically
engaging with Hamilton these authors unfold new insights on early
American history, pedagogy, costume, race in theatrical performances,
and the role of theatre in crafting interest in history.
