Hamilton

[genxlib]

4. It really is genius on so many levels

I think it is an understatement to call it a great musical. I think it is a true piece of art that is an American treasure.

The fact that one person wrote the lyrics, music and performed the leading role is remarkable.

And beyond the genius, it really was a remarkable vision. Can you imagine the pitch meeting? "i'm thinking about a three hour sung-through musical about a marginal historical figure. Oh and even though it is a period piece, it will be done in hip-hop style with an all POC cast. And it will be written and scored by me for me to star in". If I had heard that pitch fifteen years ago, I could never have imagined it working.

And just to keep it at least a little bit political...it shows what can happen when you have a President with taste that fosters the arts. This video is a remarkable early view of the development process with Lin performing in the White House. I love it because you can instantly see the kernel of genius even though it wasn't even intended to be a musical yet at that time.