Hamilton
The Revolution
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4.6 • 352 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
A backstage pass to the groundbreaking, hit musical Hamilton, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, including the award-winning libretto, behind-the-scenes photos and interviews, and exclusive footnotes from composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda, now streaming on Disney+ with the original cast.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject, the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap, and claims our country's origins for a diverse new generation.
Hamilton: The Revolution gives readers an unprecedented view of both revolutions, from the only two writers able to provide it. Miranda, along with Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages -- "since before this was even a show," according to Miranda -- traces its development from an improbable performance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later. In addition, Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes for his award-winning libretto, the full text of which is published here.
Their account features photos by the renowned Frank Ockenfels and veteran Broadway photographer, Joan Marcus; exclusive looks at notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators, and more than 50 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself. The book does more than tell the surprising story of how a Broadway musical became a national phenomenon: It demonstrates that America has always been renewed by the brash upstarts and brilliant outsiders, the men and women who don't throw away their shot.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The hip-hop musical Hamilton: The Revolution has earned its own biography, which highlights the obstacles, influences, and powerful moments from its development to its Broadway success. McCarter narrates the introduction (which he wrote), and one can hear the excitement and enthusiasm he still has for both the musical and his work with Miranda. Actress Hargitay, longtime star of NBC's Law & Order: SVU, covers the lion's share of this performance, and she does an astounding job. She captures the energy and enthusiasm of the various people quoted throughout the book, while capturing the emphasis and tone to draw out some of the more emotional moments. Miranda chimes in for the last hour, reading and at times singing footnotes on the libretto, without the actual context of the script, which will be confusing for listeners who do not have the print book to follow along. A Grand Central hardcover.
Customer Reviews
Helpless
I have but just opened this book, and by doing so opened up a new world I was previously unaware of. The insight, the style of writing, the story itself has gripped onto me from the first word and has yet to let me go. Hamilton (the musical) has been my object of obsession for quite a period of time now and has inspired me like nothing has before. Well experienced in the excitement of a newly discovered Broadway (or otherwise) show, I never expected the amount dedicated, immaculate thought that contributed to the musical and the work behind the scenes. If you are a theater fan, you will love this book. If you are a history nerd, you will admire the cleverness of the lyrics, if you are an APUSH student in need of a lesson on Period 2, you will immensely appreciate the wealth of information packed into each song. If you are a rapper or in desperate need of rapping skills, Mr. Lin has got you covered. If you are any human being on this planet you will feel uplifted, inspired, and see the world through new eyes. I know this was supposed to be a review of the book, but anything and everything related Mr. Lin is amazing. I hope someday to thank him and Mr. Jeremy in person for the piece of pure art they have created, and maybe someday get a ticket to see the show. If Hamilton himself heard the sensational sound that is Lin's music, he would say that "THIS guy did not throw away his shot." And thank goodness he didn't because now we (his fans and admirers) can tell his story. One last time, thank you! You blew us all away and, although we have no control who live, who dies, and who tells our story, there are a lot of people who are going to make sure your story gets told. History has its eyes on you, Mr. Lin. No pressure...😉❤️⭐️☄ ~Sarah G
A musical for the ages
This book is awe inspiring it brings the process of making an ageless classic right to your fingertips
Amazing
I’m a big fan and I love what this book has. All the lyrics PLUS the behind the scenes content. It’s awesome and highly recommend.