On Sunday, June 12, Broadway will be celebrating its biggest night of the year with the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards. After one of the Big Apple’s greatest seasons in live entertainment, audiences across the nation will be a part of a spectacle of performances, celebrity presenters, and award announcements. So who will take the cake?
Surprising as it may seem, the show that has taken the world by storm this season was not a dazzling display of sequins, bright lights, jazzy tunes and choreographed “Fosse” ensembles. The Broadway musical that has been buzzed about since its opening is actually about American history and the father of the economy, Alexander Hamilton. “Hamilton”, written by Broadway vet Lin Manuel-Miranda (nominated both for book, score, and actor), has drawn so much attention not only among school-sponsored field trips, but average show-goers who frequent the theater. With a total of 16 nominations, this underdog has become the frontrunner for the Tony ticket.
With a narration reminiscent of “In the Heights”, Miranda’s previous award-winning Broadway show, “Hamilton” puts history in a new light—a fun light. Viewers abound rave about the entertainment quality of the musical. It takes a historical period and transforms it to grab the attention of present-day viewers, both teaching and entertaining all in one sitting. That is why a number of educational institutions surrounding the Great White Way have been flocking to the theater left and right. For once, it is not a struggle to educate kids and teens about American history – with rapping, singing, and dancing around, they can’t help but keep their eyes glued to the stage, retaining all of the information behind the lyrics.
Jonathan Levin, the Pascack Hills history buff, was fortunate enough to tag along with Mrs. Deborah Horn’s class on a field trip earlier this year to see the show. After an all-star performance, Levin couldn’t help but rave about the show months later.
“‘Hamilton’ was truly a spectacular show,” said Levin. “Not only was the soundtrack ridiculously catchy but Lin-Manuel Miranda did an excellent job of depicting the life of a man people truly don’t appreciate.”
With sold-out shows for months on end, it is no question that “Hamilton” is the show to beat at this year’s Tony Awards. But only time will tell and other musicals may make their mark on the stage. Until then, this American attraction holds the reigns as the predicted victor on June 12.
