75 Questions
What is the musical Hamilton primarily based on?
The 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Which of the following musical styles does Hamilton draw from?
Hip hop and R&B
How does the casting of Hamilton differ from traditional musicals?
It casts non-white actors as the Founding Fathers
How did Lin-Manuel Miranda describe the musical Hamilton?
As a story about America then, as told by America now
Where did Hamilton premiere before transferring to Broadway?
The Public Theater in Lower Manhattan
What prestigious award did Hamilton win in 2016?
The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Who is the main character in Hamilton?
Alexander Hamilton
In which city did the first non-English production of Hamilton open?
Hamburg
Which character in Hamilton insists on his authority through a song named 'You'll Be Back'?
King George III
Who does Eliza Schuyler fall in love with and eventually marry in Hamilton?
Alexander Hamilton
Which character does Aaron Burr have an affair with in Hamilton?
Theodosia
Who does King George address as 'My Sweet, submissive subjects'?
The Americans
'Guns and Ships' refers to an event where Hamilton convinces Washington to recall him to help plan which battle?
Battle of Yorktown
'You'll Be Back' is a song where King George III warns America about what?
His return to power
Who plays the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Australian production of Hamilton?
Akina Edmonds
Which character in the Australian production is played by Victory Ndukwe?
Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson
When did performances of the Australian production of Hamilton resume after the suspension due to COVID-19?
October 19, 2021
Which actor's performance in the Melbourne production of Hamilton was particularly praised by critics?
Jason Arrow
Who plays the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the Australian production of Hamilton?
Shaka Cook
In which theatre did the Melbourne production of Hamilton open on March 15, 2022?
Her Majesty's Theatre
What was Hamilton's role in the newly formed government under President Washington?
Secretary of the Treasury
What did Hamilton co-author that helped shape the United States government?
The Federalist Papers
What did Hamilton's financial plan involve in the Compromise of 1790?
Both A and B
What did Hamilton's affair with Maria Reynolds result in?
Blackmail by Maria Reynolds' husband
What did Hamilton publish to salvage his political career after the Reynolds affair?
The Reynolds Pamphlet
What did Eliza do in retaliation to Hamilton's publication of the Reynolds Pamphlet?
She burned all the letters he wrote her
Who did Hamilton's son Philip duel with, resulting in his fatal shooting?
George Eacker
What led to the duel between Hamilton and Burr?
Hamilton's endorsement of Jefferson in the 1800 election
What did Hamilton reflect on before the duel with Burr?
His legacy
What did King George III receive word of in the musical?
George Washington stepping down as President
What event does the musical depict towards the end?
Hamilton's death at the hands of Burr
How does Eliza keep Hamilton's legacy alive, according to the musical?
By interviewing war veterans and establishing an orphanage
What is the significance of the musical's ending scene?
Hamilton shakes Eliza's hand, and she gasps tearfully towards the audience
What is the purpose of the song "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story"?
To reflect on Hamilton's legacy and how it is remembered
What is the significance of the Hamilton Mixtape?
It is a collection of remixes, covers, and samples of the musical's songs
What is the purpose of the Hamildrops series?
To release remixes and covers of songs from the musical
Which artist was featured in the third Hamildrop release?
"Weird Al" Yankovic
How did "Weird Al" Yankovic's "The Hamilton Polka" come about?
Miranda hesitantly pitched the idea to Yankovic, who eagerly agreed
What was the significance of the Hamilton Instrumentals release?
It allowed fans to organize sing-along events with the musical's songs
What was the significance of the first Hamildrop release, "Ben Franklin's Song"?
It was a song written by Miranda for Benjamin Franklin's character, which was ultimately cut from the musical
What was the title of the workshop production of Hamilton that Miranda performed in at Vassar College in 2013?
The Hamilton Mixtape
Which of the following was not part of the original off-Broadway cast that later moved to Broadway?
Jonathan Groff
What was the reason given for Utkarsh Ambudkar being replaced as Aaron Burr in the off-Broadway production?
His lack of sobriety at the time.
Which of the following was not one of the primary source documents that Miranda drew lyrics from for the musical?
The Declaration of Independence
At what event did Miranda first perform an early version of the song 'Alexander Hamilton'?
The White House Evening of Poetry, Music and the Spoken Word
Who served as the historical consultant for the Hamilton production?
Ron Chernow
Which of the following songs was cut down and refocused when the show moved from off-Broadway to Broadway?
One Last Time
Which actor from the 2014 workshop production at the 52nd Street Project is not mentioned as being part of that cast?
Christopher Jackson
Who overruled producer Jeffrey Seller's desire to take the show to Broadway quickly after its off-Broadway run?
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail
How many Tony Awards did the Broadway production of Hamilton win?
11
What was the uncommon arrangement reached between the cast and producers of Hamilton in April 2016?
A profit-sharing deal
When did the Chicago production of Hamilton begin previews?
September 27, 2016
Who played the role of Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago production of Hamilton?
Miguel Cervantes
What was the box office record for theater in Chicago that the Hamilton production broke?
$400 million
How many national touring productions of Hamilton were there initially?
2
What event prompted the relocation of Hamilton's Puerto Rico engagement from the Teatro UPR to the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center?
Protests from the local faculty and staff union over budget cuts
What was the purpose of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon taping segments in Puerto Rico?
To help boost tourism in Puerto Rico
According to the review by Chris Jones, how did Lin-Manuel Miranda's performance in Puerto Rico compare to his original run on Broadway?
It demonstrated deeper on-stage emotions and improved vocal and dance technique
What was the first beneficiary of the $15 million raised by the Puerto Rico engagement for Miranda's Flamboyán Arts Fund?
The restoration of the Teatro UPR
What was the purpose of the filmed version of 'Alexander Hamilton' featuring the Puerto Rico production?
To be included as part of Hamilton: The Exhibition in 2019
What was unique about the billing of the 'And Peggy Tour' in San Francisco?
It was billed as a separate production from the two traveling North American tours
Why was the Los Angeles production initially delayed from its intended debut in March 2020?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic
What was the name given to the Los Angeles production by the production team?
The Eliza Tour
When did the West End production of Hamilton reopen after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
August 2021
Where did Hamilton have its Australian premiere?
Sydney Lyric
What was the primary purpose behind the creation of the song "You Will Be Found/The Story of Tonight"?
To raise funds and awareness for the March for Our Lives initiative
What was the significance of the song "First Burn" featuring multiple actresses who played Eliza Hamilton?
It showcased Lin-Manuel Miranda's original draft of the song
What was the reason behind The Regrettes' cover of "Helpless"?
It was suggested by producer Mike Elizondo, and Miranda agreed
What was the significance of the release of "Boom Goes the Cannon..." by Mobb Deep?
It was a tribute to the late rapper Prodigy, who passed away in 2017
What was the purpose behind the release of "A Forgotten Spot (Olvidado)"?
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria striking Puerto Rico
What was unique about the release of "Theodosia Reprise" by Sara Bareilles?
It featured a song that was cut from the final production of Hamilton
What was the significance of the song "Cheering For Me Now"?
It commemorated the 1788 Federal Procession in New York City
What was the significance of the "44" in the title "One Last Time (44 Remix)"?
It referred to the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama
What inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create the musical Hamilton?
He read the biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
What was the original project that Lin-Manuel Miranda started before creating Hamilton?
The Hamilton Mixtape
Study Notes
Creation of Hamilton
- Lin-Manuel Miranda read Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton in 2008, which inspired him to create a musical about Hamilton's life.
- Miranda began working on the musical, initially titled "The Hamilton Mixtape", and performed an early version of the song "Alexander Hamilton" at the White House in 2009.
Musical Numbers and Recordings
- The original Broadway cast recording was released in 2015, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- The Hamilton Mixtape, a collection of remixes, covers, and samples of the musical's songs, was released in 2016.
- Hamildrops, a series of 13 recordings, was released from December 2017 to December 2018, featuring artists such as "Weird Al" Yankovic and Ben Platt.
Productions
- Off-Broadway production: The Public Theater, January 20, 2015 - May 3, 2015
- Broadway production: Richard Rodgers Theatre, July 13, 2015 - present
- London production: Victoria Palace Theatre, December 6, 2017 - present
- Australian production: Sydney Lyric, March 17, 2021 - present
Cast and Crew
- Original cast:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
- Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr
- Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler
- Phillipa Soo as Eliza Schuyler
- Creatives:
- Director: Thomas Kail
- Choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler
- Music and lyrics: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Awards and Accolades
- 11 Tony Awards (2016)
- Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album (2016)
Impact and Legacy
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Hamilton has been credited with helping to increase interest in American history and musical theatre.
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The musical has raised millions of dollars for various charitable organizations, including the Flamboyán Arts Fund, which supports arts education in Puerto Rico.### Hamilton: An American Musical
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Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with music, lyrics, and book by him, and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.
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Based on the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, covering the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the American Revolution and the early United States.
Production History
- Premiered off-Broadway on February 17, 2015, at the Public Theater in Lower Manhattan, with Miranda playing the role of Alexander Hamilton.
- Transferred to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, opening on August 6, 2015, receiving uniformly positive reviews and high box office sales.
- Won 11 awards at the 70th Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and received the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
- Filmed version of the Broadway production released in 2020 on Disney+.
Australian Production
- Led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Chloé Zuel as Eliza Hamilton, and others.
- Suspended performances due to Sydney's Second Wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on June 25, 2021, and resumed on October 19, 2021.
- Opened in Melbourne at Her Majesty's Theatre on March 15, 2022, and performed a Ham4Ham show on March 22, 2022.
Synopsis
- Narrates Alexander Hamilton's life in two acts, covering his involvement in the American Revolutionary War, marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and interactions with Aaron Burr.
- Act I covers Hamilton's early life, meeting Aaron Burr, John Laurens, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan, and his involvement in the American Revolution.
- Act II covers Hamilton's later life, including his duel with Aaron Burr and his eventual death.
U.S. National Tour
- Plans for a national tour emerged in January 2016, with over 20 stops scheduled from 2017 through at least 2020.
- First national touring production began preview performances at San Francisco's SHN Orpheum Theatre on March 10, 2017, and officially opened on March 23.
- Second U.S. tour began in Seattle on February 6, 2018, and toured North America concurrently with the first tour.
- Third touring company, dubbed the "And Peggy Tour", debuted in Puerto Rico in 2019 and then became a San Francisco production.
Other Productions
- Chicago production opened at the CIBC Theatre in 2016, starring Miguel Cervantes as Alexander Hamilton, and closed on January 5, 2020, after 1,341 shows.
- West End production opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London on December 21, 2017, and won seven Olivier Awards in 2018, including Best New Musical.
- Hamburg production opened in October 2022, translated into German, marking the first non-English production.
Test your knowledge about the 2015 biographical musical 'Hamilton' by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which covers the life of Alexander Hamilton and his role in the American Revolution and early United States history. See how much you know about the music, lyrics, and choreography of this award-winning production.
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