Hamilton Rules Over The Economy Once Again

In response to: http://deadline.com/2015/10/hamilton-on-broadway-returned-25-of-its-12-5m-costs-in-five-weeks-1201579336/

               Hamilton has been a revolutionary show on Broadway, and yes that was intentional. Not only has it proved original work can survive on Broadway nowadays, but it has had unprecedented financial success. The more than 3-hour show, which centers around the life of the first US Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, sounds like it would bore everyone to tears. But, seeing as this was created by the visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda, this is one of the most groundbreaking shows in years.

               One of the biggest factors that makes this show so special is its cast and score. The characters are all historical figures who are white men. But they have been cast with people of color. This is meant to show America then with America now. The score also sets it apart. Unlike other shows about this time period, 1776, it isn’t a traditional Broadway score. The score is all hip hop, something Miranda specializes in. All of this combined has given the show amazing success.

               Because of the diverse cast and score it has attracted a very wide fan base. It has brought people into theatre that would never have even considered listening to a show tune before. The album has topped all the charts, making it mainstream, something most shows nowadays don’t even dream of. The show also sold out for the next year, again something that most shows can’t even fathom.

               The show also has done something no other show has done as perfectly, held a lottery. Every day hundreds of people have been lining up to pay $10 to try and win 1-2 of the 21 seats given away. One of the biggest draws is the fact that Miranda gives people a show while they wait, so that even if you don’t win, you get to see something on Broadway, and usually they are really good. This lottery makes them so much money in itself.

               The lottery, the album, and the ticket sales have all made Hamilton a financial juggernaut. This is great not only for the show, but for Broadway itself. It is bringing in new audiences. It also proves that work like this can be successful, as well as give lots of opportunities for actors who aren’t white. The fact that this show is making back its investment so quickly is amazing. It will encourage more investors to try and invest in Broadway shows, which will bring on more shows. And more shows mean more financial success for Broadway.