HIST 010 UCR Musical Theatre Discussion

Answer this question first,

Have you listened to or seen Hamilton before? Or, have you heard of it? What do you know about it? If this is your first exposure to Hamilton, what are your first impressions?

Then, pick two of the following questions to answer.

1.1776, New York City. The stage is set for revolution. What are the main ideas and issues surrounding the revolution as presented in the musical?

2.“Farmer Refuted” uses the text of a real document by Samuel Seabury. What was his argument, and what’s the debate?

3. How is King George III portrayed?

4. What references are made to race, labor, and slavery in the first part of the musical?

5. Lin-Manuel Miranda said that making King George III a character in the musical “robs the American revolution of its inevitability.” Christopher Jackson, who plays Washington, made a similar comment about understanding the urgency of the war for General Washington and the sense that the Americans might not win. Both of these statements relate to ideas of contingency. How does the musical portray that idea?

You should write at least 250 words total this week, but the goal is to engage with the material and demonstrate critical thinking – I’m looking for a mind at work! (get it?)

Responses should be proofread and clearly written

You should use specific examples and lyrics from the musical

This is about the musical and about you – you don’t need to use anything else, but if you do, you need to cite it (please and thank you!)

download the soundtrack on iTunes/Apple Music, etc.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/hamilton-american…

As you listen, you may want to check out this web site which has the lyrics and some annotations

https://genius.com/albums/Lin-manuel-miranda/Hamilton-an-american-musical-original-broadway-cast-recording