So, You've Seen Hamilton!
Hamilton Movie Response - A Call to Visit the Theatre
Did you watch the Hamilton movie?
→ Yes! → Read below for what to do next!
→ No. → Go watch it, then read this!
Humble brag: I saw Hamilton on Broadway this past October.
I played and lost the ticket lottery for years, and after just 9 days of playing, my dad won. Of course he was required to take me as his plus one. The whole experience was a dream. When you enter the theatre and declare that you have won the lottery the staff escorts you to the first row of seats and you subsequently soak up the spit and sweat and stamina of the performers in this iconic and game changing piece of American Musical Theatre.
Like many others who had seen Hamilton before the Broadway shut down in March, I was very excited to experience this theatrical masterpiece again, only this time on Disney +. What a treat that we are now able to access this show over and over from the comfort of our homes. However, like many, I was not totally satisfied as I watched the movie and I longed to be back in the room where it happens!
For a live performance of a musical theatre piece to be made available to many more people than it typically reaches is astonishing (Note: I realize that this movie is not accessible to all as it is on a subscription based platform, but I think it is safe to say that it is reaching many more than the roughly 1300 seats per night at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway). This new trend of making live performance more accessible is so exciting and something we should be working to continually improve upon. We have seen it with Broadway HD, as well as many theatre companies making their performances available to watch online. And then there is the seeming resurgence of movie musicals in Hollywood! This should all be encouraged, but in these difficult times how can we use these streamed performances to accentuate the importance of going to a live theatre production and not make it obsolete? I do worry about the long term impact. When theatre is back in full force, will people find going to the theatre even less enticing than it was before?
While I love Hamilton as a movie, in this version you are missing quite a few things. You are missing the booming of the cannons in “Yorktown,” the specificity of the ensemble members on the rafters, the squinting and adjusting your eyes would be doing due to the brilliant lighting design by Howell Binkley. You are missing being a part of an audience that laughs and cries and feels together. And so much more. These are all key differences in what you will continue to miss by only watching a live performance as a movie and following up by going to the theatre.
We cannot go to shows right now. Right now we are in a time where health and safety takes priority more than ever before and to have live theatre in any capacity right now is unnecessary and irresponsible. I am not sure if we are in a world in which the future of theatre is actually in jeopardy, but it certainly feels that way. As a thespian, the panic is setting in. I think it is imperative to in our communities the joys and sorrows and catharsis the theatre has brought to us. I have been moved by theatre as a performer, audience member, front of house staff, stagehand, student and in so many other roles; those are experiences and memories I would not want to be deprived of moving forward. I want you to have them too.
So now you’ve seen Hamilton. What will you do next?
The reality that we are in right now is that theatre is not coming back for some time. For right now, as you watch productions from home, I ask that you remember the value that the American theatre has had on our culture and human experience for generations. For right now, I propose that you commit to going to the theatre when the pandemic is over. Whether or not you liked Hamilton I hope you saw the value of theatre through viewing it. For many, and hopefully for you, theatre can be an escape, entertainment, learning tool, commonality, conversation, community, love, etc. By committing now to going to see live theatre in the future you are committing to bettering yourself and supporting the work of so many artists in your own community. Trust me.
It is not easy to get to the theatre. It costs a lot, it takes up precious free time, and it can be far away. Below are some resources to make it easier to get your future plans underway.
Today Tix is my favorite resource for discounted theatre tickets. I frequently use them to get deals on Broadway and NYC comedy tickets. They are located in NYC and 14 other cities including Chicago, Boston & San Francisco. It is also worth noting that their response to the theatre shut down during the pandemic has been both responsive and admirable as they are currently rebranded as Tomorrow Tix.
Do a quick Google search for “regional and community theatre near me”. I grew up on Long Island, and the Long Island Community Theatre Cooperative is a great resource. Can’t find anything in your area? Comment below, I would be happy to help!
Poor Stuart’s Guide has an extensive list of regional theatres in the U.S. Find ones near you and visit their websites to get updates on their seasons. Subscribe to their emails to get reminders for all of their shows and events!
IMPORTANT: While committing to supporting the arts in post-pandemic times supports artists, you can immediately support performers and theatre professionals by donating to the Actors Fund’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief. Any amount helps and will benefit a theatre professional struggling during this “intermission.” Please remember that nearly all theatre professionals will not work until at least 2021.
Comment below with your thoughts on the Hamilton movie and theatre plans you are excited for in 2021!