Have you heard of this little Broadway show called Hamilton? I’ve always been a Broadway lover, but this extraordinary musical and its soundtrack has made fans out of much of America.
I have listened to the soundtrack countless times, read the biography on which the musical is based, and watched every clip related to the show that I could get my hands on. I managed to snag tickets in December before the mania peaked, and clutched them in my sweaty little hand for ten months.
Finally, I experienced the phenomenon that is Hamilton last week. I’ve seen many, many shows. I’ve seen Wicked eight times. Hamilton is hands down the best musical I have ever seen. I do not exaggerate when I say that October 5, 2016 ranks in the top ten days of my life.
The day begins at 5:30 a.m., when I almost leap out of bed. By 6:45 a.m. six giddy women are piled into a Highlander and headed to the greatest city in the world.
On the way, we each enter the online Hamilton lottery for a chance to get $10 front row tickets. I’m not throwing away my shot to be up close and personal!
TIP: Enter the same day digital lottery before the show. What do you have to lose? Do it HERE.
As complete Hamilton dorks, we all take photos of the Weehawken Public Library as we drive by. The Hamilton/Burr duel took place in Weehawken, because everything is legal in New Jersey. It probably didn’t take place at the library, but close enough.
We arrive in the city and head straight to the theater to take photos before lunch. As we approach, we all get emails telling us we did not win the lottery. I frown for less than two seconds, because I still have a ticket and we are almost in the room where it happens!
TIP: Go the the theater a few hours before showtime if you want to take photos without lots of people around.
I can barely contain my excitement, but it’s only 11:00 a.m. and I’m willing to wait for it. We walk around, get lunch (including delicious chocolate banana pudding from Magnolia bakery), and get back to the theater at 1:00.
And then…
As we approach the stage door, cast member and swing Andrew Chappelle is heading in. I follow Andrew on Snapchat and love the backstage peeks he shares during the show. We go a little crazy, and fangirl all over him. He was so gracious and agreed to pose for a pic or two or five.
I post this selfie pic on Facebook, and a friend comments, “I’ve never seen you happier.” I may have pulled a cheek muscle.
Our place in line is right by the stage door, so we get to see much of the cast hop out of taxis and sneak inside. I chat with a lovely couple from L.A., hoping I don’t creep them out with my enthusiasm. On the contrary, they seem to catch my excitement as I provide commentary on each cast member we see.
Both Mandy Gonzalez (Angelica) and Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton) stopped to take a photo with a little girl dressed up as Eliza Hamilton. At this point it is thirty minutes before show time, but they each take the time to pose with a young fan. Very classy.
TIP: Doors open thirty minutes before showtime, but if you arrive an hour before, you can catch some of the cast heading in the stage door. You’ll also get in the theater faster and be able to use the restroom before the line gets ridiculously long.
At 1:30 we head into the theater and to our seats. Our view is INCREDIBLE.
I know from experience that using the ladies’ room at intermission is incredibly stressful, and the faster you can get to the loo, the better. I am sitting five in from the aisle, so I swallow my pride and all social graces and say to the four strangers on my right: “This may be obnoxious, but we are going to haul ass to get to the restroom as soon as intermission starts, so would you mind letting us through?”
All four people look at me a little strangely, but they agree to let us pass. I settle in for the first act – OMG I’m seeing Hamilton!!
I’ll come back to my thoughts on the show later, but fast-forward to intermission when, true to their word, the people in my row let us pass so we can race to the ladies’ room. By the time we finish, the line is up the stairs, down the hall, and into the theater.
TIP: Hold your bladder or get to the ladies room as fast as you can. I would not be surprised if some women missed the beginning of the second act.
I turn my phone on when I get back to my seat, and see a text from my daughter with this screen shot:
That was us! I quickly reply:
@Achapphawk That was us! You are slaying it! #putusonthelist pic.twitter.com/dBnkq5J8Rz
— Dana (@KissMyList) October 5, 2016
I barely have time to finish my tweet when the second act begins. Much too quickly, the show ends and we head out to the stage door to be fangirls again. First out is Andrew, and I ask him to confirm that we are indeed the ladies he tweeted about.
He confirms it, and takes a video to post to his Snapchat. We wave and scream like fools, but we do not care.
Each cast member who comes out the stage door signs every Playbill and takes every photo requested. They are all so lovely, on top of being extraordinarily talented. We take selfies with each one.
Michael Luwoye is Aaron Burr, sir for our show. He is the first man to play the role of both Hamilton and Burr, and he tells us that we saw him perform in only his second show as Burr. I would never have guessed; he was amazing.
Hope Easterbrook is in the ensemble, and she tells us she is heading out to get a burger before the evening show. Even though we know the entire soundtrack by heart, seeing the staging and the incredible ensemble blows us all away.
Elizabeth Judd is the understudy for Eliza Hamilton, and she knocked it out of the park with her clear, pure voice.
While we are all disappointed to learn that Chris Jackson is not performing as George Washington, we are not at all disappointed in his understudy, Nicholas Christopher.
TIP: Do not let the fact that you are seeing understudies (or not the original cast) dampen your excitement. Every actor in every role is fabulous, and the superb music and lyrics remain strong regardless of who is singing.
Still coming down from my high, I float over to the Carnegie Deli to get my corned beef on rye. We pass by the theater again on the way to the parking garage, where I gaze upon the Richard Rodgers Theatre one last time.
My thoughts on the show
Incomparable. It is unlike any show I have ever seen, and it’s difficult to describe. So much is happening onstage, but every movement and note combines seamlessly with the next. I laughed, I cried, I danced a little in my seat. I was in love with the soundtrack, but the show is so much more. I want to watch it over and over, concentrating on a different character every time. Two hours and forty-five minutes passed in what seemed like thirty.
My mother asked me if the show lived up to my expectations; she worried that I had such high hopes that I was bound to be disappointed. Hamilton lived up to every expectation, and I was certain that it would. My words are failing me now as I try to share my experience, but even thinking about it makes me emotional. I am unbelievably grateful that I was able to see it, and see it with five women who are as passionate about theater and Hamilton as I am.
TIP: Familiarize yourself with the soundtrack before you see the show. There is so much to see, and not having to concentrate on hearing the lyrics will give you more time to take it all in.
I’m taking my daughter to see Hamilton in the spring, and I cannot wait to share the magic with her.
Are you obsessed with Hamilton? Did you catch all my song references in this post?
Wow!! What a day! I love that you and your friends were ALL IN with the entire experience from the Weehawken Library all the way through to the photos with cast members, with the amazing show in between! I’m so glad that it lived up to and even exceeded your expectations. Your delight is definitely evident in your recounting of the day!
It’s hard to contain my excitement! I’m hoping to see it in Chicago at some point 🙂
Yay!!
Dana I LOVE you! I am so happy that you had such an amazing experience. I loved every word of this post and I’m still smiling. What a day!!!!!
I’m so happy it made you smile – I’m still smiling too. 🙂 Don’t forget to record the PBS special on Friday night, so you can be in the room where it happens!
Oh Dana, I really hope that my comment works this time. This is my 4th or 5th attempt. Am also hoping that the other tries have not simply shown up and I can’t see them. If so, folks are really going to wonder about me. Just TypiKel.
Anywho, I am thrilled for you. Absolutely thrilled that your Hamilton experience was everything you hoped for and more. Also beyond jealous.
Kelly, I just got back into town tonight and I see all five of your comments in my spam folder – I’m sorry you had so much trouble! But I read them all. So if you have trouble again, don’t worry about it – I always check my spam for friends who slip through.
Thanks for sharing my excitement!
Love this post! I won the
Lottery on 9/22/15 & it was one of the best & most exciting experiences. At that time the lottery was still in person – it was exhilarating! I love sharing the fandom with my kindred HAMILTON fans! The show is coming to Los Angeles late next year & I cannot wait to take my friends here at home to share this stunning show 😍 thanks for sharing!!
How exciting to win the lottery! I love sharing the fandom too; thank you for sharing it with me!
Weehawkin is pretty nice! I went on a hot date there once and we had Mongolian BBQ. YUM.
Also, I saw the Hamilton writer on SNL the other night and I was blown away by how young he is! And charismatic!
I remember Cassidy’s cousin and her husband being the first people we knew to win this lottery and have their lives changed.
You look astonishingly happy – it’s true. And you look TURNT! (whatever that means?)
SO COOL he tweeted about you guys!!
Isn’t it cool? Turnt can mean high or drunk, but it can also mean super enthusiastic and excited, which clearly described us that day!
Lin Manuel Miranda is 36 years old, but with his hair cut short like it is now, he looks at least ten years younger, I think.
Wow. Wow. Wow. I was so excited reading this, experiencing your passion! Hamilton is on my bucket list. Omg, those photos are exquisite!!!!! Wowwwwwwwaaawww.
At least you’ll have some options to try to see it – Chicago, San Fran, LA I think…I hope you get to see it soon. Amaaaazing!
Wow! When I saw your posts on FB, I was so excited for you. I know you’re a huge fan girl. Congrats on what looks like a fabulous trip.
We’ve heard of Hamilton out here in the mountains, but I’ve not yet even listened to the soundtrack. Perhaps it’s time.
Also, help a country girl out. What in the world does TURNT mean?
Ha! I had to look it up on Urban Dictionary. Turnt can mean high or drunk, but it can also mean happy,excited, and energetic.
Julia – you have to listen to the soundtrack. It’s incredible – it’s like the feeling you get when you read an amazing book. It’s on Amazon Prime music if you want to check it out. And it’s coming to D.C. in 2018.
Oh my goodness, your excitement is so contagious! If and when the buzz ever dies down and tickets are affordable again, I want to see the show. Reading your post has inspired me to finally get the soundtrack! (Yes, I know I’m super behind the times on this one.)
Get it, Bev! And rear mezzanine seats are $179, which is certainly not outrageous for a Broadway show. That’s where we are sitting next time, and although it will be high up, it’s not too far back and the view of the stage is still great.
Yes yes yes! I saw it this past summer and was blown away! Your enthusiasm had me lighting up all over again and I love your lyric drops 😉 We basically sing it everyday at some point. The 5yo loves The Schuyler Sisters the best. So glad you got to go!
So am I, Lisa! It’s so hard to pick a favorite song, but I understand why your daughter loves The Schuyler Sisters. You just can’t help being swept up in the excitement and energy.
My son and I are OBSESSED! When we went to NYC in August to see a different show just a few hundred feet from the Richard Rodgers, we took pictures of where we WISHED we were going. And yes, I caught every single reference!
I had read a few people say that the show was so disappointing since it’s not the original cast so I’m glad to hear you say otherwise. I actually have imagined the entire show in my head, from lighting to action to staging, and I can’t wait to someday see it in person. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm! I’d be the same way!! (except I’m not up on the current cast!)
I do wish I had seen the original cast, but that’s because I’m so familiar with them, and I’ve listened to the soundtrack a bijillion times. Anyone else who steps in has huge shoes to fill, but that does not mean the newbies are not immensely talented. I think some of it is your mindset going in. I love the music, I love the story, I love the characters. I expected to love every second, and I did. And you will too – it’s coming to D.C…
Sounded like an amazing experience and love that you are going back with your daughter in the spring so she can also have this shared experience with you now, as well! 😉
I’m so excited to share it with her!
I am simultaneously grinning and crying as I read this beautiful post. The last time I grinned and cried? During Hamilton!
Thank you for sharing this!
Ha – I hear you! Let’s call it a gry, or a crin? Or just Hamilton face!
Wonderful and heartfelt post. I’m even more excited to see it June after reading this. So happy you luv NYC and the theater. I’d like to think you inherited it from this New Yorker!! Lol
I did – thank you for taking me to shows at the Mechanic when I was a kid. And listening to me play the Annie and A Chorus Line soundtrack over and over. <3
Your happiness at having seen the show is making me smile from ear to ear!! So glad it was all you hoped for 😉
Thank you Jenise! I’m glad my huge grin was contagious. 🙂
I’m excited just reading your post! What an awesome experience!
Oh, it really was!
Yaaaaaay! Love this post and reminiscing about our amazing day. Bravo! xo ~k
I seriously got teary-eyed writing it. #completeHamildork
HAMILDORK! Yes! That’s my new favorite moniker for the likes of us. 😛
The VERY best!!! A completely amazing day and so wonderful to spend with other Hamilfans who did not die of embarassment as I gushed over each and every actor and analyzed every lyric. A truly incredible experience from start to finish!!!!
And having you there made it even better. xoxo
Definitely top ten- dare I say top 5? The show was the BEST, and the company even better!!! I couldn’t recreate the memories from that day even if I tried, but I am grateful to have your post to help me relive every wonderful moment!!!! Xoxoxo
I may say top 5 too, Amy!