Hamilton

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by Cheater5

]

I'm glad I read just these few posts if only to learn that there is rap in this production.

It’s entirely rap with varying degrees of speed.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

It’s entirely rap with varying degrees of speed.

Eh, I don't think that's accurate. There's plenty of rap, of course, but there are some pretty "normal" musical songs strewn throughout as well. I'd guess maybe 75% rap, 25% sung. Essentially no spoken dialog though.

[Jewish Rabbi]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Eh, I don't think that's accurate. There's plenty of rap, of course, but there are some pretty "normal" musical songs strewn throughout as well. I'd guess maybe 75% rap, 25% sung. Essentially no spoken dialog though.

I honestly felt it hard to follow because of the no spoken words part. As a guy who’s seen it in theatre, was it easier to follow there?

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

I honestly felt it hard to follow because of the no spoken words part. As a guy who’s seen it in theatre, was it easier to follow there?

I certainly wouldn't say I picked up every word or anything the first time through. The plot overall is easy enough to follow, but if you're not used to the pace of the wording, it can be overwhelming. That said, I don't think you really need to hear every word to get the point. That's true of most musical works (even songs on the radio). If you really enjoy it, re-watching can bring a whole different experience.

Even so, my middle-class, retired, white parents from rural Kansas came to Denver and enjoyed it, so it's not like you have to be a rap fan to like it.

[Jewish Rabbi]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I certainly wouldn't say I picked up every word or anything the first time through. The plot overall is easy enough to follow, but if you're not used to the pace of the wording, it can be overwhelming. That said, I don't think you really need to hear every word to get the point. That's true of most musical works (even songs on the radio). If you really enjoy it, re-watching can bring a whole different experience.

Even so, my middle-class, retired, white parents from rural Kansas came to Denver and enjoyed it, so it's not like you have to be a rap fan to like it.

I don't mind the rap, I just felt that I had to pay more attention than I normally do during a movie. Just wondered if I would enjoy it more without the distractions in my home.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

I don't mind the rap, I just felt that I had to pay more attention than I normally do during a movie. Just wondered if I would enjoy it more without the distractions in my home.

I haven't done it, but I've read some people the interwebs saying that they turned on captions and enjoyed that. I think I'd personally find myself staring at the words too much.

[Chitownchiefsfan]

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

I don't mind the rap, I just felt that I had to pay more attention than I normally do during a movie. Just wondered if I would enjoy it more without the distractions in my home.

I didn't have too much issue following it but i listen to alot of rap to begin with.

I kind of view it as heightened language in this case. Similar to Shakespeare. I may not understand every word as intended but i can follow the story and it gives replay value.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Eh, I don't think that's accurate. There's plenty of rap, of course, but there are some pretty "normal" musical songs strewn throughout as well. I'd guess maybe 75% rap, 25% sung. Essentially no spoken dialog though.

It is more spoken word.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

It’s entirely rap with varying degrees of speed.

No it isn't.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Cheater5

I'm glad I read just these few posts if only to learn that there is rap in this production.

And to ponder if every period piece in the history of mankind should include a portion of their story on slavery and the popular discussion of our time...because, like, you know. Woke.

You really can't tell the story of Hamilton and his relationship with Washington without including John Laurens. Laurens was probably Hamilton's closest friend and confidant (and...maybe lover? Weird history there). Washington trusted him a great deal as well. Dude was a congressman in his mid-20s and had he not stupidly charged a foraging party after the war was over, Laurens could've ascended to the Presidency at some point. And if you're going to include John Laurens, you pretty much have to mention his abolitionist tilt. It was a damn big deal to him which was pretty incredible as the son of a wealthy slaveholder. There's no easy way to side-step that without botching that story.

There's really little 'woke' about Hamilton...I mean, apart from casting minorities in every major role and putting white dudes in the 3 'nerdy guy' spots like it's a Martin Lawrence movie.

But as far as the storytelling goes, it's not heavy-handed at all. There are a couple of moments where they speak to Laurens and his efforts and creating a black regiment and/or freeing slaves (I mean c'mon - the used 'manumission' in a wrap...and it worked) but that's really about it. There's a couple of 'woman power' moments with the Schuyler sisters but even those come and go in a hurry and the one little obvious 'applause moment' with Hamilton and Lafayette saying "immigrants, they get the job done..."

But shit, it's a 2 hour and 45 minute long performance with MAAAAYBE 2 minutes of wokeness in it. I'd probably let that slide, but your mileage may vary.