The premiere of the musical took place on October 6th Hamilton held in Hamburg. It was the musical’s first performance in a language other than English – and it featured hip-hop verses. Around 1,400 people gathered at the Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg on Thursday. Among them Lin-Manuel Miranda, the author of the musical Hamiltonwhich he inspired from the book Alexander Hamilton written by Ron Chernow.
Hamilton is to be shown eight times a week in the Stage Operettenhaus from now on. The musical from America has already won eleven Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and a Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Recording”.
Plot
Alexander Hamilton is a man who worked his way up to the head of the first American government as an orphan boy and Caribbean immigrant in the 18th century. He fought with passion and eloquence for independence, constitution and democracy.
Growing up as an illegitimate son in precarious circumstances on Nevis, a Caribbean island, Alexander Hamilton’s career and lifetime achievements were anything but predetermined. He embodies the American dream long before this expression even came into being. With a lot of courage, charm and intelligence, he became George Washington’s aide-de-camp, married into one of the country’s most respected families, fought against the English in the War of Independence, helped draft the new constitution and became the first US Secretary of the Treasury. He died in 1804 from serious injuries after a duel with his rival Aaron Burr. His image still passes through the hands of millions of people today: it adorns the 10 US dollar bill.
reaction of the viewers
Since Hamilton was already a great success in its original language, the only question that remained was whether the musical would also be able to establish itself in German. Apparently, it was also well received, because the 1400 spectators are said to have had nothing but praise for the actors after the first act. At the end there should have been thunderous applause with standing ovations and cheers.
Olivia Jones says about the premiere: “The musical is really crass, funky, young, but it’s different and it totally flashes you. At first you naturally thought: ‘Well, rap, huh – in a musical?’ But it’s really great because these artists are just great. The voices are great and the choreographies are amazing!”
Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “The show is a must-see because it’s the first translation of Hamilton ever. Also, the story told by Alexander Hamilton is very universal and everyone can learn something from it.”
Celebrities such as Zoe Weez, Andrea Sawatzki, Alexander Klaws, Collien Ulmen-Fernandez, Otto Waalkes and Fettes Brot were also present.