You can clearly see Lin’s intelligence in lyric writing in the lines: “We fought with him”, (Sung by Daveed and Oak) both Lafayette and Mulligan fought with Hamilton on his side while Jefferson and Madison fought against him. The same goes with Anthony when he sings “Me, I died for him”, both characters he plays died for Hamilton (Laurens and Philip). Lin-Manuel Miranda, what a genius!
I'm glad this post was near the top so I didn't repeat it. I had that conversation with my daughter. We were talking about things you notice that you can't believe you missed the first twenty times... She was really pleased she'd spotted the Philip/John Laurens death connection, but she flipped out when I pointed out the double meaning of "...fought WITH him...".
Not only can he write good lyrics, a coherent plot and gripping music, he also can act and sing. What an all round talent that man is. I really hope the royalties of this show have him set for the rest of his days and from now on he can just pick his gigs based on passion and artistic merrit, rather than financial necessity. He deserves it.
I'm about that far in reading his book (49 pages in so far). And yup, that pretty much sums it up! Chronologically, i am probably at the beginning of the "Aaron Burr, Sir" song with my reading. Definitely impressive that he was able to condense so much into only so many stanzas/one song. (:
That beat after Leslie says "I'm the damn fool that shot him". I've never noticed before. You can see his face change. Almost like in that moment, all the things he realizes in the World Was Wide Enough cross his mind. So brilliant.
Exactly. Just the look of introspection that comes across his face in those brief moments. Leslie is..... so incredible. Any moment he is on stage, he shows his brilliance. He is just outstanding!
the haunted look burr has after he says "I'm the damn fool that shot him." as the camera pans out and you can see burr is just lost in that moment, reliving their whole relationship and its end, goddamn leslie odom jr is so GOOD
My favorite bit: Phillipa (she's in all white attire, she hasn't fully become Eliza yet) helping Lin into the brown coat that denotes Alexander's student attire. She assists him with coat changes throughout the show, and each one denotes something different, a major shift in Hamilton's life. But this first change, where Lin becomes the only other cast member who has his role defined at the moment. Burr is the other, and he's in Burr's clothing from the get go, removing him from the story enough that his role as narrator becomes apparent, and other choices Leslie makes tell us the show is a flashback, even before the rest of the ensemble confirms it in the lyrics. Thus our two leading players become beautifully defined.
One of my favorite things about the whole show is the way Leslie switches back and forth between this absolutely nasty narrative voice to this super delicate beautiful tone like in Dear Theodosia
I don't really think it's nasty throughout - in fact, one of the things that makes both the writing and Leslie Odom Jr's performance remarkable is how (roughly) the same sentence slowly changes meaning over the course of the show. At the beginning, Leslie is the narrator, the Greek chorus; he tells us about Hamilton in a way that is fairly neutral relative to Burr's character. We haven't even met Burr yet, so all we know is that this narrator is describing to us the public perception of Hamilton's humble beginnings; how impressive it was for someone born into such circumstances to rise to the very heights of society. But as the show progresses, the character of Burr begins to bleed into these narrative interludes; they slowly become meaner, more personal, more spiteful, until by the end, Leslie is no longer describing the rise of a 'son of a whore', but instead is positively spitting the word 'whoreson'. He's calling Hamilton not just a bastard, but a *bastard*. It's an incredible progression that tells an entire story in and of itself, and one of my favourite elements of the show.
LOJ's "What's your name man?" right at the end before the final "Alexander Hamilton" is just so amazing, so full and wholesome but antagonistic at the same time 🥰😍👀
My current favourite bit of choreo is the moment, after taking the book from Hamilton, when Ari DeBose points to the sky, along with the entire ensemble. It’s a subtle foreshadowing of the end of the story, when Hamilton aims his pistol to the sky. And it’s DeBose, as the secret Bullet character, who carries Burr’s bullet to him.
And the storytelling trough Andy Blackenbueler choreography. Fun advice: every time you watch it, try to follow one castmember or ensemble member, its a way to notice all the details of the show
100% on point! I don’t know if it’s my own perceptions of ensembles as I’ve gotten older, or if the Hamilton ensemble is just that damn good, but since the first watch, I’m entranced by the ensemble. MDP’s point about being on a stage and telling a story…they succeed every second. Oh! And even noticing that members of the ensemble who have brief singing and named roles throughout the play! This musical literally gets better with every view!
I've had an epiphany after listening to you talk about that opening line. Burr and Hamilton were polar opposites in their upbringing, but despite his humble beginnings, Hamilton always came out on top- until the end, that is. It's almost as if Burr couldn't get past someone who came from nothing having greater success than he had- hence that opening line being repeated at several points throughout the show.
I might even contend that Hamilton came out on top in the end because Burr has always been reviled for killing him. Burr may have been Vice President, but most of us only remember him for killing Hamilton.
Lin has described Hamilton and Burr as twins/ two sides of the same coin. Both were orphaned* as children, both faught in the Revolutionary War, both became lawyers, then they both became politicians, both outlived one of their children. * In my opinion Hamilton wasn't an orphan until 1799, 5 years before his death, when his father died.
"Put a pencil to his his temple connected to his brain..." Alexander Hamilton's letter about the hurricane was beautiful, poignant, and really did show a mind that was one in a billion.
My favourite is King George saying enjoy to my show, in all his gloriousness, still makes it about him. I also love this number It tells the whole story, but still leaves it so you become invested in the show and characters
I LOVE watching Leslie move. His movements are so fluid. Maybe it’s just be, but my eyes always go to him when he is on stage. I love watching his mannerisms.
The thing I love about watching the intro multiple times is simply hearing Leslie's first words. The way that refrain changes throughout the musical, reflecting Burr's devolvement, is genius writing and acting.
To me, the choreography, the staging, THE LIGHTING!! These three are just as brilliant as the acting and singing. And with the camera placement.... this movie musical is a total triumph!!
“We fought with him”, said by Oak and Daveed has dual meanings. They fought with him (along side him) in the war as Lafayette and mulligan, but they also fought (butted heads) with him politically as Jefferson and Madison.
“I died for him” from Mr Anthony Ramos saying that Lauren’s died for that same original cause that brought him and Hamilton together and also Philip dying for his fathers honor💔
His hurricane letter was a knockout, and his writing was that of a late twenties-early 30-ish-year-old writer though he was only seventeen, which astounds me as a writer now. There could not have been a more acceptable writer to bring that to stage lyrically better than Lin Manuel Miranda.
totally agreed on the choreo and especially leslie odom jr. that transition at the line “scammin for every book he can get his hands on” is just so smooth it’s like he’s gliding on ice.
My husband came with me to see Hamilton in the west end, not knowing anything about it or any of the songs. He was so skeptical but knew how much I wanted to see it. After this one song, he turned to me and said “this is amazing”
Leslie is so brilliant. He is to this role what Joel Grey was to the master of ceremonies in Cabaret. You can't look away and you kinda wish the whole show was about him.
@@mckenna8663 The only thing that makes that feeling better is knowing that when he's not on stage, he gets a break to keep up the energy and voice for the parts when he is!
The choreography for this song is my favorite of the show. The dancers move in and out of the scene so subtly. They just add to the scene, like a full orchestra that just sort of makes the music swell and then backs off again for the melody to shine. It’s just perfect.
I’m so glad you mentioned the ensemble in your video. I think it’s my favourite thing about this section of the play. Every time I watch it I try to focus on someone different and they each tell their own incredible story through their movements on stage. There’s always something new to see. This time I noticed Daveed and Oak on the upper stage doing a dance I’d never seen before and then before you have a chance to think about it, the next time you see them is in the line up. It’s such a good intro to the overall production.
Speaking of how Leslie Odom Jr glides across the stage.. there's a video of the closing of the Tony awards year Hamilton swept everything up. And the cast of Hamilton came back and saying the Skyler sister song. But the first thing you see is Leslie Odom Jr gliding 3/4 of the way across the stage.. it's so amazing. The man was walking on air!!!!
I've watched Hamilton a number of times, and it's amazing to see aspects of it in a different way. This song really does encapsulate what's going to happen during the course of the show - especially in the way the spotlight lands on particular characters as they sing what their relationship to Hamilton WAS, past tense. It's the genius of Lin Manuel Miranda that you've referenced before to give the audience an overview, then go back and let the story unfold from the characters' perspectives.
For real!! Everyone in this show is so incredible. But Leslie Odom Jr.!!! Seriously!!! Every time I watch this show he is even more amazing. What an incredible talent.
Yeah... Every time I watch this number I remember that this right here is the moment I fell in love with Leslie. He's so talented! It's crazy! I really want to see him in more musicals!
I first fell in love with Leslie when I saw him on Smash. If you want to see more of him, you can watch both seasons of the show for free on Amazon Prime. Many Broadway greats were on that show.
@@misspriss2482 I totally forgot about that show! Thanks for reminding me it exists! :D Good thing it's the week end and I needed something to watch ^^
@@KacielNolwen haha it'll be hard.not to! If you wanna hear some of his best vocals watch this video ruclips.net/video/T4LfH23SZ5s/видео.html it really shows how versatile his voice is 🤩
There is nothing like the moment of anticipation before a show when the house lights drop. The best moments of my life have been spent in theaters, and those moments are the best of the best.
After seeing Hamilton xxx times I noticed how graceful LOJ movements were and how he blends in with the ensemble in several acts. Other performers of Burr may have beautiful voices and their own interpretation of the role but I have yet to see them move as smoothly and expressively across the stage. LOJ really put his❤️ into that role
“And I’m the damn fool that shot him” never fails to give me goosebumps! Even after the 1000th time!! - Also, 10 sleeps to go until I see the show live!! (Sydney, Australia!)
it's amazing the things you see after watching this a million times. Burr takes his old jacket after he speaks about his life and that could represent him essentially taking his life. Eliza gives him his new jacket which represents her giving him a new life to live, Angelica gives him a book to represent both of their intelligence and that being what connected them and Lawrence gives him a bag representing them working together and their friendship. such vision in something so small.
I love how Anthony Ramos says "I died for him" and it works for both of his characters, Laurens and Philip. and all 3 of the Schuyler sisters said they loved him, cuz obviously both Angelica and Eliza did, but it hints Miss And Peggy also fell for him as Reynolds in act II. Think it's just a clever lil touch.
I absolutely love how this song highlights the duality of some actors playing multiple roles. with the lines like “we fought with him” and “me, I died for him” just absolutely perfect lines.
I got Disney+ because of Hamilton and I've seen it about 20 times during last year. And yet when I saw what is this video about I dropped everything and sat down to watch with goose bumps. The music, the lyrics, the choreography is just perfect.
I love the choreo and the symbolism. Hamilton is wearing white and he takes off his white coat and hands it to Burr. And then Eliza helps him put on the colored jacket, which put him in direct comparison to Burr who is the only other person wearing a color. Just the act of handing his jacket to Burr comes to make it seem as though Hamilton maybe never took Burr seriously and always saw him as someone to take advantage of.
amykahthleen - The characters dressed in white for the first number were all dead by the time of the last number. The white coat going from Hamilton to Burr, I felt, was Hamilton acknowledging that his death belonged to Burr so it must be handed to Burr and Hamilton put on the coat of life - color - to join Burr at the beginning of their journey together.
The way the instrumentation and the melody lines match perfectly help every line pack a punch! The watcher leans in to carefully catch every word of this number, then leans back completely hooked for next 2+ hours!
no matter how many times i see this, i get chills every time that first note hits 💜 also i can’t be the only one who wants to see chris jackson, leslie odom jr, anthony ramos, or Oak cast in every leading man role from here on out 🥰
I love your comments, it is the reason I watch you .. please stop apologising for interrupting as your comments are gold.if I want to watch the shows, it easy to find them.. Your comments are your value - put them out there and know that we are happy to hear them ... thank you .. good work ..
One of my favorite songs, so amazing. Also, want to give a shout out to how the costuming was done…when they’re all in beige, they’re dead, they switch coats, and you are going back in time, from this song, to hear the story, brilliant how they would do the changing of coats throughout the show.
what i love most here is that the lines "we fought with him" could fit both Lafayette and Hercules AND Jefferson and Madison and the line "me I died for him" works for both Laurens and Philip when I realized this my mind was BLOWN
I love this opening number. The more I hear and watch Chris Jackson the more I love his movements and singing. If Phillipa Soo is a violin, Chris Jackson is the cello. So much talent on the stage from so many, but Chris Jackson’s smooth, full voice is stunning.
Has any noticed that EVERYONE except Hamilton and Burr are in their white attires (even the Skyler sisters). I think it adds to the story and the set up
I think it was more of an attention grabber. The song wanted to focus on Burr and Hamilton. We aren't yet introducing to anyone else. If we had for examples the Schuyler sisters in their colorful dresses, it would draw attention away from Hamilton and Burr (the narrator).
@@mbgal7758 that's a more poetic way of putting it than I could come up with. The image that came to my mind was color-in paper dolls that hadn't been colored in yet.
I love this and thank you. I noticed while you were saying about Chris Jackson appearing presidential that there also is some symbolism with the items that Eliza, Angelica and Laurens/Phillip hand him that implies their future connections. Also one point that has stuck with me all along is that Hamilton likely wouldn’t have been considered an immigrant, Nevis was a British colony just like New York
7:33 I agree 100% with what Marc says right here because earlier this year when my school competed at the UIL District One Act Play competition the ensemble got an award and it was the first time ever that an ensemble got an award goes to show that even though you don’t have a speaking part you are still an important part of telling a story on stage
I love how the song says “a *forgotten* plot in the middle of the Caribbean” and then says “don’t *forget* from whence you came” Seems like Alexander Hamilton got a bit full of himself and forgot where he came from.
"We fought with him, I died for him, I trusted him, I loved him". It took me far too many re-watches to realise how amazing that line is... Lafayette and Mulligan did fight with him, but so did Jefferson and Madison. Laurens died for him, but Phillip did too, defending his honour. Peggy loved him as a brother but so did Maria.
Here’s one thing I hadn’t noticed until just now. Most of the actors play more than one role. And since this is our first introduction to the characters, it’s so clever how their lines about their relationship with Hamilton reflect both characters they play. “We fought with him” is a brothers-in-arms thing for Mulligan and Lafayette, but political opponents for Madison and Jefferson, both of whom are played by the same actors. Such a clever, clever line and clever, clever foreshadowing that takes advantage of this duality of meaning.
This opening sets up the whole show. All of the characters are involved. “Alexander Hamilton”… it emphasizes the anticipation of what is to come in the production.
Since you are giving a shout out to the ensemble can you please do “Farmer Refuted”? That song is so addicting and it is how I view our politics today.
What I appreciate most about this number is the build. It started very slow almost dragging and I feel like that matched the mood of the beginning of Hamilton‘s life. It also created an opportunity for the audience to get acclimated with this being a hip-hop musical. It began with rapping but at the dragging tempo was slowed down and it sounded more like spoken word and allowed people to understand the lyrics before they are thrown into the tempo of something like guns and ships. So thoughtful.
A really great example of Lin's genius in writing is the line by Daveed and Oak "We fought with him". In the first act, as Lafayette and Hercules Mulligan, they fought beside ("with") him in the Revolution. In the second act, as Jefferson and Madison, they fought ("with") him as adversaries. It's really brilliant, that that one line instantly has two distinct meanings. I love so much about this show.
Was so excited when I saw you did the first number I screamed like a 15 year old at a Beatles concert! The ensemble is amazing and the choreography is the best. Thank you!
I always thought Leslie Odom, Jr. sort of stole the show. He and Eliza, for me, are the sympathetic characters of the piece (despite the duel that ends with Alexander’s death).
All the character’s voices are slightly different in this song from how they are in the other songs; I believe these are their “narrative voices” because Phillipa sings as Eliza so differently then how she does in Helpless or any other song she’s in.
I just notice the spirits/white coats that help Hamilton through his journey. The simbolism is amazing! - Washington says "you gotta fend for yourself" which is something Hamilton learned with him. - Hamilton takes his white coat at the first "new man" line and gives it to Burr (who helped him become the man he is as soon as he arrived at NYC) and Hamilton say "just you wait" (a connetion to Burr ending Hamilton's life and sending him to a post-life maybe? So Burr changed Hamilton multiple times) - Then Eliza gives Hamilton his brown coat - it's the first color he uses and is kinda when he actually enters his own story, and is Eliza helping him do that - Angelica gives him knowledge, a book - And Laurens/Phillip gives him a bag with everything he own in the world Idk, I just never noticed the people giving him stuff during this opening would have such a significance, it's brilliant!
I cannot wait until you finish all the songs so that I can sit down and watch Hamilton again from beginning to end. It will be like you sitting next to me in the theater providing commentary except I will have a glass of skrewball in hand!
Every time Oak or Chris Jackson starts speaking/singing, I get chills. Their timbre is so . And I love L-MM and the “every man” sound he has in his voice, but when I close my eyes all I picture is Gizmo Duck from DuckTales (he’s the voice actor for the character).
Also did anyone else pick up the lines we are waiting in the wings for you, A forth wall thing, as if back then Alexander story was always meant to be told and appreciated in the theatre and it had to wait til Lin Manuel Miranda was ready to tell it and tying into the ending in Who Live Whi Die Who tells your story, which we are still waiting for that reaction video MDP
From all the reaction video I watched, Marc Daniel Patrick is the best. He can give us a strong perspective as a musical theatre coach so eventhough I am not an actor, I still feel rich of knowledge after watching his videos.
The title on the playbill may be Hamilton, but it could just as easily be Burr. In this musical, and history itself, it’s like they’re this weird, Gordian Knot, ever entwined and impossible to separate. And LMM showcases that shared history with Burr as the narrator. Absolutely freaking genius!
Jake Calder - And it was just as much the story of Eliza, who was the one instrumental in actually telling the story of Hamilton, Washington, etc., because she lived another fifty years.
Couple things about the Disney opening: the fireworks recall (also recall) the opening to the 1960s era Wonderful World of Color Disney TV show. That was a time when color television was still new and required a family with a bit of money, so the colorful fireworks were quite a big deal. Granted, it takes some age on a person to know that! The alternating lights and trees along the horizon call back to a segment from Fantasia, but I forget which one it is at the moment. Have to review the film to remember which. However, given how the Hamilton production references SO MANY things through history and pop culture in the broadest sense, that Disney is doing its own cross-referencing is really cool.
I know this is a year old but here’s a little trivia Leslie Odom Jr who played burr acted as a crossroads demon in supernatural season seven back in 2011 the episode was named “time for a wedding” it’s so cool to see him in that show and here on Hamilton
The Disney showing was my first viewing of the show. I knew nothing about it beforehand other than it’s acclaim. Laurens’s line that starts with “the ten dollar founding father..” was the moment that it hit me Hamilton was going to be an experience unlike any other. Lin’s writing brilliance is evident from the very beginning and doesn’t let up.
Thanks for your commentary. I always enjoy it. Shout out to Jonathan Groff as King George for that opening voiceover. Like Okieriete Onaodowan (& others), Groff's brilliant performance is sometimes lost in the conversation about the NUMEROUS brilliant "Hamilton" original cast performances. 💛
I just realized that the fireworks and the beat were in sync... what the heck?! Does anyone know if that's a coincidence or if Disney changed it for the show?
I also notice how Aaron Burr is the only one wearing his coat, signifying how he is the one telling the story from his opinion while everyone is wearing the off white outfits. Really cool I’m just now realizing that!
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
You can clearly see Lin’s intelligence in lyric writing in the lines: “We fought with him”, (Sung by Daveed and Oak) both Lafayette and Mulligan fought with Hamilton on his side while Jefferson and Madison fought against him. The same goes with Anthony when he sings “Me, I died for him”, both characters he plays died for Hamilton (Laurens and Philip). Lin-Manuel Miranda, what a genius!
Oooh, good observation! You could say Jones who plays both Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds loved him in different ways too.
I never thought about that! Oh, wow. Thank you for that observation. That makes a lot of sense.
I'm glad this post was near the top so I didn't repeat it.
I had that conversation with my daughter. We were talking about things you notice that you can't believe you missed the first twenty times...
She was really pleased she'd spotted the Philip/John Laurens death connection, but she flipped out when I pointed out the double meaning of "...fought WITH him...".
I KNOW SUCH A MUSICAL GENIUS
Not only can he write good lyrics, a coherent plot and gripping music, he also can act and sing. What an all round talent that man is.
I really hope the royalties of this show have him set for the rest of his days and from now on he can just pick his gigs based on passion and artistic merrit, rather than financial necessity.
He deserves it.
Chernow said in an interview that he was impressed that Lin was able to condense 40 pages or more of his book in 1 song
His book took me 6 months to read, and I consider myself a fast reader.
I'm about that far in reading his book (49 pages in so far). And yup, that pretty much sums it up! Chronologically, i am probably at the beginning of the "Aaron Burr, Sir" song with my reading.
Definitely impressive that he was able to condense so much into only so many stanzas/one song. (:
@@emilyhennessey8294 I never finished it. Still slogging through.
@@rmcmariusable my suggestion if you can is to listen to the audiobook.
@@rmcmariusable, yes to the audiobook!
That beat after Leslie says "I'm the damn fool that shot him". I've never noticed before. You can see his face change. Almost like in that moment, all the things he realizes in the World Was Wide Enough cross his mind. So brilliant.
Exactly. Just the look of introspection that comes across his face in those brief moments. Leslie is..... so incredible. Any moment he is on stage, he shows his brilliance. He is just outstanding!
That’s literally my favorite part. You can see how haunted he is. It was some incredible acting he did there
@@msdevotedtiffMine too!
the haunted look burr has after he says "I'm the damn fool that shot him." as the camera pans out and you can see burr is just lost in that moment, reliving their whole relationship and its end, goddamn leslie odom jr is so GOOD
SO GOOD!!
My favorite bit: Phillipa (she's in all white attire, she hasn't fully become Eliza yet) helping Lin into the brown coat that denotes Alexander's student attire. She assists him with coat changes throughout the show, and each one denotes something different, a major shift in Hamilton's life. But this first change, where Lin becomes the only other cast member who has his role defined at the moment. Burr is the other, and he's in Burr's clothing from the get go, removing him from the story enough that his role as narrator becomes apparent, and other choices Leslie makes tell us the show is a flashback, even before the rest of the ensemble confirms it in the lyrics. Thus our two leading players become beautifully defined.
One of my favorite things about the whole show is the way Leslie switches back and forth between this absolutely nasty narrative voice to this super delicate beautiful tone like in Dear Theodosia
I don't really think it's nasty throughout - in fact, one of the things that makes both the writing and Leslie Odom Jr's performance remarkable is how (roughly) the same sentence slowly changes meaning over the course of the show. At the beginning, Leslie is the narrator, the Greek chorus; he tells us about Hamilton in a way that is fairly neutral relative to Burr's character. We haven't even met Burr yet, so all we know is that this narrator is describing to us the public perception of Hamilton's humble beginnings; how impressive it was for someone born into such circumstances to rise to the very heights of society. But as the show progresses, the character of Burr begins to bleed into these narrative interludes; they slowly become meaner, more personal, more spiteful, until by the end, Leslie is no longer describing the rise of a 'son of a whore', but instead is positively spitting the word 'whoreson'. He's calling Hamilton not just a bastard, but a *bastard*. It's an incredible progression that tells an entire story in and of itself, and one of my favourite elements of the show.
@@-just-so- ...I meant nasty in tone. Like sharp, guttural, nasally, whiny, in contrast to a beautiful smooth light falsetto later
Leslie is just everything. The guy just commands your attention and pulls you in completely to whatever he's doing.
From the first moment Hamilton set the theme: who tells your story. Every character tells some part of his story, Hamilton just introduce himself.
I love how King George lll claims the show as his when it's about a nation that rose from his folly
LOJ's "What's your name man?" right at the end before the final "Alexander Hamilton" is just so amazing, so full and wholesome but antagonistic at the same time 🥰😍👀
My current favourite bit of choreo is the moment, after taking the book from Hamilton, when Ari DeBose points to the sky, along with the entire ensemble. It’s a subtle foreshadowing of the end of the story, when Hamilton aims his pistol to the sky. And it’s DeBose, as the secret Bullet character, who carries Burr’s bullet to him.
And the storytelling trough Andy Blackenbueler choreography. Fun advice: every time you watch it, try to follow one castmember or ensemble member, its a way to notice all the details of the show
100% on point! I don’t know if it’s my own perceptions of ensembles as I’ve gotten older, or if the Hamilton ensemble is just that damn good, but since the first watch, I’m entranced by the ensemble. MDP’s point about being on a stage and telling a story…they succeed every second.
Oh! And even noticing that members of the ensemble who have brief singing and named roles throughout the play! This musical literally gets better with every view!
@@JakeSezz If you want to know more listen to Hamilcast podcast, there are interviews with castmembers and ensemble
I followed angelicas character and your right 😮
@@iam_zaak now you have a reason to watch it 20 plus times
I've had an epiphany after listening to you talk about that opening line. Burr and Hamilton were polar opposites in their upbringing, but despite his humble beginnings, Hamilton always came out on top- until the end, that is. It's almost as if Burr couldn't get past someone who came from nothing having greater success than he had- hence that opening line being repeated at several points throughout the show.
I might even contend that Hamilton came out on top in the end because Burr has always been reviled for killing him. Burr may have been Vice President, but most of us only remember him for killing Hamilton.
Lin has described Hamilton and Burr as twins/ two sides of the same coin. Both were orphaned* as children, both faught in the Revolutionary War, both became lawyers, then they both became politicians, both outlived one of their children.
* In my opinion Hamilton wasn't an orphan until 1799, 5 years before his death, when his father died.
"Put a pencil to his his temple connected to his brain..."
Alexander Hamilton's letter about the hurricane was beautiful, poignant, and really did show a mind that was one in a billion.
My favourite is King George saying enjoy to my show, in all his gloriousness, still makes it about him.
I also love this number
It tells the whole story, but still leaves it so you become invested in the show and characters
I LOVE watching Leslie move. His movements are so fluid. Maybe it’s just be, but my eyes always go to him when he is on stage. I love watching his mannerisms.
Me too! the first time i watched hamilton i didnt love it (bc i didnt get what it was about haha) but I immediately loved Leslie in it
The thing I love about watching the intro multiple times is simply hearing Leslie's first words. The way that refrain changes throughout the musical, reflecting Burr's devolvement, is genius writing and acting.
To me, the choreography, the staging, THE LIGHTING!!
These three are just as brilliant as the acting and singing.
And with the camera placement.... this movie musical is a total triumph!!
“We fought with him”, said by Oak and Daveed has dual meanings. They fought with him (along side him) in the war as Lafayette and mulligan, but they also fought (butted heads) with him politically as Jefferson and Madison.
That's a great observation.
“I died for him” from Mr Anthony Ramos saying that Lauren’s died for that same original cause that brought him and Hamilton together and also Philip dying for his fathers honor💔
His hurricane letter was a knockout, and his writing was that of a late twenties-early 30-ish-year-old writer though he was only seventeen, which astounds me as a writer now. There could not have been a more acceptable writer to bring that to stage lyrically better than Lin Manuel Miranda.
totally agreed on the choreo and especially leslie odom jr. that transition at the line “scammin for every book he can get his hands on” is just so smooth it’s like he’s gliding on ice.
My husband came with me to see Hamilton in the west end, not knowing anything about it or any of the songs. He was so skeptical but knew how much I wanted to see it. After this one song, he turned to me and said “this is amazing”
Leslie is so brilliant. He is to this role what Joel Grey was to the master of ceremonies in Cabaret. You can't look away and you kinda wish the whole show was about him.
Perfectly said. When Leslie is not on stage, you just want him there!
@@mckenna8663 The only thing that makes that feeling better is knowing that when he's not on stage, he gets a break to keep up the energy and voice for the parts when he is!
HONESTLY, I found him the most engaging character and i'm not an obsessed fan lmao
Omg I meant to say *I am NOW an obsessed fan. haha
This song just sets up a show that keeps me on the edge of my seat the whole time, no matter how many times I watch it. It gives me chills.
"There's a million things I haven't done. But just you wait, just you wait."
The choreography for this song is my favorite of the show. The dancers move in and out of the scene so subtly. They just add to the scene, like a full orchestra that just sort of makes the music swell and then backs off again for the melody to shine. It’s just perfect.
I’m so glad you mentioned the ensemble in your video. I think it’s my favourite thing about this section of the play. Every time I watch it I try to focus on someone different and they each tell their own incredible story through their movements on stage. There’s always something new to see.
This time I noticed Daveed and Oak on the upper stage doing a dance I’d never seen before and then before you have a chance to think about it, the next time you see them is in the line up. It’s such a good intro to the overall production.
Speaking of how Leslie Odom Jr glides across the stage.. there's a video of the closing of the Tony awards year Hamilton swept everything up. And the cast of Hamilton came back and saying the Skyler sister song. But the first thing you see is Leslie Odom Jr gliding 3/4 of the way across the stage.. it's so amazing. The man was walking on air!!!!
I love Chris Jackson’s voice so much.
I've watched Hamilton a number of times, and it's amazing to see aspects of it in a different way. This song really does encapsulate what's going to happen during the course of the show - especially in the way the spotlight lands on particular characters as they sing what their relationship to Hamilton WAS, past tense. It's the genius of Lin Manuel Miranda that you've referenced before to give the audience an overview, then go back and let the story unfold from the characters' perspectives.
I'm listening to this song at least once a day, have been for the last four months. Can't help but getting goosebumps every single time!
For real!! Everyone in this show is so incredible. But Leslie Odom Jr.!!! Seriously!!! Every time I watch this show he is even more amazing. What an incredible talent.
Yeah... Every time I watch this number I remember that this right here is the moment I fell in love with Leslie. He's so talented! It's crazy! I really want to see him in more musicals!
I first fell in love with Leslie when I saw him on Smash. If you want to see more of him, you can watch both seasons of the show for free on Amazon Prime. Many Broadway greats were on that show.
@@misspriss2482 I totally forgot about that show! Thanks for reminding me it exists! :D Good thing it's the week end and I needed something to watch ^^
He has an amazing discography and some amazzzzinnggg live performances on youtube, Hamilton definitely doesn't do him justice vocally
@@zoeskinner2871 Huh... I had no idea! I'll have a look and try not to become a stalker x) Thanks :)
@@KacielNolwen haha it'll be hard.not to! If you wanna hear some of his best vocals watch this video ruclips.net/video/T4LfH23SZ5s/видео.html it really shows how versatile his voice is 🤩
There is nothing like the moment of anticipation before a show when the house lights drop. The best moments of my life have been spent in theaters, and those moments are the best of the best.
7:53 when the chorus asks Hamilton "Will they know what you overcame?" -- Ariana DeBose looks right at Burr
After seeing Hamilton xxx times I noticed how graceful LOJ movements were and how he blends in with the ensemble in several acts. Other performers of Burr may have beautiful voices and their own interpretation of the role but I have yet to see them move as smoothly and expressively across the stage. LOJ really put his❤️ into that role
“And I’m the damn fool that shot him” never fails to give me goosebumps! Even after the 1000th time!! - Also, 10 sleeps to go until I see the show live!! (Sydney, Australia!)
Lucky! Have a great time!
Lucky Ducky!! Enjoy EVERY minute!!!
it's amazing the things you see after watching this a million times. Burr takes his old jacket after he speaks about his life and that could represent him essentially taking his life. Eliza gives him his new jacket which represents her giving him a new life to live, Angelica gives him a book to represent both of their intelligence and that being what connected them and Lawrence gives him a bag representing them working together and their friendship. such vision in something so small.
I love how Anthony Ramos says "I died for him" and it works for both of his characters, Laurens and Philip. and all 3 of the Schuyler sisters said they loved him, cuz obviously both Angelica and Eliza did, but it hints Miss And Peggy also fell for him as Reynolds in act II. Think it's just a clever lil touch.
I absolutely love how this song highlights the duality of some actors playing multiple roles. with the lines like “we fought with him” and “me, I died for him” just absolutely perfect lines.
I got Disney+ because of Hamilton and I've seen it about 20 times during last year. And yet when I saw what is this video about I dropped everything and sat down to watch with goose bumps. The music, the lyrics, the choreography is just perfect.
I am so in awe of everyone on that stage, but honestly, Leslie Odom Jr. is on his own level.
Diggs has just a great stage personality in general! Let me tell ya I got hooked on his series Snow piercer!
Omg me too 🤣❤️ I'm currently madly in love with this man, tbh
I love the choreo and the symbolism. Hamilton is wearing white and he takes off his white coat and hands it to Burr. And then Eliza helps him put on the colored jacket, which put him in direct comparison to Burr who is the only other person wearing a color. Just the act of handing his jacket to Burr comes to make it seem as though Hamilton maybe never took Burr seriously and always saw him as someone to take advantage of.
amykahthleen - The characters dressed in white for the first number were all dead by the time of the last number. The white coat going from Hamilton to Burr, I felt, was Hamilton acknowledging that his death belonged to Burr so it must be handed to Burr and Hamilton put on the coat of life - color - to join Burr at the beginning of their journey together.
@@wendyweaver8749 interesting
The way the instrumentation and the melody lines match perfectly help every line pack a punch! The watcher leans in to carefully catch every word of this number, then leans back completely hooked for next 2+ hours!
no matter how many times i see this, i get chills every time that first note hits 💜 also i can’t be the only one who wants to see chris jackson, leslie odom jr, anthony ramos, or Oak cast in every leading man role from here on out 🥰
Can you do “The Story of Tonight?” Such an underrated number but so beautiful
RAISE A GLASS TO THE FOUR OF US
Agree!
The first 4 or so times I heard that song I legit called it the drunk song. Still love it though.
Leslie gives me goosebumps way to many times in the movie and I love every second of it.
I love your comments, it is the reason I watch you .. please stop apologising for interrupting as your comments are gold.if I want to watch the shows, it easy to find them.. Your comments are your value - put them out there and know that we are happy to hear them ... thank you .. good work ..
One of my favorite songs, so amazing. Also, want to give a shout out to how the costuming was done…when they’re all in beige, they’re dead, they switch coats, and you are going back in time, from this song, to hear the story, brilliant how they would do the changing of coats throughout the show.
what i love most here is that the lines
"we fought with him" could fit both Lafayette and Hercules AND Jefferson and Madison
and the line
"me I died for him" works for both Laurens and Philip
when I realized this my mind was BLOWN
I love this opening number. The more I hear and watch Chris Jackson the more I love his movements and singing. If Phillipa Soo is a violin, Chris Jackson is the cello. So much talent on the stage from so many, but Chris Jackson’s smooth, full voice is stunning.
5:55-when Hamilton bows his head. Gets me every time and subsequent bows too🥺
Has any noticed that EVERYONE except Hamilton and Burr are in their white attires (even the Skyler sisters). I think it adds to the story and the set up
I think it was more of an attention grabber. The song wanted to focus on Burr and Hamilton. We aren't yet introducing to anyone else. If we had for examples the Schuyler sisters in their colorful dresses, it would draw attention away from Hamilton and Burr (the narrator).
@@amazingwhale9338 I agree. It’s because they haven’t been introduced yet. They’re a whisper of the future at this point.
@@mbgal7758 that's a more poetic way of putting it than I could come up with. The image that came to my mind was color-in paper dolls that hadn't been colored in yet.
I actually just noticed that right now
I love this and thank you. I noticed while you were saying about Chris Jackson appearing presidential that there also is some symbolism with the items that Eliza, Angelica and Laurens/Phillip hand him that implies their future connections. Also one point that has stuck with me all along is that Hamilton likely wouldn’t have been considered an immigrant, Nevis was a British colony just like New York
Neither was Lafayette, a Frenchman who never wanted to be anything else. Immigrant is used as a synonym for outsider.
7:33 I agree 100% with what Marc says right here because earlier this year when my school competed at the UIL District One Act Play competition the ensemble got an award and it was the first time ever that an ensemble got an award goes to show that even though you don’t have a speaking part you are still an important part of telling a story on stage
I love how the song says “a *forgotten* plot in the middle of the Caribbean” and then says “don’t *forget* from whence you came”
Seems like Alexander Hamilton got a bit full of himself and forgot where he came from.
Although the "from whence" makes me cringe every time.
You don't have to apologize for pausing the video, I watch for your take on it. If I just wanted to watch the song I would.
"We fought with him, I died for him, I trusted him, I loved him".
It took me far too many re-watches to realise how amazing that line is...
Lafayette and Mulligan did fight with him, but so did Jefferson and Madison.
Laurens died for him, but Phillip did too, defending his honour.
Peggy loved him as a brother but so did Maria.
Here’s one thing I hadn’t noticed until just now. Most of the actors play more than one role. And since this is our first introduction to the characters, it’s so clever how their lines about their relationship with Hamilton reflect both characters they play. “We fought with him” is a brothers-in-arms thing for Mulligan and Lafayette, but political opponents for Madison and Jefferson, both of whom are played by the same actors. Such a clever, clever line and clever, clever foreshadowing that takes advantage of this duality of meaning.
This opening sets up the whole show. All of the characters are involved. “Alexander Hamilton”… it emphasizes the anticipation of what is to come in the production.
Since you are giving a shout out to the ensemble can you please do “Farmer Refuted”? That song is so addicting and it is how I view our politics today.
What I appreciate most about this number is the build. It started very slow almost dragging and I feel like that matched the mood of the beginning of Hamilton‘s life. It also created an opportunity for the audience to get acclimated with this being a hip-hop musical. It began with rapping but at the dragging tempo was slowed down and it sounded more like spoken word and allowed people to understand the lyrics before they are thrown into the tempo of something like guns and ships. So thoughtful.
A really great example of Lin's genius in writing is the line by Daveed and Oak "We fought with him". In the first act, as Lafayette and Hercules Mulligan, they fought beside ("with") him in the Revolution. In the second act, as Jefferson and Madison, they fought ("with") him as adversaries. It's really brilliant, that that one line instantly has two distinct meanings. I love so much about this show.
Was so excited when I saw you did the first number I screamed like a 15 year old at a Beatles concert! The ensemble is amazing and the choreography is the best. Thank you!
I always thought Leslie Odom, Jr. sort of stole the show. He and Eliza, for me, are the sympathetic characters of the piece (despite the duel that ends with Alexander’s death).
All the character’s voices are slightly different in this song from how they are in the other songs; I believe these are their “narrative voices” because Phillipa sings as Eliza so differently then how she does in Helpless or any other song she’s in.
I just notice the spirits/white coats that help Hamilton through his journey. The simbolism is amazing!
- Washington says "you gotta fend for yourself" which is something Hamilton learned with him.
- Hamilton takes his white coat at the first "new man" line and gives it to Burr (who helped him become the man he is as soon as he arrived at NYC) and Hamilton say "just you wait" (a connetion to Burr ending Hamilton's life and sending him to a post-life maybe? So Burr changed Hamilton multiple times)
- Then Eliza gives Hamilton his brown coat - it's the first color he uses and is kinda when he actually enters his own story, and is Eliza helping him do that
- Angelica gives him knowledge, a book
- And Laurens/Phillip gives him a bag with everything he own in the world
Idk, I just never noticed the people giving him stuff during this opening would have such a significance, it's brilliant!
I cannot wait until you finish all the songs so that I can sit down and watch Hamilton again from beginning to end. It will be like you sitting next to me in the theater providing commentary except I will have a glass of skrewball in hand!
That theater with that stage design was definitely a bonus that worked in their favor! It was perfect in moving characters seamlessly!
Every time Oak or Chris Jackson starts speaking/singing, I get chills. Their timbre is so .
And I love L-MM and the “every man” sound he has in his voice, but when I close my eyes all I picture is Gizmo Duck from DuckTales (he’s the voice actor for the character).
Also did anyone else pick up the lines we are waiting in the wings for you,
A forth wall thing, as if back then Alexander story was always meant to be told and appreciated in the theatre and it had to wait til Lin Manuel Miranda was ready to tell it and tying into the ending in Who Live Whi Die Who tells your story, which we are still waiting for that reaction video MDP
I love the way you organize your reactions to the various Hamilton pieces. Really adds a lot of good value. Wonderful introduction piece, for sure.
From all the reaction video I watched, Marc Daniel Patrick is the best. He can give us a strong perspective as a musical theatre coach so eventhough I am not an actor, I still feel rich of knowledge after watching his videos.
The title on the playbill may be Hamilton, but it could just as easily be Burr. In this musical, and history itself, it’s like they’re this weird, Gordian Knot, ever entwined and impossible to separate. And LMM showcases that shared history with Burr as the narrator. Absolutely freaking genius!
Jake Calder - And it was just as much the story of Eliza, who was the one instrumental in actually telling the story of Hamilton, Washington, etc., because she lived another fifty years.
Couple things about the Disney opening: the fireworks recall (also recall) the opening to the 1960s era Wonderful World of Color Disney TV show. That was a time when color television was still new and required a family with a bit of money, so the colorful fireworks were quite a big deal. Granted, it takes some age on a person to know that! The alternating lights and trees along the horizon call back to a segment from Fantasia, but I forget which one it is at the moment. Have to review the film to remember which. However, given how the Hamilton production references SO MANY things through history and pop culture in the broadest sense, that Disney is doing its own cross-referencing is really cool.
I love these videos. Don't apologize for stopping the video. This channel is a wonder! Please, keep going.
The actress who plays the bullet always steals the stage for me lol
Every time i see her ingo oh shit there she is! 😅
And now she has an Oscar 🥰
Just connected the "we are waiting in the wings for you" being sung by an ensemble composed of all the main players.
I know this is a year old but here’s a little trivia Leslie Odom Jr who played burr acted as a crossroads demon in supernatural season seven back in 2011 the episode was named “time for a wedding” it’s so cool to see him in that show and here on Hamilton
Mark don't apologize for stopping!!! We are here (or I am at least) because we find your insight interesting. 😁
Marc: "Ich like the fluidity"
Also Marc: pause the vid every 2seconds... LOL
I can't believe you haven't done "My Shot" yet. That is the one that really shows Lin's brilliance as a performer, as well as a writer and composer.
The Disney showing was my first viewing of the show. I knew nothing about it beforehand other than it’s acclaim. Laurens’s line that starts with “the ten dollar founding father..” was the moment that it hit me Hamilton was going to be an experience unlike any other. Lin’s writing brilliance is evident from the very beginning and doesn’t let up.
Oooo this song is so good!
5:49 THAT VOICE. I love Chris Jackson.
I miss when you used to pause for everything just to explain some aspect, word, tune or story. I loved the video, tho. ❤
Thanks for your commentary. I always enjoy it. Shout out to Jonathan Groff as King George for that opening voiceover. Like Okieriete Onaodowan (& others), Groff's brilliant performance is sometimes lost in the conversation about the NUMEROUS brilliant "Hamilton" original cast performances. 💛
Just a side note that watching Sasha Hutchings move around the stage is one of the highlights of the whole play.
I never get tired of this!🔥
So happy you did this song! It’s so underappreciated. So is Right Hand Man; can you do that one please???
I feel Like Burr is the main character
Eliza in some ways too
I'm so obsessed with Hamilton! And Leslie's book, Failing Up, is so good. Y’all should check it out. Very interesting read
I just realized that the fireworks and the beat were in sync... what the heck?! Does anyone know if that's a coincidence or if Disney changed it for the show?
I love your videos. Not in that biz, but learn so much.
Me: I don't have time to watch Hamilton right now.
Also Me:***watches Hamilton related content for 4 and a half hours***
I read that the change of Hamilton coats had symbolism’s throughout the play
I just love your videos. Would be great to hear your take on the whole show however both 'Yorktown' or 'Hurricane' are up there for me!
I just want someone to look at me the same way you look at the cast of Hamilton 😂🥺
I also notice how Aaron Burr is the only one wearing his coat, signifying how he is the one telling the story from his opinion while everyone is wearing the off white outfits. Really cool I’m just now realizing that!
Those two fingers, tapping the rythm on his chin, lip syncing, the passionate eyes...