whitehouse.gov: Today, the "world turned upside down" in the White House. The President and First Lady welcomed the cast of Broadway's Hamilton to the White House to host a day full of student workshops, Q&A, and performances, continuing their ongoing effort to highlight all different kinds of American art.
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I think that I commented on a similar article last week, however, after watching some of the performances again, and reading this article I am even more excited about this happening then before. First off, Hamilton again has proved to be so influential that the President and First Lady invited the cast to perform at the White House for the day. It is also incredible that the First Lady and President embrace and believe in Arts education enough to devote an entire day at the White House to workshops and performances of all different kinds of art forms for students to broaden their ideas about art and performance. Hamilton serves as a great piece in this workshop festival because the musical written by Miranda, focuses on so much more than just the story of, founding father, Alexander Hamilton. The music transcends through the audience and makes each audience member think about his or her own life and how they live each day. It asks the audience member to be cognizant of their "story" and how they will be remembered. Along with the story, the musical score is also something that is attainable to many different people. The score incorporates so many different genres of music which allows everyone to find something they can latch onto, and enjoy. It is also fun to try and memorize all of the words in the 44 song score!
It is one thing for the President and the First Lady to go see a show on Broadway. It's not like they'd have trouble getting seats. It is another thing entirely, however, for the first family to welcome a cast full of strangers and workshops full of students into their home, under their heavily-guarded roof, for the benefit of not one, but many art forms. I think this a gesture that will go on to influence the future of theatre as a whole immensely, not to mention all those in attendance. Everything that Hamilton stands for and seeks to support (from the message of the show to the diversity of the cast to the accessibility of the product) has now been backed by our nation's Number 1 Endorser Extraordinaire, as if it wasn't already. In the eyes of a multitude of artistic communities that is, to put it lightly, cause for excitement. The hard work behind every line, cue, and note has more than paid off for this incredible cast and team, and I don't know how to put into words how empowered the President's support of that makes me feel as an aspiring member of such a community. I am so thrilled to see such proof that this scope of reach is possible through the art we make.
This is so awesome. Listen, I can't get enough HAMILTON! I completely agree with other comments. It is one thing for the First Family to watch the jaw dropping, genre bending, spectacle that is Hamilton, but it is something else when they host Hamilton for an event like this one. What I would give to be able to attend a workshop with the cast of this wonderful show, let alone watch live performances from this talented group of people. It is really great to see the President's promoting of the Arts and Education. Many people don't realize the importance Art has on society and exposing that ideal now to young generations is incredible. I don't think any other Broadway show has been hosted at the White House as much as Hamilton has. The impact that this Production has had on audience members is indescribable. Everyone gets affected in such different ways when watching or listening to the show. I am very glad that with the help of The President and The First Lady, this talented cast and team can spread the masterpiece that is Hamilton.
The Hamilton cast at the White House is still so amazing to think about because it is expanding theatre into totally different atmospheres. The White House is where influential decisions are made that affect our entire nation. One would not think that theatre matters to our entire nation, but it does or at least it should. Hopefully with the Obamas showing the world how much they love Hamilton and theatre, more people will give it a chance and look into the world of theatre with a different perspective. Hamilton is extremely influential in many ways because it portrays our American history in a way that many people who normally would not enjoy it, fall in love with it. Hamilton appeals to people interested in hip hop and rap, history, and theatre, as well as everyday people who heard about all of the hype about Hamilton and got sucked in.
I think that it is so fitting to have Hamilton visit the white house. The only negative thing I can say about it is that I think Obama might just be jumping on the bandwagon of the popularity of Hamilton now. I would have loved it so much more if this happened before Hamilton reached where it is now. Other than that I think that this is so much fun! I love seeing theater reach new audiences, and this certainly did. I remember a few weeks ago when this had just happened, one of my aunts on Facebook posted about it and how because of it she looked more into the show. This is why theater needs to do fun promotional events because it allows people to see theater that normally wouldn't. It is always so surprising to think about kids that grew up and never once went to a live production, the more Hamilton or any other show gets out their, the better.
I love this article so much. I commented on an article similar to this one last week, but this one was far more descriptive, and included some of the photos and tweets that occurred with the event. I absolutely adore Michelle tweeting "Alexander Hamilton, we have been waiting in the East Wing for you." I also love the Schuyler sisters on her Instagram. While it makes obvious sense that President Obama and the First Family should support the musical that celebrates America and gives every audience a history lesson that they will actually remember, it is still so exciting and inspiring for us as theatrical artists to see the President of the United States so happily enjoying and embracing theatre. I said this last week, but it must be very interesting for President Obama to see the actual full show of Hamilton performed after he saw the opening number performed in 2007, when the Hamilton Mixtape was just beginning to be created. If President Obama does not necessarily remember Miranda's performance, then it still must be very exhilarating for Miranda to perform for the President after debuting the opening number for him so long ago. Even if it is just Hamilton, which probably does not need any more exposure or attention than it already has, I am very glad that the Obamas are supporting and exposing theatre to others.
Let me just say that I am a huge fan of our current president and first family. I enjoy what they stand for and how they represent themselves in the media. Perhaps the greatest shining star of this family is the First Lady, Michele Obama. Based upon this article as well as others I had read about this event, it was Ms. Obama’s initiative that brought Hamilton for the white house. And although the performances were spectacular, the main focus of the event was education. The article briefly mentioned that the fact that the cast worked with local students. I wish that this aspect of the event was more noticed. Both Hamilton and Ms. Obama are known for their educational crusades. I remember seeing an article a while ago (perhaps it was on this blog) that mentioned AP US History students going to see Hamilton. I just wish that people would focus more on this aspect of Hamilton.
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