www.vulture.com: Earlier today, it was announced that Hamilton received 13 Olivier nominations, becoming the most-nominated show in the history of London’s biggest theater award. Which, we would be lying if we said didn’t feel a little like winning the Revolutionary War all over again. Like, Hey, we created this musical about how we kicked your asses, and the only British character — a king — is a foppish joke, then when we brought it to your country, you thanked us for it. USA USA USA.
3 comments:
This definitely is a question I have thought about Hamilton. Although it is an extremely progressive production, it has the typical fall-through of the women being almost an afterthought of the story. I understand it is somewhat a precipitant of the century it takes place in, but it is pretty sad that Eliza doesn't get recognized very much despite the fact her story is probably one of the most strong, loyal, patient stories. I did not know that Philipa had gotten nominated in the off-broadway run, but it still is not the same recognition as the large-scale public eye like the Oliver or Tony's. While I do think this is one of the most thankless roles, I feel like Eliza provides a wonderful, thoughtful perspective on the show. Burn is one of the most moving numbers of the show, and really shows off the emotional depth of the role. Hopefully in further expansions of the production, the character will take more of an appreciated spotlight.
I agree with Marisa in all of this. Hamilton is such such a diverse and revolutionary show about the revolution but thy do fall short in the representation of women. There is one song about "including women" during Schuyler Sisters but, after this, both Angelica and Eliza only ever sing about their romance with Hamilton. I love both characters and I love the show so I get that the main focus of the musical was about Hamilton and Burr. Adding any other storyline might make the plot confusing and unfocused. But I would love to see a musical where women are "included in the sequel." I think the actresses that have played Angelica and, especially Eliza, are so talented and, though Eliza might not be a super charismatic and interesting role - like Angelica - it is still a complex and beautiful one. Without her, Hamilton has no one to "tell his story."
I will preface my comment by saying that Cynthia Erivo one hundred percent deserved to win the Best Actress in a Musical Tony. Hands down, Erivo made seeing The Color Purple a religious experience in a way the character of Eliza never could do for Hamilton. That being said, I completely agree with both the article and the comments above. The reason we see Hamilton‘s story, as Eliza reveals in the end, is because Eliza survived to tell it. She is the greatest piece of the story; embarrassed by her husband and scorned by society, she stood strong even when her husband went off to fight a stupid battle of honor and made sure that that was not the only thing the world remembered him for when he died. I would argue that Eliza’s songs are just as emotionally complex as the rest of the show, the difference is that she never really raps. Unless the actress that played Eliza in London somehow did not give the same kind of performance we've seen actresses (spearheaded by Philippa Soo) in the U. S. give, I am a little angry that they did not receive an Olivier nomination for Best Actress.
Post a Comment