we rise and we fall and we break

Highlights from the staging of Hamilton - Act 1

I was fortunate enough to get to see Hamilton and I cannot wait for the rest of you to see it because it’s just as brilliant as you’d imagine. And if Lin says it’s going to be filmed, I trust the guy!
I took a lot of notes, came to about 6 pages on the computer. I thought I’d share the highlights. I got some specific questions from tumblr users which are answered here. (covers Dear Theodosia, Guns & Ships, Take a Break)
And also all the Lams has its own post here, cause I’m the trash of that thing.
And here are the highlights for Act 2.
General observations:
- Everyone in the ensemble is too hot! My tiny bisexual heart can’t!
- The turntable is the most amazing thing I’ve seen. All the different ways they keep using it just blows my mind!
- There are a lot more old people in this theater than I’d anticipated.

Alexander Hamilton - Was not prepared for Ham’s mother to be in the show. It’s one of the ensemble women, and she’s stretched out like she’s dead while they hold her up in the air. She also comes back in Hurricane and she stands next to Philip when Hamilton sees the other side at the end.
My Shot - It’s a bar scene. Actually it feels more like a high school cafeteria. The hamilsquad are the popular kids at their table, riling up Burr and Alex is obv the new kid trying to convince them that he’s super cool.

But let me tell you something, and this is the best shit ever; while he’s doing that, Burr’s getting drinks at the bar. And then, I shit you not, he makes his way back to the table, balancing an armful of shots and when he sings “If you talk, you’re gonna GET SHOT!” He slams down five shot glasses on the table. (which is how I’ll be presenting drinks to my friends until the day I die) Idk, I just lost my shit and someone needs to draw this?! Also at one point when they sing “time to take a shot” they all knock back the shots at the same time.
You’ll Be Back - Groff’s facial expressions are ridiculous and the audience are pissing their pants.
Right Hand Man - Holy SHIT! I was not prepared for Chris Jackson. Can’t even explain how powerful his entrance and his first line is. The recording does not do him justice here. I think I may have died for a second. HERE COMES THE FUCKING GENERAL!

“Burr, close the door on your way out” is fucking chilly! Ppl in the audience literally did that thing where you draw in air through your teeth like shiiiet.

Ham talking to Washington is fantastic. He’s just like a petulant teenager talking to the principle and Lin fucking sells this little sarcastic shit.
A Winter’s Ball - Pleasantly surprised at how they managed to make the whole catcalling the “ladies” bit in the beginning feel respectful somehow.

Lafayette tried to make a move on Angelica first and then Ham comes in and literally pushes his French ass out of the way. Guess you should have called dibs, Lafayette xD
Helpless - Lin-Manuel Miranda, how did Hamilton go from cute, angry teenage bunny to pure sex on fucking legs?? I’m gonna need a change of panties.
Stay Alive - Charles Lee, played by Jon Rua, is nothing short of brilliant!
Ten Duel Commandments - Ok, so, I wrote down “this is the coolest shit ever” while I still had more than half of the show left and after seeing the rest I stand by it. This number is the COOLEST SHIT EVER! The choreography and the use of the turntable, Charles Lee, Ham and Burr’s face-off. The “okay so we’re doing this”, Burr is just sooo done with this kid. The intensity of the duel and Laurens’ hotheadedness and urge to fight, just.. all of it!
That Would be Enough - Eliza’s preggers! That fact had somehow not dawned on me while listening to the recording (which makes more sense now). Ham keeps touching her stomach and it’s heartbreaking.
Yorktown - “The world turned upside down” they literally turn the world upside down. The ensemble move around with chairs and tables raised upside down over their heads and it could have been cheesy but it’s not.

Also, HERCULES MULLIGAN grabs his crotch, I thought you’d like to know.
What Comes Next - Srsl Groffsauce, what is your face??!!?
Lauren’s Death - Aaaand cue the tears. (more about this in the lams post)
Non-Stop - “I was chosen for the constitutional convention” Ham sings this, he walks down from the table and HE FUCKING CURTSIES, I’m not shitting. Hamilton curtsies with the worlds giddiest grin on lips! Lin, you are ridiculous and I love you.