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The American Musical: How 'Hamilton' shapes, celebrates history on the stage

"Hamilton: An American Musical" follows Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through his role in the Revolutionary War and the creation of the United States of America. It holds the record for Tony Award nominations, won the Pulitzer Prize and became a cultural phenomenon.

But how did a history lesson become one of Broadway's most celebrated productions?

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of Theatre Chase Bringardner said celebrating American identity within musical theatre is a tradition as old as the art form itself.

"The musical has always been one of the few forms of theatre that is a specific American art form. It fits with our American ethos, in that it's big, bold and confident, with different elements coming together to make something larger than each of the individual pieces," Bringardner said. "'Hamilton' relies on that long tradition and takes it a step further by leaning into the juxtaposition between the historical contexts we know and the way we understand and interpret them today."

That tradition dates back decades before "Hamilton," with productions that used music and storytelling to explore American identity and the nation's evolving history. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, pioneers of musical theatre, helped define the art form with the 1943 premiere of "Oklahoma!". The production combined the lyricism of musical comedies with the dramatic storytelling of traditional plays to establish a new approach known as the "musical play."

"Oklahoma!" explores American identity through the story of a community coming together as the Territory of Oklahoma moves towards statehood. The musical emphasizes themes of unity and belonging, culminating in a wedding that symbolizes the community's shared future.

Another Rodgers and Hammerstein production, "South Pacific," debuted in 1949 and follows a group of men and women on an island during World War II. The musical explores themes of war and racial prejudice, challenging audiences to consider the roots of discrimination and its impact on both individuals and broader society.

Bringardner said that musical theatre has always been about national identity and, in the tradition of storytelling, will continue to adapt its delivery to engage modern audiences in discussions of what it means to be American.

"The real power of theatre is its ability to bring people together," Bringardner said. "It evolves and changes with the people who created it, experience it and engage with it, tapping into our shared human desire for connection, community and meaningful experiences."

Throughout its run, audiences flocked to “Hamilton” for its telling of American history through the lens of modern music, casting and design.

With its hip-hop soundtrack, diverse cast and contemporary costumes, "Hamilton" is performed by actors who represent all Americans while dressed in bright clothing; it may not be historically accurate in its presentation, but Bringardner stressed that these creative choices help audiences connect the past with the present and shape how they remember history.

It's one thing to read about George Washington and other historical figures and another to see them brought to life onstage, expressing hope and regret through songs such as "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story."

Bringardner said that seeing historical figures portrayed as real people, showing emotion on stage, helps audiences connect with them on a deeper level.

"That embodied nature helps people remember that these are people, like them, making decisions. This is how history happens," Bringardner said.

"It's fascinating, and it's interesting because it reminds us of the human quality of the history that we read. There's hope in that. There's sadness in that. That's all part of the human condition. That helps us be informed about our current moment and the lives we lead currently."

Learn more about America 250 at Auburn.

Tags: Theatre and Dance Arts and Culture Faculty Research