Hamilton the Musical: Ultimate Guide to Plot, Characters & More
Hamilton the Musical has taken the theatre world by storm, combining hip hop, rap, and traditional Broadway music to bring the incredible story of Alexander Hamilton to life.
Created by Lin Manuel Miranda, this show has become a global sensation, playing in London, New York, and touring across the UK and North America.
Whether you’re planning to see the show or simply curious about what makes it so popular, this guide covers everything you need to know about the musical.
Key Takeaways
- The Story of Hamilton the Musical: Learn how Hamilton brings the life of Alexander Hamilton to the stage, focusing on his ambition, rivalries, and his role in shaping the United States, told through a modern mix of music.
- Where to Watch Hamilton the Musical: Discover where you can see Hamilton, from its runs in London and New York to its tours across the UK and North America.
- Hamilton the Musical Characters: Get to know the historical figures portrayed in the musical, including Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Eliza Hamilton, and George Washington, and how they fit into the story.
What Is Hamilton the Musical About?
Hamilton the Musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphaned immigrant from the Caribbean who rose to become one of the most influential figures in early American politics. The show explores his work during the American Revolution, his role as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and his personal struggles, particularly his rivalry with Aaron Burr.
Throughout the show, Hamilton’s relationships with other historical figures, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and his wife Eliza Hamilton, are central to the plot. The musical uniquely presents these historical events and relationships through a contemporary lens, using hip hop and rap to keep the storytelling fresh and engaging.
Hamilton the Musical Songs: Full List and Meaning
One of the key highlights of Hamilton is its music, blending hip hop, rap, and Broadway styles. Each song helps drive the narrative and adds depth to the characters’ stories.
Below is a complete list of the songs from both Act 1 and Act 2, along with a description of their significance in the story.
Act 1 Songs
| Song Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexander Hamilton | The opening number introduces Alexander Hamilton and sets up his rise from poverty to power. |
| Aaron Burr, Sir | Hamilton meets Aaron Burr, and their contrasting personalities are revealed. |
| My Shot | Hamilton expresses his determination to succeed and not “throw away his shot.” |
| The Story of Tonight | Hamilton and his friends John Laurens, Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan bond over their shared ideals. |
| The Schuyler Sisters | Introduces Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, key figures in Hamilton’s life. |
| Farmer Refuted | Hamilton argues against a Loyalist during the build-up to the revolution. |
| You’ll Be Back | King George III sings about how America will “come crawling back.” |
| Right Hand Man | George Washington enlists Hamilton as his right-hand man during the Revolutionary War. |
| A Winter’s Ball | Hamilton and Burr attend a ball where Hamilton meets Eliza Schuyler. |
| Helpless | Eliza Hamilton sings about falling in love with Alexander Hamilton, leading to their marriage. |
| Satisfied | Angelica Schuyler reflects on her feelings for Hamilton and sacrifices her desires for her sister’s happiness. |
| The Story of Tonight (Reprise) | The men celebrate Hamilton’s marriage, with Burr expressing his feelings for Theodosia. |
| Wait for It | Burr reflects on his patient approach to life, contrasting with Hamilton’s boldness. |
| Stay Alive | Hamilton and Washington struggle to keep the army together during the war. |
| Ten Duel Commandments | The rules of duelling are explained as Laurens challenges Charles Lee to a duel. |
| Meet Me Inside | Washington rebukes Hamilton for his behaviour following the duel. |
| That Would Be Enough | Eliza Hamilton pleads with Alexander to stay safe and be present for their family. |
| Guns and Ships | Lafayette rallies support for the American forces, with Hamilton taking a key role in their strategy. |
| History Has Its Eyes on You | Washington warns Hamilton that the decisions they make now will be remembered forever. |
| Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down) | The Americans win the battle of Yorktown, securing their independence. |
| What Comes Next? | King George III reacts to losing the colonies and ponders America’s future. |
| Dear Theodosia | Burr and Hamilton sing to their newborn children, expressing their hopes for the future. |
| Non-Stop | Hamilton works tirelessly to shape the new American government, while others, including Burr, envy his success. |
Act 2 Songs
| Song Title | Description |
|---|---|
| What’d I Miss? | Thomas Jefferson returns to America from France, out of touch with the new political landscape. |
| Cabinet Battle #1 | Jefferson and Hamilton engage in a rap battle over the direction of the new government. |
| Take a Break | Eliza and Angelica urge Hamilton to take a break from his work, but he refuses. |
| Say No to This | Hamilton begins an affair with Maria Reynolds, leading to a scandal. |
| The Room Where It Happens | Aaron Burr expresses his frustration at being left out of key political decisions. |
| Schuyler Defeated | Hamilton’s father-in-law Philip Schuyler loses his Senate seat to Burr. |
| Cabinet Battle #2 | Hamilton and Jefferson clash again, this time over foreign policy. |
| Washington on Your Side | Burr, Jefferson, and Madison plot against Hamilton, determined to bring him down. |
| One Last Time | George Washington decides to step down as president, delivering his farewell address. |
| I Know Him | King George III reacts with disbelief to Washington’s resignation. |
| The Adams Administration | Hamilton finds himself out of favour under John Adams’ presidency. |
| We Know | Jefferson, Madison, and Burr confront Hamilton about his affair with Maria Reynolds. |
| Hurricane | Hamilton reflects on the decisions he’s made throughout his life, justifying his choices. |
| The Reynolds Pamphlet | Hamilton publicly confesses to his affair, attempting to save his political career. |
| Burn | Eliza Hamilton reacts to Hamilton’s infidelity, burning the letters he wrote her. |
| Blow Us All Away | Philip Hamilton, Hamilton’s son, is killed in a duel, mirroring his father’s fate. |
| Stay Alive (Reprise) | Hamilton and Eliza grieve the loss of their son. |
| It’s Quiet Uptown | Eliza and Hamilton try to rebuild their relationship after their son’s death. |
| The Election of 1800 | Jefferson and Burr face off in the presidential election, with Hamilton’s endorsement of Jefferson tipping the scales. |
| Your Obedient Servant | Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel after years of rivalry and resentment. |
| Best of Wives and Best of Women | Eliza and Hamilton share a tender moment before the duel. |
| The World Was Wide Enough | The final duel between Hamilton and Burr, ending in Hamilton’s death. |
| Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story | The cast reflects on Hamilton’s legacy and the impact of his life on American history. |
Hamilton the Musical Characters
The characters in Hamilton are drawn from some of the most significant figures in early American history, each playing an essential part in shaping Alexander Hamilton’s life and legacy.
Here’s a closer look at the main characters in the musical.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexander Hamilton | The central character, an ambitious immigrant who rises to become a Founding Father of the United States, driven by his intelligence and ambition. |
| Aaron Burr | Hamilton’s rival, cautious and strategic, whose jealousy and political ambition lead to growing tension with Hamilton throughout the musical. |
| Eliza Hamilton | Hamilton’s loyal and devoted wife, who stands by him through personal and public challenges, and later preserves his legacy. |
| Angelica Schuyler | Eliza’s older sister, known for her intelligence and wit, who shares a close bond with Hamilton while remaining loyal to her sister. |
| George Washington | Hamilton’s mentor and a father figure, guiding him through the American Revolution and early political career. |
| Thomas Jefferson | Hamilton’s political rival, a charismatic and flamboyant leader with a contrasting vision for America’s future. |
| James Madison | Jefferson’s ally and another political opponent of Hamilton, known for his strategic role in opposing Hamilton’s policies. |
| John Laurens | One of Hamilton’s closest friends, a passionate revolutionary committed to fighting for freedom and equality. |
| Marquis de Lafayette | A French ally of Hamilton and the American forces, energetic and loyal, playing a key role in the Revolutionary War. |
| Hercules Mulligan | Hamilton’s friend and a daring spy during the Revolutionary War, known for his bold personality and resourcefulness. |
| Maria Reynolds | A woman with whom Hamilton has an affair, introducing tension and drama into Hamilton’s personal life. |
| Philip Hamilton | Hamilton’s eldest son, whose relationship with his father adds emotional depth to the musical. |
| King George III | A satirical and humorous character who comments on America’s independence with disbelief and frustration. |
| Peggy Schuyler | The youngest of the Schuyler sisters, featured primarily in the early part of the musical. |
| Charles Lee | A military figure who clashes with Washington and Hamilton during the Revolutionary War. |
| Philip Schuyler | Eliza’s father and a political figure in New York, who supports Hamilton’s early career. |
| George Eacker | A minor character whose actions have significant consequences on the Hamilton family. |
Where Can You See Hamilton the Musical?
Hamilton is performed in some of the most prestigious theatres in London and New York and is currently touring across the UK and North America. If you’re planning to see the musical live, here are the details on where and when you can catch it.
Hamilton in London
Hamilton is currently being performed at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, near Victoria Station. This West End production has been a hit since it debuted in 2017 and is one of the most popular shows in the city. With tickets selling out quickly, it’s best to book well in advance.
Hamilton on Broadway in New York
On Broadway, Hamilton plays at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, which has been its home since 2015. Located at 226 West 46th Street, the theatre remains one of the top destinations for theatre-goers in New York. Due to the high demand, be sure to book your tickets early.
Hamilton UK Tour Dates
For those in the UK, Hamilton is also on a UK & Ireland Tour.
Here are the upcoming UK tour dates and locations:
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | Tue 17 Sep – Sat 16 Nov 2024 |
| Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff | Sun 24 Nov – Sat 25 Jan 2025 |
| The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford | Tue 28 Jan – Sat 15 Mar 2025 |
| Mayflower Theatre, Southampton | Tue 18 Mar – Sat 26 Apr 2025 |
| Liverpool Empire, Liverpool | Tue 06 May – Sat 07 Jun 2025 |
| Sunderland Empire, Sunderland | Tue 17 Jun – Sat 26 Jul 2025 |
| Theatre Royal, Plymouth | Wed 30 Jul – Sat 06 Sep 2025 |
| Theatre Royal, Norwich | Wed 17 Sep – Sat 25 Oct 2025 |
Hamilton North American Tour Dates
In addition to the Broadway production, Hamilton is currently on tour across North America.
Here are the North American tour dates:
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Schuster Theatre, Dayton, OH | Oct 1 – Oct 17, 2024 |
| Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, Buffalo, NY | Oct 15 – Oct 17, 2024 |
| Buell Theatre, Denver, CO | Oct 16 – Oct 31, 2024 |
| Academy of Music, Philadelphia, PA | Oct 29 – Nov 17, 2024 |
| Hershey Theatre, Hershey, PA | Nov 26 – Dec 17, 2024 |
| Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, CA | Nov 27 – Dec 17, 2024 |
| Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI | Dec 11 – Dec 26, 2024 |
| Tanger Center, Greensboro, NC | Dec 26 – Jan 17, 2025 |
| Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte, NC | Jan 7 – Feb 1, 2025 |
| SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, Sacramento, CA | Jan 8 – Jan 31, 2025 |
| The Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA | Feb 4 – Feb 17, 2025 |
| Peace Center, Greenville, SC | Feb 4 – Feb 17, 2025 |
| Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN | Feb 18 – Mar 3, 2025 |
| Hobby Center, Houston, TX | Mar 4 – Mar 24, 2025 |
| Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR | Mar 4 – Mar 24, 2025 |
| Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR | Mar 25 – Apr 14, 2025 |
| Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX | Mar 25 – Apr 14, 2025 |
| Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA | Apr 8 – Apr 28, 2025 |
| First Interstate Center for the Arts, Spokane, WA | Apr 8 – Apr 28, 2025 |
| Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA | Apr 22 – May 11, 2025 |
| Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN | Apr 22 – May 11, 2025 |
| San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA | May 6 – May 31, 2025 |
| Orpheum Theatre, Omaha, NE | May 7 – May 31, 2025 |
| The Smith Center, Las Vegas, NV | May 20 – Jun 15, 2025 |
| Wharton Center, East Lansing, MI | May 20 – Jun 15, 2025 |
| Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, IA | Jun 3 – Jun 27, 2025 |
| Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH | Jun 17 – Jul 5, 2025 |
| The Ohio Theatre, Columbus, OH | Jul 8 – Jul 27, 2025 |
| DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, MI | Jul 22 – Aug 15, 2025 |
| Place Des Arts, Montreal, QC | Aug 19 – Sep 13, 2025 |
Overall
Hamilton the Musical is a ground-breaking production that combines history, music, and unforgettable performances. Whether you see it in London, New York, or on tour, the story of Alexander Hamilton, set to powerful hip hop and Broadway music, is an experience not to be missed.
FAQs
What is Hamilton the Musical about?
Hamilton the Musical follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the Caribbean who rises to become one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. The show explores his political career, personal relationships, and his rivalry with Aaron Burr, which ultimately leads to a fatal duel. It also highlights Hamilton’s contributions to shaping the U.S. financial system as the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Where can I see Hamilton the Musical?
You can watch Hamilton in London at the Victoria Palace Theatre, in New York at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, or on tour across the UK and North America. Be sure to check the current tour dates to find out when the show will be in a city near you.
How long is Hamilton the Musical?
Hamilton runs for approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including a 15-minute interval. The musical is performed in two acts, with the first covering Hamilton’s rise during the American Revolution and the second exploring his political career and personal downfall.
Who created Hamilton the Musical?
Lin Manuel Miranda created Hamilton the Musical, writing both the music and lyrics. Miranda was inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. He also originated the role of Hamilton in the original Broadway production.
What is the style of music in Hamilton?
Hamilton features a unique blend of hip hop, rap, R&B, and traditional Broadway music. The musical uses these contemporary styles to bring history to life in a modern way, making it accessible to a wide audience.
How historically accurate is Hamilton?
While Hamilton is based on real historical events and figures, some aspects of the story have been adjusted for dramatic purposes. The musical takes creative liberties with timelines and certain character interactions, but it stays true to the overall story of Alexander Hamilton’s life and legacy.
What awards has Hamilton the Musical won?
Hamilton has won numerous awards, including 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The show has also been recognized with Olivier Awards for its London production.
Can I buy the Hamilton soundtrack?
Yes, the Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on major music streaming platforms and for purchase. It includes all the songs from the show, including fan favourites like “My Shot,” “The Room Where It Happens,” and “Satisfied.”
Is Hamilton appropriate for kids?
Hamilton is recommended for children ages 10 and up due to some mature themes and language. While it is a family-friendly show overall, parents should be aware that there are moments involving infidelity and political intrigue that might not be suitable for very young children.
