Hamilton is coming to Disney+ and I don’t know about you, but I am excited! Whether you are a Broadway fan or not, chances are you know about the show and may even know some of the songs. And now we all have a chance to see the original cast perform it together. I will definitely be watching it, and I think there are lots of reasons why teens should watch Hamilton too!
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In case you don’t know about the show, it is based on the life of Alexander Hamilton. Lin Manuel Miranda created a dramatic retelling of Hamilton’s life and his part in shaping the country. While there is explicit language, and adult themes related to Hamilton’s love life, there are many reasons why I think it is a show that teens should see. There will be some censoring of language in the Disney+ recording, but if you have an issue with language and adult themes, you may want to look into the content first.
History
The first reason why teens should watch Hamilton is because of the history detailed in the story. How many teens (or adults) remember much about the Founding Fathers from history class in school? Even if you do remember some of it, it is important to recognize the similar themes and issues that they faced then, which we still face today. We can always use a refresher course on history, and wrapping it up in a bright and peppy musical score is much more likely to stick in our minds.
Determination
The story is full of characters who are determined to accomplish their goals, no matter what obstacles lay before them. And the inspiring songs in the show not only help to tell their story, but can also pump you up while you are listening to them. Who doesn’t need a little motivation every now and then? Especially teens.
Music Stylings
One of my favorite things about music is the incredible diversity of musical styles. From classical music to rap to metal, there are types of music that some people love, that others aren’t as familiar with. I think it is so important to introduce kids to a variety of music styles to open their eyes to all the forms of expression out there. My daughter is only 5, but she loves all kinds of music. I started introducing her to different artists and music early on, and it has stuck with her.
The musical stylings in Hamilton are based in hip hop, and it opened the world of hip hop music to people who had never listened to it before. Plus, the impressive rhythm and wordsmithing by Lin Manuel Miranda is something to be admired for sure!
Swinging for the fences
From the very beginning of Hamilton making headlines, my first thought about the show was: he did what? Wouldn’t you love to know how that first pitch went?
I’m going to write a show about Alexander Hamilton
Ok.
But it will be a musical
Ok….
With hip hop music and rap battles
SOLD
Thinking about how this show came about reminds me of my last reason why teens should watch Hamilton.
It proves that anything is possible
This is another lesson that we can all learn from and become inspired by. Lin Manuel Miranda not only created this amazing show, which took an incredible amount of love, sweat and tears, but he also accomplished something unbelievable. Hamilton was not only revolutionary on Broadway, but it’s influences have spread far and wide. While watching an episode of Elena of Avalor with my daughter, I was struck by the familiar rhythm of one of the songs. I looked it up online, and sure enough, it was inspired by the back and forth hip hop style of Hamilton’s music. On Disney Jr!
Hamilton is an incredible story that beat all the odds and became a revolutionary Broadway smash. And there are so many reasons why teens should watch Hamilton when it comes to Disney+, as well as the adults in the family.
Are you planning on watching Hamilton on Disney+? Share in the comments below!
