Five years ago, Alexander Hamilton was one of the lesser known founding fathers of America. Now, thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s trailblazing musical, Hamilton’s name and his story are known far and wide.
At the peak of the musical’s fame, getting tickets was a feat in its own right. Thanks to a collaboration with the new Disney+ streaming service, the musical can now be watched from the comfort of your own home from 3 July.
Originally intended for cinema release in October 2021, Miranda made the decision to fast track the release, “in light of the world turning upside down”. The 2016 recording includes the original Broadway cast, with Miranda playing the eponymous founding father.
The film has been directed by Thomas Kail, who was responsible for the staging of the musical when it hit Broadway. Miranda hopes that by bringing Hamilton home, “everyone who watches this film the best seat in the house”.
Miranda tweeted that broadcasting the show, which has won both 11 Tony awards and a Pulitzer prize, meant he had: “Never been so happy/nervous in my life”.
When the release was announced, Robert Iger, the current chairman of Disney said that the show was as timely as ever. He noted: “extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful”.
Audiences will be able to be in the room where it happens as of early July.
