With the Hamilton movie being released today, I thought it would be a good chance to share some other Broadway shows that Hamilton fans will enjoy.
In The Heights
Before there was Hamilton, there was In The Heights. Lin Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical is set in the largely Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. It is full of the same hip-hop goodness of Hamilton with extra Latin flair.
Assassins
Much like Hamilton, Assassins is an American history musical. This Sondheim show is about historical figures who attempted (successfully or not) to assassinate Presidents of the United States, and explores what their presence in American history says about the ideals of their country.
Six
Let’s take a break from American history and look at the UK. Six the Musical is a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII presented as a pop concert. Think Spice Girls meets the Tudors. I recommend looking for performances by the Original West End Cast because they were spectacular.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is a comedic historical rock musical about the founding of the Democratic Party. History meets popular music in this show much like Hamilton.
Heathers
Heathers: The Musical is a rock musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. While this is not a history-based show, it has some edgy and rock musical inspiration that reminds some of Hamilton. I recommend the Off-Broadway Cast album because Barrett Wilbert Weed as Veronica is outstanding.
1776
For another American Revolution era show, 1776 is based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, telling a story of the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and to sign the document
Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is a sung-through musical adaptation of a 70-page segment from Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel War and Peace. If you’re in to the historical musical this is a good option that also has a diverse cast. Plus Phillipa Soo (the original Eliza) is in this as well.
Do you have a show suggestion for Hamilton fans? Let me know with a comment below!
I have seen Heathers, In the Heights and Six; I haven’t seen the other ones! Thank you for giving me new musicals to watch!
You surely must have changed the minds of people who say they don’t like musicals, with this awesome line up! Washington heights is on my watch list (the TV show) and I’ve been wanting to go and see Six but no one wanted to go with me – humph. A musical of Heathers sounds weird and wonderful. 😈