Lessons from Hamilton’s Triumph at the Tony Awards

Hamilton’s triumph in winning eleven Tony Awards on Sunday night, and in so many categories, is much more than a confirmation of its brilliance. This once in a lifetime musical is in the process of re-defining many standards of excellence – from theater production and musical composition to the recounting of history and the transformational power of individuals. And its story line and music have even hooked many people around the world who are yet to see the production 

Here’s a few things to remember about a Hamilton phenomenon that, although already considerable, will only grow more in scale and scope in the months to come: 

1. We owe the music and lyrics to the incredible genius of one person, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also excels as the main character in the musical. 
2. It’s the product of a public-private partnership, with a pivotal role having been played by The Public Theater.  
3. It has no inhibition in departing from the standard approach to casting, including for President Washington who is played by an African-American; and in doing so, it reminds us of the power of diversity and inclusiveness. 
4. In being so remarkably effective in bringing US history to life, it has encouraged many people around the globe to learn more about the US revolution and the role of the founding fathers. 
5. It reminds us the power of individuals in changing the course of history.
6. It has massively expanded the appeal and popularity of once pigeon-holed music genres such as hip hop.
7. It has developed a brand which, like Apple, commands incredible mystique … so much so that one of a widely-selling merchandise item inspired from Hamilton includes a T shirt declaring “I used to have a life before Hamilton!”
8. And, through the touching remarks of its Tony’s winners, it showed us how acceptance speeches should be made.

In introducing the Hamilton number at the Tony Awards on Sunday night, President Barack Obama noted that it is “a civics lesson that our kids can’t get enough of.” In winning the Tony for Best Musical, the production reminded us that great things await genius, a big idea, bold innovation, careful follow through and incredibly hard work.

It is, after all, what Leslie Odom Jr. observed when accepting the Tony for the best actor in a musical: Hamilton provides “a new vision of what is possible.”