If you love theater or even dabble in the arts, you know Hamilton. If you have nothing at all to do with show-biz in any way, you still have heard some Hamilton. For this day and age, it is one of the biggest musicals with its 16 Tony nominations and historically accurate rap music. It has made its rounds across America, with its latest stop being right here in Kansas City. 

Hamilton is an entire musical dedicated to founding father Alexander Hamilton. It walks through the thrilling tale of America gaining independence from Great Britain in Act I, and Act II consists of trying to build the nation from the ground up. I personally never knew of Hamilton’s involvement in the foundation of our nation, so I love that I am receiving quality entertainment while walking away with more history in my head. It always helps that the facts have been put into many catchy songs, but I’ll get there.

I had the pleasure of experiencing Hamilton live in the Music Hall downtown, and my main takeaway is one big word: WOW. I had seen the recorded version on Disney+ years ago when it was first released, but being part of the audience is memorable in a way that sitting on your couch in your pajamas is not. The music, the singers, the actors and actresses, and all the moving parts are happening in real time. Watching a play on your TV feels somewhat fake like they got redos until it was perfect. Even though I know Disney simply recorded one of their regular shows featuring the original cast—creator Lin-Manuel Miranda playing Hamilton himself—there is still doubt in my mind. Seeing all the meticulous magic unfold seamlessly in front of me left me speechless, not to mention the talent!

Since I have listened to the original cast on the album recordings and in the filmed show, I had grown quite fond of all the actors and actresses in Hamilton. I thought adapting to a new cast would be challenging, but it was surprisingly not a problem. Hamilton has a predominantly non-white cast, which is so special to see a musical value the talents of the actors over how they would historically be portrayed. The infamous female trio called the Schyler sisters all had different ethnic backgrounds, yet they played the roles of sisters so well. I’ve never seen a show so focused on the quality of the characters over the appearance of the person, and it truly is a refreshing take on theater. I hope more and more shows follow suit after Hamilton’s great example.

I was so shocked that many of the voices of the cast were quite similar to the original cast’s corresponding characters. Yet each actor or actress made all the iconic songs their own by adding runs or inflections that are unique to them. That is what made the show so sweet: that I will never hear it the same way again. My favorite number “Satisfied” was done so well that I just sat there and soaked it in, never wanting it to end. The actress who played Angelica belted so effortlessly despite her singing, acting, and dancing a challenging solo in front of a thousand people. A-ma-zing.

Another beautiful touch about watching the show in person is the feeling in your chest. My own mom said that she could feel the bass within her chest, making the whole audience a part of the performance. The characters look at you, point to you, sing to you. That is an intangible connection that no screen can replicate.

I love Hamilton for all the little details. While it seems like the whole show would revolve around Alexander Hamilton, it is much bigger than that. It is about telling an untold story and showing the kind of grit and passion for change that this country was formed upon. It motivates all who watch to create something that will outlive you and continue to make the world better after you are gone.

Go watch Hamilton if you can. Go join the movement of history and entertainment married on stage before your eyes. Listen to the music and let it change how you approach the world. I ensure that you will be satisfied.