Hamilton: The Revolution

By: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeremy McCarter

Narrated by: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mariska Hargitay

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

From Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda comes a backstage pass to his groundbreaking hit musical, Hamilton.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical, Hamilton, is as revolutionary as its subject: the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States.

Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap and claims the origins of the United States for a diverse new generation.

Hamilton: The Revolution gives listeners an unprecedented view of both revolutions, from the only two writers able to provide it. Miranda, along with Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages - 'since before this was even a show', according to Miranda - traces its development from an improbable performance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later.

In addition Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes for his award-winning libretto, all of which are included here. Their account features exclusive looks into notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators, and more than 50 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself.

The audiobook does more than tell the surprising story of how a Broadway musical became an international phenomenon: it demonstrates that America has always been renewed by the brash upstarts and brilliant outsiders, the men and women who don't throw away their shots.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

https://d2fahduf2624mg.cloudfront.net/pre_purchase_docs/BK_TWUK_001209/2020-06-25-08-38-24/bk_twuk_001209.pdf

©2016 Lin-Manuel Miranda (P)2016 Hachette Audio UK

Dont throw away your shot!...of listening to this

Even though I am rather new to audiobooks, I'll have to say that this book is the best so far.
The interesting story of this phenomenal musical is told beautifully by Mariska Hargitay, but I do feel that readers were misled. I was led to believe that Lin would narrate most of the book, but it turned out it's only the notes at the end. While it was still enjoyable, it took away a bit of the performance in my opinion.

In review, I would recommend this book to any fan of the Hamilton musical, or just a history hungry listener that wants to hear how the treasury agent came to the stage several years later.

I'm satisfied

This is the ultimate back stage pass to one of the most compelling stories of modern time, expressively narrated by an ultimate Hamilton's fan this book certainly puts you in the room as it happens.
Then we hear from the man himself, the chaotic charm of creator Lin-Manuel it's a fantastic if frenetic bonus (and a mad dash to find and keep up with those revealing numbers).

As the book ends you're left in awe of the power of collaborative passion, the unyielding dedication of all those involved in birthing this unique narrative, along with numerous times even fate stepped in to ensure Hamilton An American Musical would live to get its shot, then go on to tell this inspiring story..

I will never be Satisfied...with this

This isn't a bad examination of the songs in Hamilton and there are lots of interesting insights. In particular, as someone who doesn't know much about hip hop, I was interested to learn about all the call outs and references to hip styles and artists that appear throughout the show.

The audiobook is accompanied by a PDF annotated Hamilton script, featuring all the songs and Lin Manuel Miranda's footnotes about them. In the second part of the audiobook, Lin narrates these footnotes, though I think most people would need to have the PDF open in front of them to see what he is talking about in each footnote, as no context is given. The PDF looks nice and features photographs of the show in performance.

I definitely don't regret buying it and would recommend it to other Hamilton fans. Unfortunately these types of books can sometimes become a bit fawning (Look what Lin did there, isn't he a genius?) which can be a bit irritating after a while (even if you do agree that he is a genius).

Paradoxically, as a Hamilton fan I also wished that the book could have been ten times as long, as I will never be able to get enough of this amazing show! Also, at 6 hours it's maybe a little short to spend an audible credit on, though I wouldn't want to spend £17 on it either.

Fantastic!

Loved it!

if you like the musical and want to delve into the making of it, then this is for you!

Wonderful

This was just the best to listen to and after watching Hamlton a number of times it’s just amazing

Great story

I really enjoyed this book. it gives a fascinating insight into the development of Hamilton, and gives added depth to the show. it was lovely to hear that many of the original cast are friends, and even how some of the songs were rewritten to suit cast members. Lin Manuel Miranda really is a prodigy, and hearing his thoughts in the notes was brilliant.

A great read for all Hamilton fans.

I’m a big fan of Hamilton and I’ve always had an interest in how musicals, and I mean proper, successful broadway hits, develop and become what they did. So this seemed like the ideal book. And it was fascinating.
It is quite short and I feel there is so much more to be told about the rise of Hamilton the musical but I was still satisfied with what I got.
I particularly enjoyed the footnotes from Miranda himself, and the snaps of his notebook. It was interesting to see how he came up with the settings, and lyrics, and how it was so long in the making.
A lot of the subtle homages to all his influences were over my head as I’m far from a hip hop aficionado but for any lovers of the genre there are some real treats to discover hidden within the lyrics, and music.
It was exactly what I had hoped; an intimate insight into the room where it happens (couldn’t help myself).
As I say though, I could have done with more details. Also, as interesting as the footnotes were, I bought the book in audio version and it doesn’t work well. I basically had to sit and look at a screen while Miranda jumped from footnote to footnote.
These would be better enjoyed if you just read them. In audio version, it needs to adapted better.

Wonderful accompaniment to the show

Loved hearing about all the inspirations for the show and learning more about the music

Excellent!

I really enjoyed this and found my self laughing at the sure genius of the writing. I’ve never found my self learning so much from an audiobook before or being so impressed with the writer rather than the story or , in this case information I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Hamilton
Thank you.

enlightening

After being awed by Lin Manuel's masterpiece I just HAD to make this my next purchase on Audible - and I do not regret it. The narration isn't the best, but the content of the book more than made up for what it lacked in the lackluster narration. The accompanying PDF with Lin's notes is a treasure trove! And what a gorgeous surprise to hear him read out the notes, himself!