"Hamilton," the musical that became a Broadway phenomenon by retelling the story of America's founding through hip-hop and rap, is coming to South Korea for the first time, 11 years after its 2015 Broadway premiere.
Promoter Clip Service said on the 12th that the show will run from Dec. 17 to Jan. 16 at Dream Theater in Busan, and from Jan. 21 to March 20 at the Grand Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul.
"Hamilton" traces the turbulent life of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and its first treasury secretary. It follows his journey from poor Caribbean immigrant to the center of American power, including his service in the Revolutionary War, his political battles and his personal tragedies. The musical is based on historian Ron Chernow's biography "Alexander Hamilton."
The work drew intense attention from U.S. political circles and intellectuals. Despite requiring background knowledge of American founding history for full appreciation, it became wildly popular and was considered one of the hardest tickets to get on Broadway. Former President Barack Obama, along with politicians, business leaders and celebrities from the arts, rushed to see it, and the show was at one point regarded as essential viewing for the American elite. Its modern reinterpretation of the nation's founding, which addresses immigration, race and power in American society, also attracted notice.
The musical's defining feature is a score built around hip-hop and rap. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the book, lyrics and music, spent seven years completing its 46 numbers. Drawing on jazz and R&B as well as hip-hop and rap, he recast 18th-century American history in a contemporary idiom. Fierce political debates play out as rap battles, and different characters are assigned different musical genres. The production is also known for its constantly rotating stage, dynamic choreography and rapid-fire lyrics.
After opening at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York in 2015, "Hamilton" received a record 16 Tony Award nominations the following year and won 11, including best musical. It also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a Grammy Award and an Olivier Award. The Korean run will feature a newly produced world tour production performed in English. The cast and ticket sales schedule will be announced later.
