Hamilton

July 4, 2016
The hip-hop musical Hamilton: The Revolution has earned its own biography, which highlights the obstacles, influences, and powerful moments from its development to its Broadway success. McCarter narrates the introduction (which he wrote), and one can hear the excitement and enthusiasm he still has for both the musical and his work with Miranda. Actress Hargitay, longtime star of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, covers the lion’s share of this performance, and she does an astounding job. She captures the energy and enthusiasm of the various people quoted throughout the book, while capturing the emphasis and tone to draw out some of the more emotional moments. Miranda chimes in for the last hour, reading—and at times singing—footnotes on the libretto, which is confusing for listeners who are not following directly along with the PDF of the script. A Grand Central hardcover.

Mariska Hargitay takes on the role of warm documentarian in her narration of this behind-the-scenes look at the cultural phenomenon that is HAMILTON. Hargitay is an able guide through the chronology of its run at The Public Theater, the recording of the cast album, and the move to Broadway, as well as details, many quite personal, of the writing, casting, composing, choreography, and more. Listeners will need to follow along in the print book or accompanying PDF when listening to Lin-Manuel Miranda's footnotes on the libretto, which make up the last hour of the recording. That said, it's SO much fun hearing them lift off the page, by turns serious and playful, in his voice. It's fascinating listening for Broadway aficionados and an essential deep dive for HAMILTON fans. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine