It’s time for Jeff and I to discuss the pop culture phenomenon that is the great Lin-Manuel Miranda. We have previously talked about his work on Hamilton in our Tony Awards Chat. Now we’re bringing you a full hour on the man himself, and his ever-impressive catalog of musicals, movie soundtracks, and collaborations.
We start by talking about Hamilton, with the caveat that neither of us has actually seen it. The fact that we can talk about a musical in depth without having seen the show is a testament to the power of this cultural product. It’s also a testament to the talent and genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. How lucky we are to be alive right now. The main way we’ve interacted with Hamilton is through the cast album. Have you listened to it yet? Of course you have, it’s awesome.

We also have “seen” Hamilton through various awards show performances, and pop culture moments. Jeff and I are Tonys fans, and have observed the relationship between Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Tonys broadcast evolve over time. Jeff and I choose favourites from the show, and it will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that we are HERE FOR the Schuyler Sisters. It’s almost tiresome how much we are here for these ladies. We also thoroughly enjoy the use of an anti-hero narrator through Leslie Odom Jr’s performance of Aaron Burr and “Wait For It”. I have a personal affinity for anger through courteous letter writing in “Your Obedient Servant”, and Jeff rightly points out that this song walks the line between high drama and comedy in a fascinating way.
We move on to our personal dream casting choices for the inevitable film version of Hamilton. Jeff has some Good Ideas™ to include The Pop Cult Podcast Fave Janelle Monáe in a film version of this musical. If she were to enact the role of Aaron Burr, I might die. My ideas are decidedly less good, but I’m here stumping for the great Anika Noni Rose, the iconic Lea Salonga, and the reliable Amber Riley. Neither of us has any great contribution to the dudes that should be in a Hamilton film, but Jeff does have two strong picks for a director.
It’s just occurred to me now, but I think it should be a woman of colour. Ava DuVernay or bust.
We move on to the music of Hamilton, and Jeff takes the lead in breaking down some of the many influences in the work. He speaks to the revelation that was the Hamilton Mixtape for him in bringing these influences to light...