When It Comes to Grappling with American History, Celebrate 'Hamilton', But Don't Forget About '1776'

OnStage Blog Editorial

‘The Fourth of July’ is always an interesting holiday to reflect on the birth of America as we grapple with changes to policing and systemic racism that we know are necessary but very difficult to implement.

Musical theatre fans will partly celebrate the 4th of July by watching Hamilton on Disney +. Hamilton is a beacon for those looking for ways to explain history, even the ugly parts, using modern music and casting diversity. It should be hailed as the model for the next generation of playwrights.

But, when it comes to musicals that celebrate history while not ignoring some of its inconvenient truths, we shouldn’t forget 1776 either.

Yes, 1776 the musical is 100% white, almost entirely male, and proudly old-fashioned in its sensibilities. But, somewhat amazingly, its telling of the story of America’s independence is still relevant and sensitive to the contradiction that America was founded on the premise of liberty for all but with slavery intact. And this was a musical written in 1969!!

Consider the following reasons why 1776 still speaks to present day America.

The song “Cool Cool Considerate Men” is timely as ever in discussing why the rich stand in the way of change.

The song speaks to why change can be so difficult. Those who currently consider themselves winners in the current system have no interest in trying to change anything!

Consider a crucial lyric:

“But don’t forget that most men with nothing would rather protect the possibility of becoming rich than face the reality of being poor. And that is why they will follow us! ”

It’s a callous statement, but it was correct in the 18th century, and still correct today. These people must be persuaded just as much as those on the fence. Understanding this mindset is crucial to changing hearts and minds and enacting real change.

The song “Molasses and Rum” is one of the more scathing moments in musical history

“Molasses and Rum” deals explicitly with America’s hypocrisy in admonishing those who want to keep slavery while profiting handsomely from it. You want an alternative history of the founding fathers, well you’re in luck!

It is brutal. It is uncomfortable. It is necessary. And when you see it live, no one in the audience is having a good time. Its truly one of the ballsiest musical songs ever made. Consider the lyric:  

Gentlemen, you mustn't think that our Northern friends merely see our black slaves as figures on a ledger. Oh, no, sir. They see them as figures on a block! Watch their faces at the auctions, gentlemen. White faces on African wharves. "Put them in the ships. Cram them in the ships! Stuff them in the ships."

1776 demonstrates that change often comes for very modest reasons.

We all want to be warriors for a cause. We want the reasons people are persuaded to change to be loud and proud. But sometimes, people vote for change because they would be embarrassed not to be remembered fondly. This was the exact reason that James Wilson, as the delegate from PA, cast the deciding vote for independence in the musical 1776. The lesson for today is that sometimes, you do not need to persuade everyone to join the revolution. Sometimes, you must convince them they do not need to stand in the way.

1776 speaks to vision, being yourself, and not being afraid to go it alone.

We all crave fellowship (we surely learned that during the pandemic) and do not want to protest the government alone. But every movement needs its leaders. Its leaders can even be obnoxious (like John Adams reminded everyone in the song “But Mr. Adams”). But a movement leader should be loud, proud, and speak a singular, clear vision. John Adams was never afraid to be himself, even if being himself was a significant headwind to achieve the change he wanted. The more authentic the people behind the movement are, the better.

(Side note, this is what drives us nuts about certain movements that hide behind masks, afraid to show their faces in public. If you believe in the movement, you should be proud, regardless of consequences)

Both Hamilton and 1776 celebrate America, and they celebrate it from quite different perspectives. We are tempted by the current movement to dispense with all art that is not properly diverse and deals with old-fashioned morals and methods. However, as much as Broadway needs diversity going forward, we also need more art from all backgrounds to deal with the history on honest grounds, as ugly as it is sometimes, and 1776 succeeds on that front.

Watch Hamilton on Disney + July 3rd.

Watch 1776 on July 4th.

This year, we need their lessons reinforced more than ever.