What may be the most obvious Broadway show that relates to the American Dream is Hamilton. Hamilton, one of the most famous Broadway musicals of all time, takes place from roughly 1776 to 1804. The story follows the founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and his life arriving in New York, his relationship with George Washington, writing the Federalist papers, becoming Secretary of the Treasury, the issues within his family, etc.
There are many different ways that the American Dream stands out within this musical. However, probably the most obvious example can be seen in the songs “The Schuyler Sisters” and “You’ll Be Back”. “The Schuyler Sisters” is sung by three wealthy daughters who go into town seeking potential suitors. One of the lyrics in the song is, “We hold these truths to be self-evident/ That all men are created equal.” These lyrics are extremely recognizable as the sisters are directly quoting the line from the Declaration of Independence. One of the sisters then goes on to sing, “And when I meet Thomas Jefferson/ I’ma compel him to include women in the sequel.” I feel that this represents that the language used in the Declaration of Independence did not include women or children. Many people have interpreted that the language of “all men” included all of humanity, while others believe the authors meant to exclude women and children. Women could not vote, go to university, earn equal wages, etc. and this lyric represents this lack of equality.
Even though Hamilton begins after the Declaration of Independence was written, it still demonstrates the American Dream of separating from Great Britain due to the control King George III had over them. In the song “You’ll Be Back” King George III expresses his belief that the American Colonists will come crawling back to the British Empire. The control that Great Britain had over them is expressed in the lyrics sung by King George III, which are “My sweet, submissive subject,” referencing the United States. Overall, demonstrating how America was able to be molded by the Empire and why America wanted separation.
“Hamilton.” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt8503618/plotsummary/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.
“Jonathan Groff & Original Broadway Cast of ‘Hamilton’ – You’ll Be Back.” Genius, genius.com/Jonathan-groff-and-original-broadway-cast-of-hamilton-youll-be-back-lyrics. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.
“Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas-Jones, Leslie Odom, Jr., Original Broadway Cast of ‘Hamilton’ & Renée Elise Goldsberry – the Schuyler Sisters.” Genius, genius.com/Phillipa-soo-jasmine-cephas-jones-leslie-odom-jr-original-broadway-cast-of-hamilton-and-renee-elise-goldsberry-the-schuyler-sisters-lyrics. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.