Introduction

The Hamilton musical has transcended geographical boundaries, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide, including those living outside the United States. This paper explores the reasons behind the international love for Hamilton, focusing on cultural impact, audience demographics, and the universal themes it addresses.

Global Popularity and Cultural Impact

From the United Kingdom to Australia, audiences have found solace and inspiration in the intricate narratives woven within the Hamilton production. A global survey revealed that Hamilton has gained significant popularity in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, making it one of the most streamed Broadway soundtracks worldwide. This widespread appeal can be attributed to its rich cultural impact, which has sparked discussions on representation in theater and the relevance of its themes in different historical and social contexts.

Personal Testimonials from Non-US Residents

The experiences of people living outside the United States provide compelling insights into the musical's enduring charm. For instance, a British resident shares, 'While I don't have the personal understanding of it being the founding fathers of my country, I do love musicals, and this one is a masterpiece! ' This sentiment is echoed by others, such as a Brazilian who asserts, 'Of course, it can be a bit challenging when foreigners have little to no clue about American history, but I managed to immerse myself and fell in love with it.'

Individual Perspectives From Different Geographies

Mexico

Elizabeth, Mexico: 'I am from Mexico, my parents are from Mexico, my grandparents are from Mexico... And I love Hamilton. Funny, I think now I know more about Hamilton than Porfirio Díaz. Why do I love it? The music, the story. I have always loved musicals, but not many come to Mexico to say, almost none. So, when I heard about Hamilton through YouTube, I felt a connection. The song “My Shot” gives me so much energy, and I feel like I could reach anything I try. I think that a Latino wrote it, making it more meaningful. Now, when I see a picture of the USA's founding fathers, they resemble latinos or African Americans in my mind.'

Australia

Alice, Australia: 'I am British and I love Hamilton! Despite not having the personal understanding of it being the founding fathers of my country, I do love musicals, and this one is a masterpiece! It’s not just about the story; it’s the innovative music and the global themes that resonate with me. I can understand why so many people are captivated by it.'

India

Swetha, India: 'I live in India and I happen to adore Broadway shows, especially Hamilton. The chances of actually seeing the show are slim, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to memorize the whole of 'Satisfied' while sitting in my bedroom. I discovered Hamilton after an Buzzfeed article and emails from the Broadway Fan Club, which piqued my interest. When I saw how much everyone was fawning over it online, I decided to give it a shot and listened to the soundtrack. Moments later, I was sending my friends links to it, followed by exclamation marks. I love it because it’s American history, a founding father’s story, and it’s brilliant, innovative, and catchy as hell. The story of a man without a family struggling with his sense of identity and his quest to leave behind a legacy—this resonates with people.'

Conclusion

Hamilton's global success is a testament to its universal appeal, transcending national and cultural boundaries. From the British to Brazilian to Indian audiences, the musical continues to enchant and inspire, proving that its themes and narratives have lasting and meaningful impact across the world. This international love for Hamilton not only enriches the theatrical landscape but also redefines the cultural and representational landscape of musical theater.