The best birthday gift: Seeing Hamilton on Broadway, an essay by Nathaniel and Harper
Inkandescent Kids magazine: You had the opportunity to go to the Broadway performance of Hamilton to celebrate your 13th birthday. Congratulations! What made you want to choose this gift as a way to usher in your teen years?
Nathaniel: I’ve always loved Hamilton. It’s always been my favorite musical. My Mom gave me two options : go to the beach or see Hamilton. Obviously, I chose Hamilton.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Who got to go with you?
Nathaniel: It was me, my mom, one of my friends, Harper, and her mom.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Are you a fan of American history?
Nathaniel: Yes, I am, but it depends on what I am learning about.
Harper: Sort of, but I’m more interested after seeing Hamilton.
The stage: Hamilton
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Did you know a lot about Alexander Hamilton before you went to the show?
Nathaniel: Yes, actually (props to my fifth-grade teacher), he taught me a lot about Hamilton, Burr, and the other characters. We did a reenactment at school of one of the battles. Really fun and funny. In the show, Hamilton aimed a prop gun at me and scared the life out of me.
Harper: No, I didn’t.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: What did you learn about this Founding Father at the performance?
Nathaniel: He did a lot of good but also did a lot of bad things. He fought for our country but cheated on his wife. He died a hero.
Harper: He ruined his reputation by being honest, but he did it anyway.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: What was your favorite part of the show?
Nathaniel: I loved all of it. My favorite part was whenever King George was on stage, he is a spontaneous and silly character. All the characters at the show were looking at our seats which was so cool.
Harper: Any scene that had Thomas Jefferson! He was hilarious
Inkandescent Kids magazine: What do you want kids to know about Alexander Hamilton?
Nathaniel: He didn’t throw away his shot (if you know you know). He was also one of the first Revolutionary founding fathers of this country.
Harper and Alex
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Do you get to see a show on Broadway regularly, or was this your first time? What do you want other kids to know about going to the theater?
Nathaniel: It is not my first time, but it’s definitely a treat. If other kids want to see a Broadway show, it’s worth it! Super fun, and you get to hear amazing singing.
Harper: I have gone to a few shows, and I am in theater at school. I want kids to know how dedicated and hardworking theater actors are. A lot goes into a performance like this and it’s so fun to watch it all come together.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Do you plan to see another show on Broadway? If so, which one?
Nathaniel: Yes, I do. I want to see Sweeney Todd, Newsies, and The Greatest Showman, which is coming soon.
Harper: Absolutely! I really want to see “Six,” which is based on King Henry the 8th and his six wives.
Inkandescent Kids magazine: Thank you Nathaniel and Harper! We love your insights and are so happy you got to see such an amazing show. Happy Birthday, Nathaniel!
Students: If you have had an amazing experience and want to share your thoughts in an article, photo, illustration, podcast or video — let us know! Click here to learn about our Submission process. — The Inkandescent Kids team