‘Hamilton: An American Musical’ May Be Coming to Theaters!

Alexander Hamilton

If you’re a fan of Hamilton, but never had the chance to see the show with its original cast, you may be in luck.

Last week, it was announced that several Hollywood movie studios are currently bidding for the rights to the musical based on the life of the Founding Father and first Treasury Secretary. Unlike most movie theater musical rights, this would not be an adaptation of stage musical. Instead, it would be a recording of the show that was made back in 2016. The recording was made over the course of two nights in New York with the original Broadway cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role of Alexander Hamilton. According to the Wall Street Journal, it would be an exact replica of the Broadway production, including having an intermission.

Hamilton has been a smash-hit for over three years, playing in New York, Chicago, a U.S. tour, London, and with a production soon to come to Puerto Rico. It has won 11 Tony Awards, as well as a Grammy and a Pulitzer Prize.

Alexander Hamilton

Among the contenders for the rights are Warner Bros. Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, and Netflix. It is said that the theatrical rights for the musical could go for more than $50 million. The only caveat is that the sellers are requesting that the Hamilton recording not stream or play in theaters until 2020 or 2021.

It was also announced last week that the creators of Hamilton will be celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors later this year. Those recognized will be Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankerbuehler, and music director Alex Lacamoire.  This is a slight change from the usual for the Kennedy Center Honors, as the event usually honors lifetime achievement.  Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter said, “In recognizing ‘Hamilton’ and its co-creators, the Kennedy Center is making an unprecedented statement about an unprecedented work — a work that transcends cultural boundaries and tells America’s story in a powerful and contemporary way.” The other honorees include country singer Reba McEntire, singer Cher, pianist Philip Glass, and jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter.

The Kennedy Center Honors will take place December 2nd, and will be broadcast on CBS December 26th.

What do you think of this news? Would you go see Hamilton in a movie theater?