The success of a Broadway show hinges significantly on the depth and allure of its main characters. They are the driving force of the story and captivate the audience's attention. Their journey, conflicts, and transformation not only advance the narrative but also evoke emotions, stir thoughts, and often mirror our own human condition. It's no wonder, then, that some characters, borne out of the extraordinary vision of their creators, transcend beyond their stories and become icons, leaving a mark in the world of theatre.
In the myriad of such iconic characters, two stand out for their impact and enduring popularity: Alexander Hamilton from Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton and Jay Gatsby from the new show The Great Gatsby, based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Though born in different eras and mediums, both characters are similar in their complex persona and relentless pursuit of the American Dream. These two figures, one a real-life Founding Father turned into a modern rap sensation, and the other, a fictitious embodiment of the Roaring Twenties' excesses and disillusionments brought to life on the Broadway stage, have quickly become fan favorites.
Alexander Hamilton: From History to Stage
Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis and orphaned at a young age, Alexander Hamilton's life was a remarkable rise from obscurity to power. A self-made man, he was a crucial figure in shaping the nascent United States, becoming one of its Founding Fathers, an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, the founder of the nation's financial system, and the first Secretary of the Treasury. His life, however, was not without scandal and strife, and he was tragically killed in a duel by his political rival, Aaron Burr. Despite his contributions, Hamilton was largely overshadowed by other historical figures.
That was until Lin-Manuel Miranda, inspired by Ron Chernow's biography of Hamilton, transformed his life into a hip-hop musical phenomenon. In Hamilton, the titular character is portrayed as a complex, driven, and flawed individual. His motivations are deeply rooted in his humble beginnings and his ambition to leave a lasting legacy.
Hamilton's relationship with Eliza Schuyler, portrayed with heartfelt sincerity, reveals his softer, more vulnerable side, while his complicated friendship with Aaron Burr serves as both a professional and personal foil, leading to a tragic end. His rivalry with Thomas Jefferson, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the political landscape of the time.
However, it's not just his relationships that define Hamilton. The musical also explores his internal conflicts, struggles with his ambition, recklessness, and inability to control his pride. These elements add depth to his character, making him relatable and human despite his place in history.
Through song, rap, and dance, the musical Hamilton paints a vivid picture of Alexander Hamilton—the man, the legend, the icon. Trey Curtis, currently starring as Alexander Hamilton, offers a nuanced performance that blends vulnerability with determination. Curtis’s performance is particularly notable in the musical number "My Shot." This anthem serves as a pivotal moment in Hamilton's character development, symbolizing his determination to seize every opportunity and shape his own destiny.
Jay Gatsby: The Enigmatic Millionaire
In the canon of American literature, few characters have ignited as much fascination as Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic millionaire at the heart of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, now on Broadway. Gatsby is a self-made man who amasses a great fortune—through mysterious means—in the hope of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel, set in the Jazz Age, positions Gatsby as a symbol of the era's dazzling glamour and ruthless pursuit of wealth and pleasure. His story, like the American Dream itself, is a blend of aspiration, disillusionment, and tragedy.
Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy, despite the odds, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his dreams. His extravagant parties, flashy car, and luxurious mansion, all to attract Daisy, reveal his obsession with an irretrievable past and an unattainable future. Yet, for all his wealth and charisma, Gatsby is a character marked by loneliness and tragic delusion. He believes that he can recreate the past and win Daisy's love again. His downfall lies in this tragic misbelief, as well as in the harsh reality that Daisy, like the American Dream he chases, is an unattainable ideal. His rise and fall echo the era's fleeting prosperity and inevitable disillusionment. His tragic end, alone and unloved, signifies the hollowness of his pursuit and the emptiness of his achieved wealth.
Gatsby’s duality is beautifully encapsulated in the musical number "For Her/My Green Light." This poignant soliloquy reveals his internal turmoil and his undying love for Daisy. The “green light” referenced in the song symbolizes his hopes and dreams, the unattainable that he constantly reaches out for.
Both Hamilton and the fictional Gatsby are self-made men driven by their ambitions. They rise from humble beginnings to achieve great prominence – Hamilton in politics and Gatsby in wealth. They both exemplify the pursuit of the American Dream, albeit in different ways. Hamilton's dream is fueled by his desire to contribute to a new nation, whereas Gatsby's dream is driven by his longing for a lost love. Despite their different motivations, both characters are relentless in their pursuits, ultimately defining their lives and shaping their narratives.
In essence, both Hamilton and Gatsby, despite their differences, serve as compelling main characters that anchor their respective narratives. Their stories, ambitions, and ultimate fates reflect larger themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and the human condition. Through their iconic main characters, Hamilton and The Great Gatsby offer powerful explorations of the American Dream, its promises, allure, and its inherent complexities.
So, whether you're a history buff, a literature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good storytelling, these shows are a must-see. Let the stories of Hamilton and Gatsby inspire, entertain, and move you. After all, theatre is a mirror of life, and what better way to explore life than through the journeys of these iconic characters?