#thebushnell

[havekiddoswilltravel]

Hamilton Musical Review – Wow, Just Wow!

A creative review of Hamilton – by a travel blogging mom.

Burr I’d rather be divisive than indecisive. Drop the niceties.

Hamilton, “A Farmer Refuted”

Watching Hamilton Musical live has been on the top of my personal family bucket list for years. I’ve researched ticket prices many times and was ecstatic when I found out that they would be coming to The Bushnell Center of the Performing Arts in Hartford this December. We are big Bushnell supporters and tend to enjoy a minimum of four shows there each season. I was determined to get tickets. I set reminders on my phone calendar with ticket release dates and went as far as bringing my laptop to the kid’s taekwondo team practice on the morning of the first wave of ticket releases. After 1 hour of refreshing the browser, I scored four reasonable tickets for December 30th. What a perfect Christmas gift for our wanderlust family.

You can write rhymes but you can’t write mine.

Take A Break – Hamilton Musical

 I had taken the kids this summer to watch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights (a musical about a Dominican bodega owner in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan) and had prepared them for the music, dancing and writing style that would be depicted in Hamilton. As we only had four tickets, we decided to take our two girls and leave the boys behind this time. One more reason for me to watch it again, because honestly, I can’t get enough.  This is not a review that will be focused on whether Hamilton Musical is historically accurate, appropriate, misrepresented history, left a marginalized group out, minimized the evils of slavery or any other overly serious analysis of Mr. Miranda’s intent in writing this musical. I’m pretty sure that Mr. Miranda did not intend his interpretation of Alexander Hamilton to be an all-inclusive, historically accurate depiction of the founding father. Hamilton is not intended to be all things to all people. I come to this review from the perspective of a history, travel, music, dance, culture and entertainment loving travel blogger, wife and mami of four brown kids whom are exposed to a variety of art and theater. Theater often full of casts, music and culture that does not represent them. For this reason alone, Hamilton rocked. #representationmatters. It’s for the same reason that I was moved to tears by In The Heights musical. Mr. Miranda understands the cultural nuances, references, experiences, dance moves, dictation, beats and music that speak to the deepest parts of my Dominican immigrant soul. Let’s dive in. What I loved about Hamilton and how much I wished that I could get inside the heads of all of the white people sitting around us in Hartford, Connecticut watching this art form. If you were one of them and are willing to share, what were your thoughts?

I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable, I am an original.

Burr, “Wait for It”

 Talk less, smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for.

Burr – “Aaron Burr, Sir

 -          Lin-Manuel Miranda is puro Latino. I can relate to everything he stands for in a way that at times is difficult for me to explain to my mainland born and raised children. Bringing them to experience Mr. Miranda’s work like In The Heights and Hamilton, provided a window to our shared culture, history and traditions. He’s a Boricua, born in Washington Heights and raised in a prominent Latino community that closely resembles the one that I was raised in. Like me, he came of age in a bilingual, bicultural home, where music, traditions and food were the norm, but were rarely reflected in the mainstream pop culture. Mr. Miranda has succeeded in creating Broadway characters who manage to erase the invisibility that I’ve often felt as a lover of all things art and theater. I got goosebumps as a sat and watched characters who spoke like my family and friends, danced with the same passion, sabor and vigor and shared the same cultural nuances that bring a sense of nostalgia to this Dominican woman.

-          As I sat in the fancy theater watching the opening number, I was left breathless as the realization hit me that I was watching artists in every shade of brown, wearing traditional colonial garb (minus the wigs), telling the story of a forgotten forefather immigrant who rose from nothing, I saw myself. I shared this same story and I was unable to contain the emotions. I could care less (must put my wokeness aside for the sake of entertainment and rest) about whether our founding fathers were white, sexists, racist, slave owning men, I was taken by the artistry of Hamilton and was able to see myself in Mr. Miranda’s delivery in ways that I’m seldom able to. What a beautiful gift to give our young children. For so long, our narrative and stories have been left out of the arts. With Hamilton, Mr. Miranda placed my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and friends into the center of the narrative. The bold and unapologetic fashion in which he did so is mind blowing. I lol when Hamilton and Lafayette yelled: “Immigrants, we get the job done.” I was tempted to respond: Asi es. Tu lo sabes. Thank you, Mr. Miranda for allowing me to share this musical with my children and have them see, feel and experience Latinos in a way that is beyond what the main stream media portrays. We know who we are, but it was extremely emotional to have us portrayed outside of the typical narrative of slaves and low-wage workers. Gracias.

We’re finally on the field, we’ve had quite a run. Immigrants: we get the job done.

Hamilton and Lafayette, “Yorktown”

 -          Miranda boldly took on the old minstrel American tradition of black face on stage and reversed it. Oh my goodness, let’s process that one for a minute. I’m cognizant of how this fact and the psychological and social implications of the affect of this when I read negative mainstream reviews of the musical. All of a sudden, those of us usually in the fringes are now put center stage in “The Room Where It Happens” and those usually in the mainstream are left researching, attempting to understand the dictation, body language and music. Wow. That’s genius.

There’s a million things I haven’t done, just you wait

Alexander Hamilton

 Hamilton left me pondering so much about my history, my story and daily life. It was meant to be that our family took in the last show of the year in Hartford on December, 30th. I find myself in a reflective mood during the last week of each year. Since starting my blog 1 ½  years ago, I’ve tried to be consistent in writing, sharing and transparency. Hamilton reminded me of the reasons why I started Have Kiddos Will Travel and it has inspired me to start 2019 “writing like I’m running out of time!”

Why do you write like you’re writing out of time?

Non Stop

 But when you’re gone, who remembers your name? Who keeps your flame?

Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

 The final song of Hamilton left me inspired to continue my blog as an avenue to share my unique and personal story. Life as a work from home, homeschooling mother of four can be isolating at times. This is the primary reason why I started Have Kiddos Will Travel. The blog allows me to document and write my own narrative and by doing so inspire and relate to other women in similar situations as mine. Blogging is risky, as it can leave one vulnerable to other’s not so kosher intentions. I want full control of my story; the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s mine to tell.

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Below are some of the other favorite lines from Hamilton. Do share yours.

Dying is easy, young man, living is harder.

George Washington – “Right Hand Man

 America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me. You let me make a difference. A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.

Hamilton, The World Was Wide Enough

 Your debts are paid cuz you don’t pay for labor, “We plant seeds in the South. We create.” Yeah, keep ranting. We know who’s really doing the planting.

Alexander Hamilton, Cabinet Battle #1

 I’m just like my country—I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot.

Hamilton, “My Shot”

 know that we can win, I know that greatness lies in you. But remember from here on in, history has its eyes on you….

History Has Its Eyes On You

Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.

Alexander Hamilton, The World Was Wide Enough

[christinealtomare]

thebushnell: Welcome to Hartford, Anastasia 💜 Opening night intermission. • • #thebushnell #anastasia #anastasiamusical #tiaratuesday #openingnight #anastasiabroadway #journeytohartford #anastasiamusicaltour #broadwaytour #musicals #musicaltheatre #hartfordhasit #hartfordct #broadway2bushnell #broadwayseries #cttheatre #cttheater #theater #theatre #bushnell #downtownhartford #downtownhartfordct

[dailyspongebobmusical]

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A post shared by The Bushnell (@thebushnell)

thebushnell We got a behind-the-scenes look at the unique set and Foley design for @thespongebobmusical! 🍍⭐️

• Fun Fact: Foley (live sound effects) was used in old films and this is the first known time it’s performed live on stage! 😱

[lamontstermash]

Next Saturday on the 8th 🌊 #LOKALFORENERS #thebushnell

[weaponsofmassdistraction]

tickets are available now at @thebushnell’s website. #100MenOfColor https://www.instagram.com/p/BnmuVsXAzuC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lmpwbx59b8xe

[bksphotographs]

#Throwback from a long time ago I hit the @thebushnell stage and go my acting on. Just a #BestKeptSecret mine. #CelebrityPhotographer #BKSPhotographs

[esteliel]

joshdnyc: Javert aging @lesmizus @thebushnell #lesmiz #makeuptutorial #javert #teamjavert (x)

[havekiddoswilltravel]

I love the fact kid 1 is 13 and still loves her dolls. She’s excited about going to American Girl Live with her sister. Girl night with my little women is priceless. @americangirlmusical is amazing. Don’t miss this unique chance to watch your favorite @americangirlbrand come to “life” and use singing - dancing to encourage, inspire and teach important life lessons. There are 4 more shows this Saturday and Sunday in Hartford, CT. #hosted #thebushnell #americangirldoll #americangirlmusical

[christinealtomare]

rsbowman_: 01.19.2020 | The end of a life changing chapter. 15 years ago I was in my first show onstage at @thebushnell and fell in love with Theatre. Fast forward to 2016, the night before my amazing father passed away he asked “What do you want to do when you graduate college?” and I replied “I would love to travel the world performing on a Broadway Tour.” Well, Dad IT HAPPENED! This show will always have a special place in my heart and has given me many “firsts” that I will forever be grateful for. Thank you to the entire company, creatives, family and friends who traveled near and far to see me, and to my Mom and Dad for never discrediting my dream but instead reminded me with God, hardwork, and determination all things are possible. It’s been a great journey, but now it is time to start a new one. 🖤 #AnastasiaTOUR #AnastasiaBroadway #BlackBoyJoy

[dailyspongebobmusical]

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A post shared by The Bushnell (@thebushnell)

thebushnell We got to go behind-the-scenes with wig & makeup supervisor, @danaenae89, for @thespongebobmusical national tour! 💁‍♀️

[omemedia-blog1]

House Shows or Bust? By, Sil C. Sep. 4, 2017

On a late afternoon, I was with my brother Rowan, a Pittsburgh artist such as myself. He was telling me about his grand scheme about starting a memorial show for Neutral Milk Hotel’s Airplane Over The Sea for its 20th birthday in February. As we were sitting in The O, Pittsburgh’s Original hot dog shop, he checked out this house show that was happening at The Bushnel in North Oakland. Now, I have never gone to a house show before. I’ve always wanted to go, but I’ve been burnt out from work most of the time. So, there we were, at The Bushnel jamming out, having a great time. It was called “The Back to School Bash.” The line up was Portrait People, Pinstripe Sunny, Surf bored, and other local artists (links to their works are at the bottom).  Everyone there was very nice and friendly. I made new friends and talked to people about my ideas as an artist. They shared theirs too. The groups that played were outstanding. Stu, if you are reading, thank you so much, that was one hell of a show! I can’t wait for more in the future. If you are new to Pittsburgh’s DIY scene, either you’re not from here, or you wanna get into it. Go to a house show, or a DIY venue, such as The Mr. Roboto Project or others. Trust me; the experience of listening to live music, meeting people, and having a blast, is just wonderful. In other news, be on the lookout for more stories, interviews, and upcoming events by OME pgh. Thanks, guys!!

Jack Swing - https://jackswing.bandcamp.com/

Pinstripe Sunny - https://pinstripesunny.bandcamp.com/

Surf Bored - https://surfboredryan.bandcamp.com/

Portrait People - https://portraitpeople.bandcamp.com/

 The Lone Pines - https://thelonepines.bandcamp.com/

Jack Stauber -  https://jackstauber.bandcamp.com/

Hella Hashtags - https://soundcloud.com/hellahashtags

Photo creds to Stu. Check out the Bushnel and like them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/TheBushnel/

[instapicsil2]

We are so excited to have these extraordinary photojournalists on our stage in less than 24 hours! There are still some tickets left to Photo Wonders with @petesouza, @lynseyaddario & @brianskerry, moderated by @wnprnews’ Lucy Nalpathanchil. Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm. There are still a few tickets left! Box office opens at 6:30pm @thebushnell. #photowondersforum #hartford #photojournalists #connecticut http://bit.ly/2JwkLlm

[instatrack]

We are so excited to have these extraordinary photojournalists on our stage in less than 24 hours! There are still some tickets left to Photo Wonders with @petesouza, @lynseyaddario & @brianskerry, moderated by @wnprnews’ Lucy Nalpathanchil. Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm. There are still a few tickets left! Box office opens at 6:30pm @thebushnell. #photowondersforum #hartford #photojournalists #connecticut http://bit.ly/2JwkLlm

[johncihon]

#HighWaisted at #TheBushnel (at Oakland (Pittsburgh))

[lamontstermash]

Now we all can't wait to do it again. 👌 #LF #lokalforeners #thebushnel #rap #412

[bksphotographs]

I had an amazing time at A Conversation with @officialspikelee thanks to @ctforum @thebushnell @espn @trinitycollege. For the experience. #CelebrityPhotographer #BKSPhotographs & @ebrownpromo of The #BKSExperience pics and feedback video coming soon #SpikeLee 📷 by @nickcaitophoto (at The Bushnell) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vHtpwFiYi/?igshid=vfoyn6dfmvo2