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culture<br />
Worship Miranda<br />
You better know every award he’s won<br />
(including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and<br />
a MacArthur Genius grant), every last tweet<br />
of his, every single Tony acceptance speech,<br />
like your life depends on it. Believe me, you<br />
won’t regret being able to say “I Know Him,”<br />
and you will never find anyone as trusting<br />
or as kind as Lin-Manuel Miranda. You<br />
don’t want to “Take a Break” and go to bed<br />
thinking, “What Did I Miss?”<br />
While you’re at it, get to know the rest of<br />
the original cast, too. You know you’re on<br />
the right track when you picture Christopher<br />
Jackson instead of George Washington<br />
when someone mentions the historical<br />
figure.<br />
Talk the talk<br />
Do this by slipping phrases from the<br />
show into casual conversation. It’ll help<br />
make “Hamilton” an essential part of your<br />
identity. Summon all the courage you<br />
require, and start by experimenting a bit.<br />
Maybe begin all of your texts with “Dear Sir,<br />
I hope this letter finds you in good health”<br />
for a month. Honestly, if you’re not at the<br />
point where everyday surprises cause you<br />
to sing “the world turned upside down” in<br />
your head, you’re doing something horribly<br />
wrong. (I’m also sorely disappointed in all<br />
of you who’ve been reading every reference<br />
in this guide, rather than singing each one.)<br />
Eventually you won’t “Blow Us All Away”<br />
with your endless knowledge, but that’s OK.<br />
You’ll be “Hamilton’s” No. 1 superfan. “That<br />
Would Be Enough.”<br />
Save your cash<br />
More than anything else, all superfans<br />
want to be in “The Room Where It Happens”<br />
(to the point where, if you’re honest<br />
with yourself, it’s a bit concerning). My final<br />
piece of advice for you “Hamilton” junkies<br />
is to start saving up for 2020 — when you’ll<br />
finally be able to get a ticket.<br />
Actor Christopher Jackson won a Tony Award for his portrayal of<br />
George Washingon in “Hamilton.”<br />
About the author: Sophie Novak is a senior<br />
who has seen Hamilton three times and listens avidly to the<br />
soundtrack. She is well on her way to memorizing the entire<br />
show. Her piece mimics Miranda’s own genius of referencing<br />
iconic lines and artists in his lyrics by weaving lines and<br />
song titles from “Hamilton” throughout. There are 30. Did<br />
you find them all? (Hint: lyrics are in italics and song titles<br />
are in quotes.)<br />
winter 2017 | 13