Final answer:
The musical Hamilton officially opened on Broadway in 2015 and has since become a significant cultural and theatrical phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Did Alexander Hamilton Become a Musical?
The Broadway musical Hamilton is a transformative piece of American theatre that tells the story of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, through a vibrant fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and traditional musical storytelling. The musical was developed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who not only wrote the music and lyrics but also originally performed the title role.
Hamilton officially opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2015, following a successful off-Broadway run earlier that year. Its innovation and critical acclaim quickly cemented it as a cultural phenomenon, earning it numerous awards and attention across the globe. It dramatically shifted the landscape of American musical theatre, both in terms of its storytelling methods and its emphasis on a diverse, multi-racial cast to tell the story of America's past.
The show has played a significant role in breathing new life into Broadway, pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theatre by embracing contemporary music styles and casting. This reflects the ever-evolving nature of Broadway, which has seen various phases from the rise of the megamusical in the 1980s to the commercial hits and social commentaries that would define the decades following.
Hamilton's success continued after its Broadway debut, becoming one of the most decorated shows in theatre history. It won 11 Tony Awards, following the record set by The Producers, and continues to impact the genre profoundly.