First Wave Of Chicago Students Attend 'Hamilton' As Part Of Special Program
(CBS) – It's not often that kids like doing their homework.
But what if that homework includes seeing the Broadway phenomenon "Hamilton" for $10 a ticket?
Nearly 2,0000 Chicago Public Schools juniors could barely contain their excitement to see the hottest show in town.
Their tickets to history came with an assignment: create and perform musical moments.
Thirteen students were chosen to perform on the Hamilton stage Wednesday, the opening act for the big show.
1900 #CPS students see @HamiltonMusical for $10. (Because of course) Some performed in front of cast. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/xCYson8QZj
— Nancy Harty (@newsnance) February 22, 2017
Combining hip-hop with history, the creative voices behind "Hamilton" are now some of the biggest forces in entertainment, like orchestrator Alex Lacamoire.
"It was brilliant. I loved it," he says.
But director Thomas Kail says the takeaway lesson is students discovering the power of their own voice in a democracy.
#CPS students perform history Raps for #Hamilton creators then enjoy the show @cbschicago @broadwaychicago #chicago pic.twitter.com/KzIaVxooai
— Vince Gerasole (@vincegerasole) February 22, 2017
"Understand that their voice matters and they will be both heard and listened to deeply and supported," he says.
It was the first of 10 all-student matinees of "Hamilton." By the end of the year, 20,000 CPS students will have attended.