Hamilton, Broadway’s hottest ticket and the West End’s most rumoured next New York transfer, has been awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for drama.
The judges of the hugely prestigious US prize described Lin-Manuel Miranda five star hit as “a landmark American musical”, commenting: “We had a very good field in drama this year; there was just one play that really stood out to our board and that was Hamilton.”
The win marks only the ninth time a musical has been awarded the drama prize in the award’s 100 year history. It follows in the footsteps of South Pacific, Rent and, most recently Next To Normal. It is no surprise Miranda’s colossally successful show has been added to the ranks following a staggering first year for the production.
Telling the life story of founding father Alexander Hamilton and the American revolution through rap and hip hop, Hamilton has fast become a cultural icon, not only attracting queues round the block for a chance to discover just why the show has garnered such exceptional reviews but also appearances on hit US talk shows and audience members including President Barack Obama.
As reported by Official London Theatre last August, following its triumphant Broadway premiere rumours fast circulated that the show had its eyes set on the London stage with Miranda commenting at the time: “We’re hoping it will happen sooner rather than later. My wife is always trying to get me to other countries so I would be honoured to open the show in London.”
Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the producer behind the West End’s longest running musical Les Misérables, has declared his interest in bringing the musical across the pond and is reportedly currently in discussions to determine its West End future.
While UK audiences wait for the chance to see Hamilton, theatre fans can see another of Miranda’s hugely popular musicals, the multi Olivier Award-winning In The Heights, as it continues its critically acclaimed run at the King’s Cross Theatre.