The musical Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, premiered on Broadway in 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, winning 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The show blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway styles to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s rise from orphan immigrant to American Revolutionary and right-hand man to George Washington. The typical runtime for Hamilton on Broadway is around 2 hours and 50 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission. In 2017, the first national tour of Hamilton kicked off in San Francisco before making its way to other major cities across the country. This includes an ongoing sit-down production at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. So how long is Hamilton when performed at the Kennedy Center? The show length is similar to the Broadway production, clocking in at close to 3 hours with the intermission.
Background on the Kennedy Center Production of Hamilton
The Kennedy Center run of Hamilton began in June 2018 and was originally slated to conclude in September 2019. However, due to overwhelming popularity and demand for tickets, the show’s engagement has been extended multiple times. It is currently booked to run through at least September 2023, though it will likely be extended again as long as attendance remains robust. The Kennedy Center features an opera house-style layout with seating for over 2,000 audience members. The set design for Hamilton was adapted to fit the larger Kennedy Center stage while retaining the spirit and dynamic motion of the original Broadway set. Casting calls were held to hire local performers to bring Hamilton to life in Washington D.C. Though the characters and story remain the same, the cast may include different standouts in the various roles as part of the natural recasting process over an extended run.
Breakdown of the Hamilton Running Time
Here is a breakdown of the typical runtime you can expect when attending a performance of Hamilton at the Kennedy Center:
- The show starts at 8:00 pm.
- Act 1 runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- There is a 15 minute intermission between Act 1 and Act 2.
- Act 2 runs approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- The show ends around 10:45 pm.
Therefore, the total run time is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, which is standard for the show. The 15 minute intermission gives the audience a quick break to stretch, use the restroom or purchase snacks and drinks before diving back into the second act. Given the length of Hamilton and the fact that it starts at 8:00 pm, it typically finishes around 10:45 pm to 11:00 pm depending on the pacing of the show. This puts the total time commitment from start to finish at close to 3 hours when accounting for the intermission.
What to Expect from Each Act
Here is an overview of the Hamilton plot points covered in each act so you know what to expect:
Act 1
Act 1 introduces the character of Alexander Hamilton as he arrives in New York City as an ambitious immigrant seeking to make a name for himself. The early songs establish his drive and determination to rise up, as well as his budding relationship with Eliza Schuyler. Other key moments include Hamilton’s interactions with Aaron Burr, their involvement in the American Revolution, Hamilton joining George Washington’s staff, and the winter ball where he meets his future wife Eliza. The act culminates with their wedding and the end of the war.
Act 2
Act 2 depicts Hamilton’s evolving role in shaping the new American government. It also delves into his complex relationships with Burr, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Maria Reynolds, as well as his falling out with George Washington. Later songs cover his son’s death, the election of 1800 where Jefferson defeats Burr, and the fateful duel with Burr that claims Hamilton’s life. The show comes full circle with Eliza sharing her perspective on preserving Hamilton’s legacy.
How the Runtime Compares to Other Long Musicals
At nearly 3 hours from start to finish, Hamilton is one of the longer Broadway-style musicals you may attend. Here is how it compares to some other popular long-running musical productions:
Musical | Typical Runtime |
---|---|
The Lion King | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Wicked | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Aladdin | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Dear Evan Hansen | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Hamilton | 2 hours 50 minutes |
Les Miserables | 2 hours 55 minutes |
Phantom of the Opera | 2 hours 30 minutes |
As you can see, the only show that exceeds Hamilton’s runtime is Les Miserables, clocking in about 5 minutes longer. Both of these shows have an intermission to break up the time. The other major musicals hover right around 2.5 hours total.
Is it Worth It to See Hamilton in Person?
Given the extended runtime, is it worth investing 3+ hours to see Hamilton live at the Kennedy Center versus listening to the cast recording? For many fans, the answer is a resounding yes! Here are some of the key benefits of seeing Hamilton in person versus just listening:
- Seeing the choreography and stage blocking brings a whole new dimension beyond just hearing the audio.
- The live orchestrations sound richer and more dynamic.
- You get to experience audience reactions like laughter and applause.
- The actors’ expressions and subtle interactions are easily missed listening at home.
- Immersing yourself in the theater heightens the emotion and energy.
- You pick up on lyrical nuances you may have missed before.
In short, there’s just something electric about seeing Hamilton unfold on stage compared to listening passively at home. The time flies by when you’re invested in the performance.
Tips for Making the Most of Hamilton
To make sure you have the best experience if planning to attend Hamilton at the Kennedy Center, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early to give yourself time to find parking/navigate security and get comfortably seated.
- Review the soundtrack ahead of time so songs are familiar.
- Read up a bit on the real historical figures and events to enhance your appreciation.
- Bring a bottle of water and maybe a snack to have during intermission.
- Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to applaud or engage with the performance.
- Stick around after the final bows to fully absorb the experience before exiting.
With an engaging story brought to life by talented performers, Hamilton consistently delights audiences night after night. The nearly 3 hour runtime will fly by as you become absorbed in the music, choreography and spectacle. Don’t let the length deter you – seeing Hamilton live on stage at the Kennedy Center is a memory you won’t soon forget.
Conclusion
To summarize key points:
- The typical runtime of Hamilton at the Kennedy Center is around 2 hours and 55 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission.
- Act 1 covers Hamilton’s early years and runs 1 hour 45 minutes, Act 2 depicts his later political career and runs 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Compared to other popular musicals, only Les Miserables exceeds Hamilton’s length.
- Seeing the show live provides added benefits beyond just listening to the cast album.
- Arrive early, refresh yourself on the story, and immerse yourself in the experience.
So don’t be daunted by the lengthy runtime. Attending a riveting performance of Hamilton at the Kennedy Center in D.C. is an unforgettable theater experience well worth the time. Let yourself get swept up in the rhythm and artistry of this American cultural phenomenon.