“Hamilton: An American Musical” begins preview performances at the PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago on Sept. 27 and Hamilton mania has swept the city. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical has fans of all ages, with even some kindergarteners belting out lyrics on the playground (and surprising those not familiar with the show with their rather, shall we say, colorful vocabulary).
While the cost of tickets and the difficulties getting them may have you feeling helpless, there are lots of ways to get in on Hamilton fever around Chicago that will leave you feeling satisfied, or at least more knowledgeable about the founding father on the ten dollar bill.
Alexander Hamilton: The Man who Made Modern America
Learn more about Hamilton and the way he helped shape the country in which we live today at this exhibit at Naper Settlement. Revolutionary War era artifacts–including a map and newspapers–also give guests a glimpse into life as Hamilton knew it.
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12 (closed Sept. 28-Oct. 3)
Free with admission ($12 for ages 13 and older, $10 for seniors 62 and older and $8 for ages 4 to 12. Younger children, Naperville residents and members are admitted free.)
In the musical, Thomas Jefferson says, “I’ll give him this, his financial system is a work of genius. I couldn’t undo it if I tried. And I tried.” As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton created a national bank, established credit for the new nation, addressed the country’s debt and used the tax system to encourage economic development. That’s why his face is on the ten dollar bill. You can learn more about our nation’s financial system at the Money Museum, as well as design your own currency and learn to spot counterfeit money.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
230 S. LaSalle, Chicago
Monday through Friday (except bank holidays), 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
Alexander Camelton
As if baby camels aren’t cute enough, a Bactrian camel born in May at the Lincoln Park Zoo was named Alexander Camelton. And there’s a million things he hasn’t done, but just you wait. (Sorry, nod to the lyrics from the musical there.) You may learn more about dromedaries than revolutionaries, but the awww factor is worth it and a good way to illustrate just how popular Hamilton has become.
2001 North Clark Street, Chicago
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
If you’re still hoping to get tickets to the show, Playbill says that a new block of tickets for additional shows will be on sale prior to October 19.
As Eliza sings in Hamilton, how lucky we are to be alive right now!
