“Hamilton”—The Schuyler SistersI’ll start with the one I’ve seen. I went into “Hamilton” expecting greatness and knowing that so many people had seen this show and left it feeling empowered by this new way of telling the story of the birth of our nation. What I did not expect was the strong sense of female empowerment. When we talk about the beginning of our country, it’s very much about the “Founding Fathers.” They are these mythical male figures. The women that we do hear of are painted as the wives of these great men, sweet seamstresses, and generally secondary characters. Enter, the Schuyler Sisters (yes they get two capital letters, they’re that great), who are as much a part of “Hamilton” as the man himself. Don’t believe me? Listen to the closing song, which is really just an incredible testament to the incredible life that Alexander’s wife, Elizabeth (Eliza) Schuyler Hamilton had after the death of her husband:
I went into “Hamilton” expecting greatness and knowing that so many people had seen this show and left it feeling empowered by this new way of telling the story of the birth of our nation. What I did not expect was the strong sense of female empowerment. When we talk about the beginning of our country, it’s very much about the “Founding Fathers.” They are these mythical male figures. The women that we do hear of are painted as the wives of these great men, sweet seamstresses, and generally secondary characters. Enter, the Schuyler Sisters (yes they get two capital letters, they’re that great), who are as much a part of “Hamilton” as the man himself. Don’t believe me? Listen to the closing song, which is really just an incredible testament to the incredible life that Alexander’s wife, Elizabeth (Eliza) Schuyler Hamilton had after the death of her husband:
…okay now take a moment, because you’re probably weeping right now, and we’ve got a ways to go…
“The Color Purple”—Celie, Shug, Sofia, Nettie
If you haven’t seen or read any version of “The Color Purple,” go fix that now. I haven’t seen this incredible production, but I have seen the movie and the original Broadway tour, and this incredible story of empowerment is a classic and an important story.
…okay, I don’t know about you, but I’m full on weeping now. I should really stop watching the videos as I put them in here. But they are inspired tears, because this year was a great year for the stories of women. So let’s dry our eyes and continue.
“Waitress”—Jenna, Dawn, and Becky
This is another one I haven’t seen, but I have seen the movie, so that sort of counts. “Waitress” is one of the first rom-com movies I remember that doesn’t end with your stereotypical “happily ever after.” It’s a refreshing and pie-filled tale that truly warms the heart…now grab your Kleenex because I’ve been listening to this song while writing this blurb and there’s a strong chance of rain on your face…
…that is not anywhere near all of the incredible stories of women that were told on Broadway this year (as you can see in Zer’s great post from yesterday), but it’s all I have time for today, and all my tear ducts can handle.
So I’ll close with a thank you to all of the incredible women telling these incredible tales. The Women Crush Wednesday is for you.
…bi-daily smile…
Just in case your eyes are dry: