Never seen 'Hamilton'? Do these things to prepare for the show so you're not lost

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in 2019 ahead of the “Hamilton” run during the 2018-19 PNC Broadway in Louisville season. “Hamilton” dates for the 2021-22 PNC Broadway in Louisville season are June 7-19.

So you've got one of the coveted tickets to see "Hamilton" at the Kentucky Performing Arts building. But what if you're a "Hamilton" newbie? How will you even follow along?

In a nutshell, here is what to expect: "Hamilton" is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the nation’s first treasury secretary.

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The show, which is the brainchild of composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway.

Sounds easy enough to understand, right? Well, have no fear. We asked three experts with intimate knowledge of the Tony Award-winning musical for their insider advice.

First, we tapped Kentucky native and "Hamilton" ensemble member Patrick Garr for his expertise.

Then we headed to PNC Broadway in Louisville, the powerhouse organization behind bringing "Hamilton" to town, and asked the resident "Leslies" — President Leslie Broecker and Senior Director of Marketing Leslie Butler — for their opinions.

And while this advice was aimed toward "Hamilton" newbies, honestly, these ideas will enhance even seasoned fans.

A warning: Their advice does involve doing a bit of "homework" on your part — but it's fun homework with a big payoff.

"Hamilton" is a fast-moving theatrical production, and if you want to keep up, you'll enjoy the show more if you understand this slice of history and the music written by composer, lyricist, actor, playwright and television producer Miranda, who brings the story to life.

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So, before you're in "the room where it happens," here's what you need to know:

Listen to the soundtrack

First up, our experts adamantly agree that you should listen to the soundtrack before you come to the show.

"There are more than 30 musical numbers and the show moves extremely fast," Garr told the Courier Journal. "If you already have an idea of what the songs are explaining, you'll be able to pay closer attention to what is happening on stage."

Broecker and Butler concur and add this additional step: "Listen to the cast recording while reading the lyrics. There are a lot of words!"

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Watch Linn-Manuel Miranda's '60 Minutes' interview

Watch or read the "60 Minutes" interview with Linn-Manuel Miranda at cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-presents-a-front-row-seat. The man behind the Broadway phenomenon breaks down his inspiration for the musical. Here's an excerpt from the episode transcript:

Lin-Manuel Miranda: "The thing about Hamilton is he spoke in paragraphs. So the opening sentence of our show is this crazy, run-on sentence: 'How does a bastard orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished in squalor, comma, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?' That’s the question we’re gonna answer for the next two hours and 45 minutes."

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Brush up on your Founding Fathers history

If you haven't sat through a history lesson in a few decades, be certain to brush up on the Founding Fathers.

"That way your brain isn’t wracking itself to remember what you learned years ago," said Broecker. "And be sure to look up the Schuyler sisters."

The tight-knit sisters, Eliza, Angelica and Peggy Schuyler, are important characters in the musical and true life of Alexander Hamilton. They are also female role models from American history you may know little about.

"And don't forget about Vice President Aaron Burr," said Garr. "You should definitely read up on Burr. His story is extremely important. A lot of people forget about the relationship between Burr and Hamilton and only remember the fatal duel at the end."

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Catch up on current 'Hamilton' news

Finally, and yes we know it's a lot but our three experts insist you'll be glad you made the effort, visit HamiltonMusical.com to see current news and videos. You don't want to "throw away your shot" to have the best possible experience at "Hamilton."

With your research of Hamilton, Burr, the Schuyler sisters and the musical's playlist under your belt, all that's left is to find your seat the night of the performance, sit back and take in the theatrical phenomenon.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/kirbya.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Hamilton in Louisville: What newbies need to know before the show