Hamilton: 5 Ways Act I Is Superior (& 5 Ways Act II Is)

People have been talking about it for years thanks to its stellar run on Broadway but now, everyone has a chance to appreciate Hamilton. A film version of the stage performance was recently added to the Disney+ catalog. It has also been met with incredibly positive reviews and is just what fans wanted.

The entire thing is split into two acts and runs just under three hours. While the whole show is fantastic, there is a pretty important question to ponder. Is the first half of Hamilton the best part or is the second superior? Each act has a solid argument to make.

10 Act I: It’s Lighthearted

This may seem like a strange place to start but it has its merits. The first act is the much more innocent part of the tale. While audiences love something juicy to sink their teeth into, there’s something to be said for a lighthearted story that is easy to digest.

If you think back to the show, you’ll remember some delightful moments. The way Eliza Schuyler feels when she first lays her eyes on Alexander Hamilton or the fun freestyle rhymes when the likes of Lafayette and Hercules are introduced stand out. It’s just flat out fun that will have you smiling throughout.

9 Act II: Thomas Jefferson

Putting a single character as a reason for Act II being better might be surprising. However, that goes to show just how good Thomas Jefferson is. As soon as Act II starts, Daveed Diggs walks out in a new role and immediately grabs your attention with his performance of “What’d I Miss?”

It’s not just that Thomas Jefferson is a character who can deliver great lines and musical numbers. He completely changes the plot. For the entire first half, Hamilton rises up and wins against the likes of Aaron Burr. In Jefferson, Hamilton met his match as the future President bests him at every turn.

8 Act I: Choreography

Regardless of what you feel about the plot or even the songs, it’s next to impossible to not be captivated in the first few minutes of Hamilton. A lot of that has to do with the choreography. The main characters help tell the story with their wonderful dance moves.

However, it all goes a step further on multiple viewings. That’s when you’ll most likely notice the incredible ensemble in the background. They do wonders with their performances. It’s especially noticeable during the remarkable time-reversal when “Satisfied” hits.

7 Act II: Politics

While most people view a discussion of politics these days to be something they don’t want to engage in, that aspect is a strong part of Hamilton‘s second act. The first act sets a lot up but Act II allows the audience to see Hamilton, George Washington, James Madison, and others dealing with the politics of it all.

Hamilton serves as Secretary of Treasury and battles Thomas Jefferson and others often. You also get songs that deal with politics like Washington’s “One Last Time,” Burr’s “The Room Where It Happens,” and “The Election of 1800.” It adds layers to the story.

6 Act I: Introductions

The first impression is often the most crucial. That’s why the introductions during Act I of Hamilton are such a big deal. Without these, the audience might not be nearly as invested in the characters as they get. Right off the bat, “Alexander Hamilton,” introduces him in spectacular fashion.

Almost every character in the first act gets some kind of special first appearance. The hyped-up arrival of George Washington. Aaron Burr’s meeting with Hamilton that immediately details their differences. The adorable dance number for Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy Schuyler. King George stealing the show. It’s all perfect.

5 Act II: The Finale

As key as the start of a show is, you also have to end things on the highest possible note. Act I actually does a really good job of this. The musical number for “Non-Stop” wraps things up and brings together a medley of various other important songs that the audience had heard to that point.

However, you simply cannot beat the way the entire show ends. “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” is the perfect ending as it delivers on everything the show had done and hits you on emotional levels. To cap it off, Eliza’s gasp as the final moment has been the topic of interpretation and discussion since the show debuted.

4 Act I: The War

While Act II had the politics covered, and that often delivered some intriguing scenes, Act I gave fans a look at the war. That was everything that helped get Washington, Hamilton, and everyone to their political positions in that second act. It’s exhilarating stuff.

In terms of music, you get classics like “Guns and Ships.” There’s also the story of General Lee and the eventual duel. In terms of performances, it all culminates in “The Battle of Yorktown.” Hercules Mulligan returns after his spy work helps America prevail. It has exciting choreography and thrilling drama.

3 Act II: Emotion

As mentioned earlier, the first act is the lighthearted one. It’s fun and you can’t help but have a good time with it. That all changes in Act II. There are still fun moments but it all gets very emotional and deep. It all kind of begins when Hamilton cheats on Eliza.

That sets up Eliza’s powerful ballad, “Burn.” Then, viewers must deal with the death of Philip Hamilton. The performance of Phillipa Soo as she screams over his dead body is heartbreaking. Throw in “It’s Quiet Uptown” and the aforementioned final song, and you’ll be in tears.

2 Act I: Music

The absolute best thing about Act I is that it flat out has better music. Most people will agree that the songs from Act I are the ones they tend to listen to the most. There’s a wide variety of genres and it’s all ridiculously catchy, regardless of your favorite kind of music.

Fans of hip-hop can enjoy the lyrical skills shown off in “Guns and Ships.” The back-to-back hits that are “Helpless” and “Satisfied” tell a tremendous story. Aaron Burr’s “Wait For It” might be the best song of the entire show. That’s only scratching the surface, too.

1 Act II: Story

Ultimately, the first act is probably the one you’ll end up watching more often. That’s just how fun and entertaining it is. That being said, the story picks up in the second half and it’s where everything pays off. There are so many turns and emotional beats in this act.

From Hamilton cheating on Eliza to George Washington’s farewell to Philip’s death, it’s gripping stuff. Most notably, Aaron Burr finally makes it big only to be foiled once again by Hamilton. That leads them to the duel that ends Hamilton’s life and the show as a whole.

About The Author