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The Obamas pay tribute to ‘Hamilton’


8:59 P.M.

The Obamas pay tribute to ‘Hamilton’

The cast of "Hamilton" performs onstage during the 70th Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre on June 12 in New York City. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
The cast of “Hamilton” performs onstage during the 70th Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre on June 12 in New York City. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

It’s only fitting that “Hamilton,” the musical about the Founding Fathers, got an introduction from the president and first lady.

In a videotaped message, the Obamas paid tribute to the blockbuster musical, recalling how composer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda had performed a piece from what would become “Hamilton” for them seven years ago.

“ ‘Hamilton’ has become not only a smash hit but a civics lesson our kids can’t get enough of,” said President Obama. “One with fierce musical energy, one where rap is the language of revolution and hip-hop its urgent soundtrack.”

First Lady Michelle Obama continued: “It’s a musical about the miracle that is America, a place of citizenship where we debate ideas with passion and conviction.”

After the Obamas’ remarks, rapper-actor Common introduced the cast of “Hamilton” for a performance of “History Has Its Eyes on You” and “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down).”

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