Lin Manuel-Miranda says that Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is special and can’t be duplicated when asked why Hamilton should be also seen live despite being streamed before

“You have heard every album in the Eras Tour but to experience that in a roomful of people who love what you love and with your loved ones, whether it’s a first date or whether it’s with your mom. It’s really special and there’s nothing to duplicate it. And the same is true of “Hamilton.” I know there’s a whole generation who fell in love with “Hamilton” when it was streaming, when it was made available on streaming, and I’m excited for those folks who maybe didn’t see the first Chicago run to come see it because there’s really nothing like seeing it live.”

When Lin-Manuel Miranda sat down with Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu during his visit to Chicago, it wasn’t just about celebrating the return of Hamilton to the Windy City. The conversation delved into everything from his PBS roots to how global icons like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are helping reshape the theater-going experience.

Miranda, the creative genius behind Hamilton, shared his excitement for the show’s Chicago revival, describing the city as a pivotal location in the musical’s history. But he also drew parallels between the theatrical world and the massive cultural phenomena created by Swift and Beyoncé, likening their tours to live theater experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.

The Swift Effect on Live Theater

When asked why local theater remains essential in a city like Chicago, Miranda pointed to the unparalleled communal experience of live performances. “Our two greatest theater ambassadors this summer have been Taylor Swift and Beyoncé,” he said.

Miranda compared the experience of attending a live theater performance, like Hamilton, to that of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. “You’ve taken the people you love to hear that music. It wasn’t because it was some music you hadn’t heard before—you’ve heard every album in the Eras Tour. But to experience that in a room full of people who love what you love, with your loved ones, whether it’s a first date or whether it’s with your mom, it’s really special. There’s nothing to duplicate it.”

Swift’s ability to turn her music into a larger-than-life spectacle, filled with emotional resonance and communal joy, mirrors what live theater aims to achieve. Miranda praised the energy and cultural shift Swift has brought to live entertainment, emphasizing how her ability to connect with audiences parallels the impact of a live theater performance like Hamilton.

Beyoncé and the Power of Presence

Miranda didn’t stop at Swift; he also hailed Beyoncé as another ambassador of live performance excellence. He acknowledged how her Renaissance World Tour created a similar sense of collective awe and celebration, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in an artistic journey.

These tours, Miranda explained, highlight why live events, whether a concert or a theatrical production, remain essential in a digital age. “You can watch these things online, but there’s nothing like being there. That shared energy is irreplaceable,” he said.

The Return of Hamilton to Chicago

Miranda expressed his deep gratitude for Chicago’s embrace of Hamilton. Reflecting on the city’s history with the musical, he recalled how the original Chicago cast—including stars like Miguel Cervantes and Josh Henry—became woven into the city’s fabric, attending Cubs games and forming connections with local audiences.

“This was more than just a tour stop—it was a Chicago company,” Miranda emphasized. He hopes the touring cast arriving from Alaska will receive the same warmth and integration into Chicago’s vibrant theater scene.

He also spoke about the challenges facing live theater, particularly after the pandemic. “It’s struggling here. It’s struggling in New York,” Miranda said, noting that bringing Hamilton back to Chicago felt like an opportunity to reinvigorate local theater and draw new audiences into the fold.

The PBS Roots That Shaped a Broadway Star

In a nostalgic moment, Miranda reflected on his early days working at WNET, New York City’s PBS affiliate. At just 14, he interned at the station, organizing educational materials and soaking up the atmosphere. It was a formative experience that hinted at his creative future. “I alphabetized Reading Rainbow,” he joked, adding that the environment cultivated his early love for storytelling.

What’s Next for Theater and Live Entertainment?

With Hamilton making a triumphant return and Miranda spotlighting the cultural ripple effects of artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, the conversation underscored the enduring magic of live performances. As Miranda explained, whether you’re attending a Broadway show or singing along to Swift’s greatest hits, there’s an irreplaceable connection forged when people come together to celebrate art.

And for Miranda, that connection remains the beating heart of theater, reminding audiences why it matters now more than ever.