“Hamilton: An American Musical” comes to the Civic Center stage this summer, June 27 – July 15, 2018 and Hamilton mania will sweep in with it. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical has fans of all ages. Although Hamilton isn’t aimed at families in the way that some of our other Des Moines Summer Theater Picks are, many school-age kids love it thanks to its contemporary score (rap, R&B, pop are all represented) and engaging presentation that makes this 200-plus-year-old tale of immigrant success feel totally timely. That said, the show is almost three-hours long, lyrically dense and contains quite a few curse words.
The Des Moines Performing Arts website is recommending that the show is appropriate for ages 10+ since there is some strong language. (Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre), but parents should use their best judgment as to what an individual child can handle. I will be taking both my 12-year-old and 9-year old to see it (mainly because they begged to go;).
If the cost and difficulties of getting tickets or the age of your kiddos are preventing you from going to the show, don’t sweat it, there are several ways to get in on Hamilton fever around Des Moines.
How to Get Hamilton Tickets in Des Moines
Yes, it’s true: Hamilton is pretty much sold out. However, Des Moines Performing Arts recently announced additional ticket sales. As of postdate, there were a few tickets left. Tickets are available for purchase online at DMPA.org or by calling (515) 246-2300 or at the Civic Center Ticket Office located at the corner of 3rd and Walnut Street. Tickets range from $54.00 – $148.50 with a select number of premium seats available for all performances for $303.50.
A last-minute ticket option is the ticket lottery! There will be a lottery for forty (40) $10 Orchestra seats for all performances. DMPA will announce details about the lottery closer to performance date. The best way to be informed about how the lottery will work is by visiting DMPA.org or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
A word of CAUTION about ticket purchases – Des Moines Performing Arts is the only official ticketing provider for events at the Des Moines Civic Center. Tickets obtained from other unauthorized sources may be stolen, counterfeit or invalid and may not be honored.
7 Ways to Get in on Hamilton Fun in Des Moines
1. Attend Hamiltunes: An American Sing-Along – Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 to 3:30 pm.
Didn’t get tickets to Hamilton? Don’t throw away your shot to get in on the Hamilton fun! The Johnston Public Library has got you covered! Feed your Hamilton obsession as you sing along to your favorite songs in this interactive karaoke-style event. They’ll also have snacks, crafts, and trivia. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Although this program is open to all ages, please be aware the lyrics of this Broadway show contain some explicit language. RSVPs appreciated.
2. Get in on some Hamilton Hijinks – Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 to 3:30 pm.
Hamilfans, this one’s for you! Don’t throw away your shot to prove yourself the top Hamiltonian! The Altoona Public Library will have food, Hamilton themed contests, and prizes for kids in Grades 7-12. Registration is required to attend the event.
3. Apply to participate in a Musical Theater Dance Intensive with company members from Hamilton – July 10-13, 2018.
Company members from Hamilton will lead teens in a four-day musical theater dance intensive. Through two daily master classes, participants will sharpen their dance technique within a range of musical theater styles, increase their characterization skills as movers, and gain knowledge of the industry from working professionals. The intensive is open to advanced-level dancers in grades 9 through first year of college, based on enrollment in fall of 2018. Students must apply and be accepted to participate based on materials submitted.
4. Learn about our banking system at the Wells Fargo History Museum.
In the musical, Thomas Jefferson says, “I’ll give him this, his financial system is a work of genius. I couldn’t undo it if I tried. And I tried.” As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton created a national bank, established credit for the new nation, addressed the country’s debt and used the tax system to encourage economic development. That’s why his face is on the $10 bill. You can learn more about our nation’s financial system and Iowa’s role in it at the Wells Fargo History Museum.
5. Visit Revolutionary War Monuments on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds.
Hamilton was a founding father and helped shape the country in which we live today. During the Revolutionary War he became a senior aide to General George Washington in running the new Continental Army. Even though Iowa was not a state at the time of the Revolutionary War, we do have a couple of monuments you can check out on the Iowa State Capitol grounds. A replica of The Liberty Bell and the Revolutionary War Memorial.
6. Try some Caribbean food at a local Des Moines restaurant or food truck.
Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis Island in the West Indies and lived there until he was about seven-nine years old. He then moved to St. Croix and took his first job as a clerk. He impressed his mercantile employer, so much, that he helped to send Hamilton to America when he was 18, so that he could further his education. A few places that serve Caribbean cuisine in the metro include: Flying Mango, Miss Molly’s Jamaican Patty Food Truck, and LT Organic Farm & Clinic.
7. Visit some fun websites and listen to the Hamilton soundtrack.
Of course, there is all kinds of info. to be found on-line about Alexander Hamilton. Here’s a few that I found to be especially useful: The Library of Congress’ Alexander Hamilton: A Resource Guide; The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History ; National Constitution Design Your Own Dollar Bill Activity; Alexander Hamilton Activities on MrNussbaum.com and take the Alexander Hamilton Quiz on the PBS website.
Finally, a plug for the amazing original cast album, which makes for fantastic family listening, even if you haven’t seen the show yet (warning: a few songs have expletives, however they’re marked as “explicit” in iTunes). If you want to listen to it before you buy, you can hear the whole thing on YouTube.
Did you score tickets? Are you trying to get $10 lottery tix? Are your kids driving you mad singing all the lyrics? We want to hear your Hamilton story, in the comments below!
Featured image source Hamilton Website.
We went and saw Hamilton in March in Chicago, so we won’t be seeing it here, but my 5 year old loves it. His dream is to play Hamilton on stage one day.