Lin-Manuel Miranda has enjoyed some well-deserved praise for his groundbreaking rap musical hit, “Hamilton.” But, what if instead of focusing on one of America’s founding fathers, Miranda had set his sights on a Latino character or story? Here’s a list of people we would love to see get the “Hamilton” treatment.
Niños Héroes
Painting by Gabriel Flores of Juan Escuita in the Battle of Chapultepec. #ninosheroes
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One of Mexico’s biggest noble tragedies is the demise of the beloved youngsters known as “los niños héroes.” These six teenage cadets defended Chapultepec Castle from invading U.S. forces in 1847, during the Mexican-American War. As legend has it, teen Juan Escutia wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped off the building choosing to die with it instead of letting it be taken by U.S. soldiers. If that isn’t an outline for a musical, we don’t know what is!
Simón Bolívar
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Simón José Antonio de la Santísma Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (long name, we know) was educated in Spain, which would ultimately lead him to overturn Spanish rule in South America. “Hamilton’s opening verses of “by being a lot smarter, by being a self-starter” totally apply to Bolivar. The coming from poverty part, though? Not so much — Bolívar was born into a rich family in Caracas.
Pancho Villa
Nadie ha echo lo que tu #panchovilla
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One of the most prominent and larger-than-life figures of the Mexican Revolution would be an excellent candidate for a musical! We could see Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s life making a fantastic comedy.
Ellen Ochoa
Que viva las mujeres. ? #WomensHistoryMonth #EllenOchoa #Inspiration #NASA #KnowYaHistoryYaDig
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Let’s give a round of applause for the Latinas out there making a difference. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space, would make a great candidate for a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical. She’s larger than life (she went to space) and, much like Alexander Hamilton himself, Ochoa kicks ass in multiple disciplines. Did you know that she also has three patents under her belt? #SpaceSlaying
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor- First Hispanic appointed to the Supreme Court #womenshistorymonth #wiselatina
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We’re not stopping at just one Latina – we’re sure Miranda has enough brain power to conceive of two musicals about two Latinas of merit. Let’s have Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina elected to the Supreme Court, step into the Broadway spotlight.
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Are there any Latinos you want to see featured as the subject of a Broadway musical? Let us known in the comments below!
