148. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Everything is Basically the School Play
Oct 21, 2024
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Lin-Manuel Miranda, the brilliant creator of "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," shares his creative journey and insights on writing musicals. He emphasizes the importance of having numerous ideas and draws valuable lessons from his school play experiences. Lin reflects on the chaos and magic of performing in big productions, recounting the origins of "Hamilton" and discussing his new album, "Warriors." The conversation also touches on the vibrant life of New York and the significance of diversity and mentorship in theater.
Lin-Manuel Miranda emphasizes that experimenting with influences, such as creating short musicals inspired by 'Rent', can lead to discovering one's authentic artistic voice.
He highlights the importance of bold creative risks, asserting that confronting vulnerabilities through new projects fosters transformative outcomes in artistic growth.
Miranda discusses the evolution of live performances, illustrating how continuous adaptation during tours keeps shows fresh and uniquely engaging for audiences.
Deep dives
The Creative Journey to Authenticity
The journey to finding one's authentic voice often involves experimenting with influences that inspire. After viewing 'Rent,' Lin-Manuel Miranda created numerous 15-minute musicals that echoed its style, showcasing how imitation can foster originality. By exploring various creative avenues, one can gradually develop a unique voice that resonates with personal experiences and insights. Ultimately, the process requires persistence and an openness to evolve through trial and error, leading to true artistic expression.
Adapting 'The Warriors' into a Concept Album
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Issa Davis collaborated to create a hip-hop album adaptation of the cult classic film 'The Warriors,' exploring its gritty New York narrative. The process involved a deep dive into the film's themes, as the album mirrors the Warriors' journey from the Bronx to Coney Island. Their approach required creativity to translate action sequences from the film into auditory experiences that evoke imagery in listeners' minds. The resulting work showcases the duo's innovative storytelling, along with their ability to weave complex musical motifs throughout.
Evolving Performance in Live Shows
The evolution of live performances often results in a dynamic experience that continuously transforms the work. Miranda stated that his new show, 'The Good Life', has seen significant alterations over the past year of touring, incorporating new lines and structures. This adaptability not only enhances the performance but also keeps it fresh for both the artist and the audience. The essence of live performance lies in the spontaneity of each show, making it a unique experience every time.
The Role of Creative Risks in Art
Taking bold creative risks is an essential aspect of artistic growth, a sentiment echoed by Miranda when reflecting on his career. The fear that accompanies new projects, like his latest album, often pushes artists to confront their vulnerabilities and uncertainties. However, Miranda believes that these challenges can lead to transformative outcomes, allowing artists to explore new territories. This willingness to embrace the unknown is what shapes a compelling narrative and fuels genuine connection with the audience.
The Interconnectedness of Past and Present
Reflecting on his journey, Miranda acknowledges how his earlier experiences with theater have shaped his current artistic endeavors. He credits the influence of 'Rent' and the belief that theater should resonate with contemporary music as pivotal in his development as a creator. Miranda emphasizes the importance of sharing diverse perspectives in storytelling, particularly through the lens of representation in a collaborative environment. This retrospective insight emphasizes how the foundation built in formative years continues to impact artistic expression in present-day work.
In celebration of his new album, Warriors, Lin-Manuel Miranda sits down with Mike for a wide ranging talk about writing musicals, riding the subway, and taking big creative risks. Lin explains why you need so many ideas to write a musical, and he shares the important lessons he learns from writing and performing in school plays as a student. Plus, Lin recalls the origins of Hamilton and some of the more chaotic performances in the show’s run.