The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien S6E1 - Lin-Manuel Miranda / The Town Hall Spark Sessions
May 7, 2025
Lin-Manuel Miranda, acclaimed songwriter and creator of Hamilton, joins the conversation to discuss legacy and creativity as he prepares for the Spring Shout at the Town Hall. He reflects on the vibrant state of Broadway and the importance of honoring moments in theater. The chat dives into the emotional challenges of creativity, including personal loss and its impact on his songwriting. Miranda emphasizes the urgency of artistic expression and how community resilience plays a critical role in shaping his work.
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Be Inspired by Diverse Works
- Lin-Manuel finds inspiration everywhere by attending as many shows as possible.
- Experiencing diverse performances sparks curiosity on how productions achieve their magic.
Loss Alters Creative Rituals
- Lin-Manuel Miranda shares how his dog's passing altered his songwriting ritual.
- Walking his dog was a quiet, essential part of developing lyrics, now deeply missed.
Creativity Connects Past & Present
- Lin-Manuel stays creative by connecting with his younger selves to evaluate opportunities.
- He filters projects through past versions of himself to retain authentic intent.