We are thrilled to be hosting and facilitating this programming with CMU Public Broadcasting!

“Hamilton’s America” Preview Screening Event at

Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

Sunday, October 9 at 2 p.m.

A preview screening of Hamilton’s America, the documentary film that brings history to vivid life through the lens of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s pop culture Broadway phenomenon Hamilton – winner of 11 Tony Awards® and the Pulitzer Prize — will be held at Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library on Sunday, October 9 at 2 p.m.  David Nicholas, CMU Public Radio producer and host of “Mosaic,” will co-host the event on Sunday and follow up on Monday with a live broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon from the Library. The public is encouraged to attend both events.  Highlights of the 2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival will also be shared.

The story of Alexander Hamilton is most remembered for its dramatic conclusion, which saw Hamilton killed in a duel by Vice President Aaron Burr. But the full story of this political genius – a poor immigrant who built himself up from nothing to become one of the nation’s most vital architects – has largely been forgotten by history…until now.

Today, Hamilton’s fan club is vocal and growing, thanks, in no small measure, to Tony®, Grammy®, and Emmy®-winning composer and actor, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical. With its young cast claiming America’s history as its own, Hamilton is redefining how audiences learn about history.

The program shows just how timeless the hot-button issues of today’s America are: immigration, States’ rights, debt, income inequality, and race relations. These were the same fights that defined Hamilton’s time, and they are the driving force of Miranda’s historic work. The film endeavors to brush the dust off American history, much as the musical does, and provide a unique new way for us to view our national heritage and current political landscape.

A unique window into the artistry and research involved in making the show, viewers will witness Miranda at the White House in 2009 performing an early version of what would become “Alexander Hamilton,” the first number in the musical and they will also be given an inside view of Miranda as he composes songs in Aaron Burr’s Manhattan bedroom. They will travel to Virginia with Christopher Jackson –who was Tony®-nominated for his portrayal of George Washington in the musical –as he reveals his personal struggle preparing for the role, while grappling with our Founder’s legacy of slavery. Back in New York, Miranda, who originated the Tony®-nominated role of Hamilton in the musical and Leslie Odom, Jr. – who won a Tony Award® for his portrayal of Aaron Burr – visit the Museum of American Finance to get a deeper understanding of the historical figures they are depicting on stage, including a memorable moment from this research trip, when the two actors brandish authentic 19^th-century dueling pistols.

“Hamilton’s America” airs on CMU Public Television October 21 at 9 p.m.

Make plans now to attend more “Hamilton” - related events at the Library!

All events are free and open to the public.

October 2nd, 2:00 pm Rise Up! A Hamilton Listening and Dance Party- Experience the musical with your ears and your feet! Light refreshments and free Hamilton coloring pages will be provided.

October 9th, 2:00 pm Join CMU Public Broadcasting for a Preview Screening of PBS’s Great Performances “Hamilton's America” and a look at what’s coming up this fall on the PBS Arts Fall Festival.

October 16th, 2:00 pm Screening of the Musical "1776" and Counterpoint Discussion - Before “Hamilton,” there was “1776.” Enjoy a free screening of the film version followed by a discussion on the similarities and differences of these two revolutionary musicals.

October 23rd, 2:00 pm Lip Sync Duels and Hamiltrivia- Do not throw away your shot! Blow us all away with your amazing lip syncing skills! Show off your Hamilton knowledge with a trivia contest...no internet searches allowed!

October 30th and November 6^th, 2:00 pm - Hamilton Crafternoons- Listen to the audiobook of Hamilton: A Revolution while working on the craft of your choice.