‘First Burn’ is the song for the April Hamildrops
The Hamildrops is a year-long project that Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of Broadway hit musical Hamilton, is undertaking.
This month’s song, “First Burn” is the original draft of “Burn,” sung in the second act of Hamilton.
Related: 'Found Tonight' mash-up of Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton
This rendition of the song brings together Lexi Lawson, Arianna Afsar Julia Harriman, Rachelle Ann Go and Shoba Narayan, all of whom have played or are currently playing the character of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Afsar originated the role in the Chicago in the fall of 2016. Harriman is Eliza on the Angelica Tour. Likewise, Narayan is on the Phillip Tour. Go performs Eliza on the West End. Lawson plays the role eight times a week on Broadway.
The song starts with the well-known chords and Lawson singing the first few lines. Harriman sings the next line of lyrics that will sound familiar, but the original Broadway number has them later on in the song. Go is the third voice heard in the song, bringing her powerful vocals with the drumbeat that starts playing. Afsar brings a tenderness to the music with her voice in her section. Narayan has a very serious tone contrary to Afsar. The rest of the first half of the tune is everyone alternating solo lines and adding harmonies with one another.
The second half of the song starts with the lyrics “I see how you look at my sister.” According to genius, this is a reference to the way that Alexander Hamilton looked at Eliza’s sister, Angelica. Most of the second half of the song is all of the singers joining once again with harmonies.
Every month in 2018, Lin will be bringing together an artist or group of artists to sing a new version of a song from the show. Songs that have inspired the smash Broadway juggernaut now known worldwide could also be heard. Lin Manuel Miranda will write all of the new tunes. Hamilton has been going strong on Broadway for more than two years and now we will get to hear all-new content.
RELATED: Lin-Manuel Miranda reprising ‘Hamilton’ role in limited run for Puerto Rico
“First Burn” is one of my favorites so far! It’s so new and different from the solos you usually hear. I could really feel the connection each artist has with the character of Eliza. What do you think of this new cover? Let us know below!
Top 10 shows to see on Broadway that are not ‘Hamilton’ or ‘Dear Evan Hansen’