Hamilton has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its revolutionary blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Broadway tradition. But whether you're writing a school paper, a research essay, or simply want to accurately reference the show in your work, knowing how to cite Hamilton correctly is crucial. This guide will walk you through the proper citation methods for various style guides, ensuring your work is both accurate and academically sound.
Understanding the Different Hamilton Sources
Before we delve into the specifics of citation, it's essential to understand that citing Hamilton depends on the specific source you are using. You might be referencing:
- The Original Broadway Cast Recording: This is a popular source, especially for musical analysis.
- The Disney+ Film Version: A filmed version of the original Broadway production, offering a unique viewing experience.
- The Book of the Musical: A published version of the script, containing the lyrics and dialogue.
- Scholarly Articles or Books about Hamilton: These provide critical analyses and perspectives on the show's themes, impact, and historical context.
Citation Styles: A Breakdown
Different academic disciplines and institutions favor specific citation styles. Here's how to cite Hamilton using some of the most common styles:
MLA (Modern Language Association) Style
The MLA style is widely used in the humanities. Citing Hamilton will vary depending on the source:
For the Original Broadway Cast Recording:
Hamilton: An American Musical. Original Broadway Cast Recording, Atlantic Records, 2015.
For the Disney+ Film:
Hamilton. Dir. Thomas Kail, Disney+, 2020.
For the Book of the Musical:
Miranda, Lin-Manuel. Hamilton: The Revolution. Crown Archetype, 2016.
For a Scholarly Article about Hamilton:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Article Title." Journal Title, vol. number, issue number, year, pages. Database name, DOI or URL.
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
APA style is commonly used in the social sciences. Similar to MLA, the citation will differ based on your source.
For the Original Broadway Cast Recording:
Miranda, L.-M. (Producer). (2015). Hamilton: An American Musical [Sound recording]. Atlantic Records.
For the Disney+ Film:
Kail, T. (Director). (2020). Hamilton [Motion picture]. Disney+.
For the Book of the Musical:
Miranda, L.-M. (2016). Hamilton: The Revolution. Crown Archetype.
For a Scholarly Article about Hamilton:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. (Year). Article title. Journal Title, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI or URL
Chicago Style (Notes and Bibliography)
Chicago style often uses footnotes or endnotes for citations. Here’s how you’d cite in a footnote or endnote and a bibliography entry:
For the Original Broadway Cast Recording:
- Hamilton: An American Musical, Original Broadway Cast Recording (Atlantic Records, 2015).
Bibliography Entry:
Hamilton: An American Musical. Original Broadway Cast Recording. Atlantic Records, 2015.
Important Considerations:
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent citation style throughout your entire work.
- Accuracy: Double-check all details, including spelling and dates.
- Consult a Style Guide: Refer to the most recent edition of your chosen style guide for the most up-to-date rules.
- Specifics: If citing specific songs or scenes, include relevant details as per your style guide's instructions.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite Hamilton in your academic work, showcasing your understanding of proper citation practices and adding credibility to your research. Remember to always consult the official style guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
