A Conversation?
Recently the Vice President-elect, Mr. Mike Pence, had the misfortune to attend the Broadway play “Hamilton”. I say “misfortune” for two reasons.
The first reason is the play itself. Although I have not seen the play in person, I have listened to every “song” on iTunes. (For me, a musical play is to be judged first and foremost by the MUSIC. As a consequence, I “field test” every new musical by listening to the cast recording whenever possible). Though there were a few ok songs, I quickly got the impression that it would be very difficult for me to sit through an entire performance. The rap “music” running through the production was difficult, for me anyway, to take in large quantities.
The second reason I’ve used the term “misfortune” is that, at the conclusion of the performance, the star of the show, Brandon Dixon had the temerity and unmitigated gall to LECTURE the Vice-President! Although prefaced by a few exculpatory remarks, Mr. Dixon went on to express “anxiety” and to impugn Mr. Pence’s motives, implying, quite flagrantly, that he was a bigot.
Mr. Pence, true gentleman that he is, responded graciously. Mr. Trump, whom we know is not quite as reserved, tweeted, appropriately, that that such insulting behavior “should not have happened”. In response, Mr. Dixon tweeted back that his verbiage was “conversation” NOT harassment. Wrong Mr. Dixon! Dead wrong! A “conversation” is not what you have from a stage, a podium or a pulpit. What you have is in those settings is, at best, a lecture or, perhaps, a sermon. More likely, in this setting, what you have is a diatribe! Mr. Pence was not there in any official capacity and was out for an enjoyable evening with his family. Even though Mr. Pence hasn’t asked for it, Mr. Dixon owes him an apology. And in the absence of such, I feel a boycott of the show that a number of commentators have suggested is appropriate. (#BoycottHamilton) . Having listened to all the play’s “music”, I can say, ladies and gentlemen, that you will not be missing much. And you might just make a statement that such rude and disrespectful treatment of our elected officials is not to be condoned.
Now, I am well aware that Hamilton tickets are still hard to come by and a boycott is unlikely to have any immediate effect. However, a boycott will eventually reduce demand and shorten the play’s run. And that will be a good thing.