Hamilton, "History Has Its Eyes on You"/"Yorktown"

A drama, a comedy, a character study, a spectacle, a lesson, a romance, a war story, and a historiographical critique, Hamilton is truly everything. No single song can capture such breadth, but this medley from the hip-hop part of the score—possibly chosen because the ensemble had previously played Hamilton's opening number on the 2016 Grammys—captures the electric energy and historic significance of the production in a thrilling way - by "History Has Its Eyes on You"/"Yorktown". This is one of Best Tony Awards Performances Of All Time. Barack and Michelle Obama don't introduce every Tony nominee. Broadway is being vigorously propelled into current relevance by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who performs his own material center stage.

Before the cast's performance, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sent a video message in which they praised the musical as "a civics lesson our youngsters can't get enough of." Common, a rapper and actor, was present to welcome the cast to the stage. A record-breaking 16 Tony nominations were given to Hamilton, including ones for best musical, lead actor and actress in a musical, and original score.

Year: 2016