The “Hamilton” hullabaloo is nothing new. Ignominious politicians have been booed by crowds in various venues for years. This time around it was Mike Pence, and then Donald Trump -- a bully ninja himself – tweeted out some shade on the “Hamilton” cast (though we’re still waiting for even a hint of admonishment about the KKK’s celebration/parade being planned in his honor).
| Anyhoo, a similar uproar occurred in 1857 when Chief Justice Roger Taney arrived at the Broadway hit “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre). The crowd booed and hissed at Taney following the recent Supreme Court’s Dred Scott Decision. Following the show, a cast member addressed Chief Justice Taney, and his words included a quote from Alexander Hamilton: “Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments.” President Buchanan wrote to The New York Times and growled, “The cast and producers of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Taney for their terrible behavior.” Pictured at the right: Chief Justice Roger Taney |  |
Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson’s third cousin, twice removed – at her request) wrote about all the ruckus in his now-classic poem “The show was still ‘the show’” (below on the right). His poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem “The show is not the show” (below on the left).
| By Emmett Lee Dickinson: The show was still “the show,” When he did go. Though some may think it crude The patron’s booed Fair play – Reap what you sow. | By Emily Dickinson: The show is not the show, But they that go. Menagerie to me My neighbor be. Fair play – Both went to see. |
Pictured below: The 46th Street Theatre in New York City (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre), scene of an 1857 scandal when threatre-goers booed at Chief Justice Roger Taney.
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