That music, which still exists online, turns a song called "You Two," originally sung by a father to his children in the movie version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" into a polygamist anthem.Ī Canadian church is also known for creating Christian-themed plays based on popular movies and musicals, including one called "The Passion of the Iron Man," in which the Marvel hero is crucified while the villainous Loki sings R.E.M.'s "The End of the World as We Know It." The most extreme example, he said, is the "Re-Sound of Music," a reworking of "The Sound of Music" to promote the polygamist beliefs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And they are not above changing the text or even adding songs from other sources to get their point across. Churches have long adapted works of pop culture to spread their messages, he said. Jake Johnson, associate professor of musicology at Oklahoma City University, said that while there are serious ethical and legal issues involved, he was impressed by the sophistication of the church production. "Are you telling me that no one involved in putting on this show asked the question, can we do this?" he said. Church leaders should have known better, he said. So did the use of a beloved show without permission.ĭoing so was the equivalent of stealing, said secular commentator and writer Hemant Mehta, who posted about the church on social media. The comparison of LGBTQ people to people with addictions angered "Hamilton" fans.
He told people that no matter their struggles, whether it was finances, addictions or homosexuality, God could help them. "God is not who I need right now," Hamilton replies.įollowing the production - which included costumes and an extensive set that seemed to replicate that of the Broadway show - a pastor gave an altar call. In a scene between Hamilton and his wife, Eliza, she tells him that everything will be all right if he gives his life to Jesus.
Videos of the church's "Hamilton" included a series of references to Jesus not found in the original play. The church website contains links to previous church productions of "Toy Story," "Despicable Me," and "Beauty and the Beast," using images from films of those stories. "We had over 30 people get saved between both nights, and that is really why we do these plays," he said. During a worship service, pastor Roman Gutierrez acknowledged that the church was contacted by a lawyer from "Hamilton" and had removed the videos.
The musical debuted in 2015 and became a pop culture juggernaut.Ī staffer told RNS the church has no comment about the production. Written by actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Hamilton" reimagines the early days of the United States with a diverse cast and a hip-hop inspired score. 6, provided the performance was not recorded, no images of the event were posted online and no additional productions would be staged.Īccording to a statement from the producers, they planned to discuss "this matter with the parties behind this unauthorized production within the coming days once all facts are properly vetted." The producers did tell the church it could go ahead with a performance on Aug.
"'Hamilton' does not grant amateur or professional licenses for any stage productions and did not grant one to The Door Church," a spokesperson for the musical told RNS in an email.Īfter learning about the unauthorized performance on social media, the producers of "Hamilton" sent a cease-and-desist letter to the church, instructing them to remove all videos and other images of the Aug. The church did not have the rights to perform "Hamilton" or post videos from a performance online. "It's knowing you repented and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ that sets men free." "What is a legacy?" the actor playing Hamilton said, according to a recording of the show obtained by Religion News Service. When offered a chance to save his soul at a Texas church last weekend, Alexander Hamilton did not throw away his shot.ĭuring a slightly adapted production of the hit musical "Hamilton" at The Door Church, a large, diverse congregation, the main character bowed his head, closed his eyes and gave his life to Jesus.