From Struggling to Thriving: How Hamilton Rescued The Drama Book Shop

[@WaitintheWings]

Thanks Bright Cellars for sponsoring this video and for the limited-time offer! Click here bit.ly/BrightCellarsWaitintheWings to get $100 off your subscription and a free wine tote.

[@OtherBlueFae]

The beginning of that ad made me CACKLE!

[@candlelight7600]

That was so lucky Lin was so determined to save the shop. That landlord raising the rent by 50%? He wanted to kick her out but she was paying rent so he had to make an excuse. Hecking evil to try to rip apart a 100 year old independant bookshop just because you wanted more money.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

I hate that he did not care about the priceless first editions and only that copy books that he damaged because he refused to pay for more heat.

[@renees4577]

In addition to the DBS, Lin-Manuel and his family have saved or tried to save at least one restaurant in their neighborhood and completely remodeled the United Palace Theater and made it a welcoming space with a series of free movie screenings and talkbacks. His family is looking to preserve Oscar Hammerstein's house in Doylestown PA. That doesn't even begin to touch all the charitable contributions he has made over the years, plus his efforts to help Puerto Rico. There isn't anyone who gives back like he and his family do. And the fact that he still remains that loveable creative doofus genius with a huge heart and curiosity about people.. there's nobody like him.

[@lukeswanson693]

Last year, Drama Book Shop started carrying a novel that I wrote. I visited the shop on June to sign the books and meet patrons. It was a spectacular experience, like I was a part of history. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@nerdoftheatre]

Was the same landlord that wanted to raise the rent was the same one that did nothing when the pipes leaked? I'd assume so. What a piece of work.

[@yamiangie]

I walk down this street on the way to midtown comics when I get into the city. The whole block has changed, a lot of new store fronts. This is the same block the margaritaville hotel is on. So it was planed/was being built when they got priced out.

[@emmaj8337]

showing phantom and then bad cinderella on “legacy what is a legacy” was brutal 😭

[@umokayig]

I didn't get into Theatre until 2018 but I was lucky enough to visit the original Drama Book Shop in the summer of 2018 before they closed cause it was right next to the hotel I was staying at. Hearing the news that it closed saddened me but then, as Lin started posting about buying it back and reopening it made me so happy. That's how you know it made such an impact on many people. (and obviously personal for Lin, of course).

[@wuttatota148]

The giant literal bookworm around the book shop looks so good omg. That's a great idea from Korins

[@bagofgroceries]

I personally hope that greedy landlord stlll can’t find a new tenant. Let that space remain vacant for all time.

[@racheljackson4428]

yeah. Landlords are the worst.

[@bkspidey]

It's a clothing store now.

[@TwoWholeWorms]

@@bkspidey Clothing? Bit flammable, no? Sounds like a risky endeavour for all involved.

[@emalaw1329]

​@@TwoWholeWorms Ah yes, destroying the inventory of the tenants in an effort to hurt the landlord...truly spoken like someone who has watched the video in its entirety, and definitely didn't miss the part where 20% of the former tenants' inventory was destroyed (directly because of the landlord's negligence, might I add) and the landlord couldn't give two shits.

[@ihaveaplan.ijustneedmoney.9777]

@@emalaw1329 The best scenario I can think of as a passive aggressive "revenge" is a constant flow of people entering and leaving the clothing store going: "excuse me, where's the drama bookshop? We thought it would be here. Oh wait its in the next street, right. Bye!" 😂

[@blooskies]

That landlord really be giving Scrooge a run for his money

[@hannahbrennan2131]

I don't think even a haunting or three would make this landlord change.

[@lunasuji]

I used to volunteer at a library and I'm a theater lover. I'm not a New Yorker, but those two things make me have an appreciation for this bookshop and spaces like it. I hope it remains strong for years to come

[@kateorgera5907]

I actually met Lin in the Drama Book Store when they got their mayoral proclamation! I was just there on my lunch break, it was a drizzly day, and they were waiting to start. I worked up the courage to go over and say hello, and say how much I loved his work (been a fan since Heights) and the shop. He was so warm and glad people were appreciating the space. I wish I had had the wherewithal to get a picture or signature (even contacted journalists who were there to see if anyone else had gotten a picture), but I did buy a Lin Pin to commemorate it (#BitOfADay)

[@georgiak8803]

the drama book shop cafe has a rather high spot on my personal chai latte tier list, and i always have to pop in to buy one and a script or score when i go to nyc, it's just amazing. edit: at the end of the video, when you mentioned the student on a class trip in complete awe of the beauty of theatre, my eyes immediately filled with tears because THAT'S ME!! thank you for this video.

[@amandalynn4979]

They had a limited edition drink called the 'Chai Want It That Way' in honor of & Juliet, I want them to bring it back so baaaaaad 😭

[@georgiak8803]

@@amandalynn4979 ooooohhhh that sounds GLORIOUS

[@katecastreviews4639]

It may be an easy term to laugh or scoff at, but people underestimate the importance of a "creative space". Your environment can foster just as much creativity and inspiration as anything in your own mind. It's so wonderful to see a look into a place that has been that for so many of our greatest talents and aspiring talents. Having been there myself (only once so far but hopefully that'll change) it does have a cozy atmosphere to it. Encouraging to stay as long as you want and soak in the influence of generations of artists who came before you, and who you could join someday. There are so many wonderful places like this in NYC that have been lost to the demanding real estate market. I'm glad this one was saved. Also A+ on the editing of the "master plan" around the 17:30 mark. That cracked me up!

[@averyeml]

Lin Manuel Miranda is one of my favorite creative people in the world. There are some that I think have more talent in terms of vocal ability, I think thanks to Disney he’s become slightly overplayed, but he is so deeply passionate about his works and such a people person and so friendly and sociable and supportive of other creatives. He is everywhere now because he did something with his music that people hadn’t been doing in the musical space. This story just makes it so, so much more obvious how incredible he is. And he’s friends with the McElroy brothers so I’m biased there too.

[@JadeCryptOfWonders]

I had heard rumour of the Drama Book Shop's existence via theatre nerds posting their hauls on Twitter, if I ever get to visit New York City I will no doubt have to go see this place because you made it look beautiful in this video.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

I know people have issues with Miranda and Hamilton, but I am glad people resonated with it so much that it kept a bookstore from closing. As an employee of a library, it is always devastating when a symbol of creativity and education (bookstores/libraries, etc.) gets shut down no matter the reason. And yes, I know there are more symbols for those two things. They are just the most important to me. But god forbid, I felt so bad when theaters closed down and put everyone out of work. 2020 was horrible for everyone.

[@SpoonsySA]

I like the new space. I’m genuinely glad the shop still exists but damn did watching footage of the old shop make me misty eyed.

[@carolineh8713]

Watching this video with a brutal post-Eurovision hangover makes today’s sponsor feel like a personal attack 😅 What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful community. Delighted the shop lives on into the future. ❤️

[@kimber11buddha]

Love this mini-doc!!! I am so glad I stopped in to The Drama Bookshop a couple of times a couple weeks ago when I got to visit NYC. So grateful for folks like Lin. I loved it; bought a couple plays, a book recommended by Lin, and a t-shirt. I hope it stays open for many years to come! Bonus: my decaf latte with oatmilk was incredibly delicious. 😉

[@tygotogo8523]

Stumbled upon this book shop during my visit to NYC last october. Loved it and spend way too much time there, wished we had one just like it in the Netherlands (and with all the great Dutch playwrights in it). It did however wonder why LIn-Manuel Miranda was so prominently featured (on mugs, pins, tote bags). And now I know. Thank you for this story!

[@cottonballbats]

This video is so awesome :000 getting interviews with people who worked there and talking about the whole history to of one of the most important places for theatre that people barely know,,, this needs more recognition, it's a great documentary :)

[@bkspidey]

I'm happy to finally see someone mention the old staff.

[@bradleylion]

The craziest thing is I watched this video while on a theatre trip, went to the bookshop the next day, and met Lin. He was just hanging out in there. Thanks Wait in the Wings!

[@EA-lx6rm]

Maybe the new shop didn't have mice, but the old one on 7th Ave sure did! I got my first NYC job there in the late 80s, and once as I was balancing the drawer at the end of the day, a mouse fell through a hole in the ceiling and landed on my foot! It was a great job though. EVERYONE came through there at one point or another. And yes, that janky elevator was probably broken more often than it was working!

[@nrmora182]

You should do a video on all your favorite theater books or just a rundown of your collection and broadway memorabilia. Books, scripts, souvenirs, window cards, etc.

[@MightyMezzo]

I visited the Drama Book Shop at its 7th Avenue 2nd floor location in the late 1970s. Bought the two David Mamet one-acts that I’d just seen there. Thank you for letting me catch up.

[@ayindestevens6152]

I actually had to go back and remember where I was when the Bookstore had its pipe burst. It was also Lunar New Year and I remember photographing the parade the same day as Valentines Day and it was BEYOND COLD. Also there’s absolutely NOTHING worse than dealing with an NYC landlord. Don’t believe me ask Aaron Burr of all people. PS I hope Freddy and Kalyne are doing well! They were great ppl to interview about the space that I’ve never been to and I WISH I had gone to the bookshop before.

[@SeanMcGuire92]

I truly cannot thank you enough on this documentary on a place so many of us know and love. This was wonderful!

[@kalabars_revenge]

I had never even heard of this store and I was crying the whole video

[@morticia981]

Absolutely fantastic. This documentary is better than a lot of paid streaming service docs I've watched. 👏👏👏👏

[@harleywjm]

It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of your videos man!The last time I saw your videos was your video on Spider-Man turn off the dark!Your videos have increased in quality so much and I remember your videos still being as entertaining as this one.Good job man,it’s nice to see how far someone you enjoy has succeeded!

[@WaitintheWings]

Welcome back! Thank you so much for these kind words. It really means more than I think you know.

[@AndyBomb]

Video suggestion: Bonnie and Clyde. I recently saw a slime tutorial and thought the show was really good. But then I learned it closed after like 28 days? I'm genuinely curious as to how that show flopped, and I think it'd be a really engaging video topic!

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Hamilton Just saw the Disney Plus Movie of the Stage show and it rocks!

[@hamlettohamilton350]

I'm crying. I love the DBS so much (and the new location and layout is FANTASTIC).

[@beabravo6759]

I'm still coming to terms with the plot twist that Tommy is Mr Michelle Williams father of her babies and cool stepdad to Matilda Ledger. And that she gets cool Uncle Lin and cousins Seb and Frankie.

[@Sangria]

I watched the recording of the narration of this last weekend! Excellent job!

[@kazza6078]

Ahhh I went earlier this week and I told the cashier I watched your video and they had too! Awesome video and awesome shop

[@TheJoya1234]

Excellent! Thank you for making this.

[@nathanreetz]

I love a great Documentary! I thought I was getting another short doc about the creation of Hamilton. But this was so much more! I learned, I laughed and I cried!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

What a fantastic story! Well done, someday I hope I can visit the store and experience it too!

[@toddteagarden2200]

Heading back to nyc next week.. this is on my must visit list!! ❤

[@coriprotheroe629]

What a great story! Thank you for sharing this. If I ever make it to NYC I'm definitely stopping at this shop. Great video (as always) 🙂.

[@nataliacruz6218]

I love this place, they gave mea free bag once when I was carry law books

[@julianasuplee6900]

If I lived close enough, I would frequent TDBS frequently!! ❤️🎭😍

[@penguinsrbirds2]

Gotta love crooked NYC landlords. I remember the store I used to work at was in similar disrepair thanks to the cheapness of the faceless conglomerate who rented it out.

[@mwmheps]

Can't believe I never knew about this place! Will definitely check it out next time I'm in NYC. Glad to see Lin and Tommy reinvesting back in the theatre community like this.

[@mattkrywyj5184]

Never seen a broadway play, but I LOVE your videos…..Makes me want to start seeing plays

[@iCharLton]

this was beautiful. definitely have to go there one day.

[@bexyPTX]

Now I have to visit this place the next time I'm in NYC, it seems so cool

[@TheMetamorphoses2003]

I hope the landlord's own house gets flooded by water too.

[@Sabrieldier]

This actually made me cry it was so good!

[@waterywingz]

Thank u so much for this vid!! Going there this wk 🙌🙌👏👏

[@amarie_2]

Totally off topic, but Kay’s image was killing me. 😅 I couldn’t pinpoint where I had seen her before, then it hit, she played Louis’s sister in Interview with the Vampire. (Okay, back to the video)

[@Ms.Opinionated]

That was awesome! I learned a lot.❤

[@JackieWarner13]

I can't wait to visit this place whenever I visit nyc next. Great video🥰💜

[@trinaq]

I've learned more about American History from this musical than I have from my actual History classes! 😅😉

[@manos7958]

I can't decide if that is a statement on the quality of the show or that of your education. :D

[@alexandersean4708]

​@@manos7958 Both? Both is good.

[@ida6192]

in case i needed more confirmation that landlords are evil and will not see heaven lmao

[@MrLiamnathan]

such a fantastic ep - for a fantastic legacy

[@171QA]

What a wonderful story.

[@romana34]

Lin is too good for us! Loved this video! 💙

[@yuk0chu]

Me: *sees Kalyne Coleman* Huh, she looks familiar... *does a quick google search* Me: Yooo, she's in AMC's IWTV!!! 😱

[@MightyMezzo]

Bright Cellars ad cat needs a paper bag for that bottle.

[@nkwari]

Awesome

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

I'm getting Library of Alexandria flashbacks. Landlords are THE WORST!

[@canyontaylor1296]

Have you done a video about dog man the musical

[@racheljackson4428]

A story starring a Bookshop. now i'm interested.

[@drakeula9384]

Why did this almost make me cry?????

[@Nothing_Israel]

Beautiful work

[@redique]

The lesson here is eat the landlords

[@elliottbronstein1214]

I now know where I'm going on my next city trip.

[@katherinealvarez9216]

Bookshops 💗

[@memorian8472]

Me: ....why does the lady from Kay's Corner look so familiar.....OH MY GOD IT'S LOUIS'S SISTER!!

[@ebeth5891]

Imagine saying no to Lin Manuel Miranda about literally anything

[@Lucillelf]

Excellent!!

[@prof.evilpictures8696]

Fantastic video!

[@Jammer2001]

Wow that was gutv wrenching.

[@colemansimmons4604]

I’ve been there before!!!

[@kimberlyterasaki4843]

How do you write like you’re running out of time? Simple. Find a place to write that feels like home.

[@bdboricua3128]

So very random But im looking into a job im really interested in at the local theater. Its for house manager (not sure if every theater calls the position that way) I have management experience and had people working under my supervision in high stress jobs with lots of customer interaction Do you think that there is a specific type of experience or education (i have some college) they require? Any tips? Thx I honestly would really like to get considered for the job and any advice would be welcomed PS I really enjoy your content Sorry I should have opened with that

[@virgil.alonso]

ITH>Hamilton just saying

[@Broomestick]

You should do be more chill

[@aimeeinkling]

So, let me get this straight, the book shop was not saved? The people who supposedly saved it (but didn't) bought the name and turned it into a tourist attraction? They kicked out the dog? How is that thriving? They should have let it die with its integrity intact. I'm not giving Lin-Manuel Miranda any kudos for this.

[@bkspidey]

Basically

[@charlesbeloved7951]

I’m so over all the hoopla over Hamilton. Videos like this just serve to prop up a mediocre book report Musical at best. It’s giving “pick me” vibes.

[@bobsanders9114]

Usual greatness but a rare HUGE misstep on your wine commercial. Former 4-decade New Yorker who LOVED The Drama Book Shop and went often over the years. BUT. C'mon dude. Your commercial is a terrible, terrible idea. Angling it as Snobbery re: wine?? Oh. I see. You don't like the French, either? Oenophile into Oenophobic? And a francophobe to boot??? You come off like a boomer. Where's that inclusion?? Bad misstep. Bad Cinderella. Don't do it again.

[@hailee92]

Actually, he was doing a reference to an Orson Welles outtake commercial. You can search Orson Welles Paul Mason outtake and can see for yourself!

[@gartenmensch1895]

@@hailee92 Never seen the original before... it's a great recreation that Brandon did! Thanks for telling!

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Hey Brendon, have you seen Playbill's video from four weeks ago interviewing Nathan Lane about his Broadway career? Because I'm trying to manifest into the world a full-length documentary of the musical "Merlin" (according to Lane, it was a very troubled, bonkers production) - preferably with you getting a sit down interview with Lane himself sharing the story of how he got involved, as you explore the show's history!

[@wan-ligibson8156]

Wonderfully done, this made me tear up from the powerful storytelling 🥹

[@luxqueenmina]

the gut punch of seeing 2011-2023 on chesters photo 🥲