“Hamilton” is here. Finally! The blockbuster musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda certainly took its time coming to Alabama.

“Hamilton” made its Broadway debut way back in 2015, after a successful run Off-Broadway at The Public Theater. The musical launched its first national tour in 2017, in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, and slowly began to conquer new territory.

Now — eight years after “Hamilton” became a theater sensation — fans in Birmingham can be in the room where it happens. “Hamilton” has settled into the Magic City for 16 performances, Jan. 24-Feb. 4, and is in its second week at the BJCC Concert Hall. The show’s run here is part of the Broadway in Birmingham series presented by the American Theatre Guild.

In case some background is in order:

“Hamilton” focuses on the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton, his career during the American Revolutionary War and his political and philosophical feud with a rival and contemporary, Aaron Burr. The musical also tells of Hamilton’s relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and her sister, Angelica Schuyler Church.

“Hamilton” is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of the founding father, who was known for his intellectual prowess and outspoken nature. Hamilton was a prolific and influential writer who created tracts on many subjects, helped draft the U.S. Constitution, and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury in George Washington’s cabinet. He also was the founder and chief architect of the American financial system.

If Hamilton’s capsule biography sounds rather dry and musty, don’t fret. The musical “Hamilton” is known for its fast pace, catchy songs and colorful characters. There’s action and conflict aplenty, along with romance and tragedy.

RELATED: ‘Hamilton’ in Alabama: What to know before you go

There’s no denying the musical’s massive fame, both in the United States and abroad. The hype surrounding the show seems equally huge. Therefore, we have to ask: Is the national tour of “Hamilton” worth your time and attention?

Here are five good reasons to see the show in Birmingham, all gleaned from attending an evening performance during the tour’s first week at the BJCC.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

There are two kinds of theater fans: Those who’ve seen “Hamilton” on stage and those who have not. If you want to be in the second category, here’s your chance.

Fact: Not everyone has the time and/or money to travel to New York City to see “Hamilton,” although it’s easier to get seats than it used to be. The national tour gives Alabama people an opportunity to witness a pop-culture phenomenon, post a selfie from the audience and wave their printed programs with pride.

INNOVATIVE MUSIC

“Hamilton” has won a cornucopia of awards — 11 Tonys, a Grammy, a Pulitzer Prize and more — and rightly so. Miranda’s creative genius is on display in the groundbreaking score, which fuses hip-hop with R&B, pop, soul and the styles of traditional show tunes. It’s a pleasure to immerse yourself in the fast-moving, intricate flow as the show plays out in Birmingham.

True: You have to pay close attention to the actors and action on stage. But “Hamilton” rewards your attention and sticks in your memory. Days after seeing the show, you’ll probably find yourself singing snippets of “My Shot,” “Helpless,” “What’d I Miss,” “You’ll Be Back” or “The Room Where It Happens.”

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Have you ever seen the national tour of a famous musical and been disappointed by canned sound, buzzing microphones, flimsy sets and bargain-basement costumes? Well, that’s not going to happen here. The production values of the “Hamilton” tour are first-rate. Everything looks great, sounds good and radiates quality.

There’s an orchestra in the pit — a high-tech one with musicians and a conductor, instruments and electronics — and the atmospheric stage set is highly reminiscent of the one on Broadway. Don’t take our word for it; watch the Disney+ movie version of “Hamilton,” filmed in 2016 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, and you’ll see.

Important: The touring set includes a central turntable that propels the actors smoothly on stage, creating an illusion of movement through time and space. While not as showy as the revolving stage that was a key element of “Les Miserables,” the turntable in “Hamilton” does the job in subtle style.

A CAST THAT CAN

Actors must be up to the challenge, exhibiting vocal skill and stamina when they’re performing in “Hamilton.” The musical, which has a run time of nearly three hours, is sung through, with a few bits of spoken dialogue. Tongue-twisting rap lyrics make things even more difficult — and more delightful — when the show is well performed.

Three different casts perform on national tours of “Hamilton”; each cast is named for a character in the show. Birmingham has the talented Angelica cast, which features Edred Utomi as Alexander Hamilton, Josh Tower as Aaron Burr, Stephanie Umoh as Angelica Schuyler, Alysha Deslorieux as Eliza Hamilton, David Park as the Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson and Carvens Lissaint as George Washington. (At the performance we attended, Jorrel Javier handled the dual role of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, and Bryson Bruce took on King George III.)

It’s tempting to compare the tour principals to the original Broadway cast, but it’s clear the Angelica actors have what it takes to fulfill Miranda’s vision. There are no weak links in the chain. About 20 actors appear on stage, including a hard-working ensemble that slides into various smaller roles, dances with graceful gusto and provides scene-setting drama.

HAMFAM IN THE HOUSE

“Hamilton” fans are legion, and it’s great fun to see the show surrounded by folks who know and love it. Devotees (known as the HamFam) range from starry-eyed kids who gasp during the opening number to amused adults who smirk at an elaborately costumed King George.

Hearing laughter, cheers and heartfelt applause heightens the “Hamilton” experience. You can get that rush in Alabama, which evidently has its share of HamFam. They’re showing up and blissing out in Birmingham, upping the excitement level of attending live theater.