Christopher Jackson has returned to Broadway’s “Hamilton,” reprising his Tony Award–nominated portrayal of George Washington nearly a decade after the musical’s original run. The production, which chronicles the life of America’s first Treasury Secretary, continues to draw audiences at the Richard Rodgers Theater, where Jackson will perform the role for a limited 16-week engagement through January 3.
Jackson, 51, first took on the role during the show’s Off-Broadway debut at the Public Theater in 2015 and its subsequent Broadway premiere in 2016, when “Hamilton” swept the Tony Awards, winning 11 honors including Best Musical. At that time, tickets were in extremely high demand, often selling for hundreds of dollars. Reflecting on the experience, Jackson described the original run as both exhausting and exhilarating, noting the intense energy around the show’s rapidly growing popularity.
Returning to the part after ten years, Jackson said the passage of time has offered him a new perspective on the character and the story. “I don’t play him differently,” he explained, but acknowledged that his understanding of Washington has deepened with his own life experiences and ongoing research into the historical figure. He recounted visiting Mount Vernon and studying Ron Chernow’s biography of Washington, which informed his original interpretation and continues to influence his portrayal.
Jackson noted that the world has changed considerably since “Hamilton” debuted, with shifts in societal challenges and public sentiment. While the musical initially conveyed a message of hope and aspiration during a politically charged time, he suggested that today’s audience seeks a different kind of hope, shaped by recent challenges such as the pandemic.
Describing his current mindset, Jackson emphasized a desire for artistic growth and personal challenge. He found inspiration watching former co-star Leslie Odom Jr. revisit his role as Aaron Burr in recent sold-out runs. “I want to feel a challenge,” Jackson said, emphasizing that even after many years, acting in the role demands rigorous effort. He also expressed a commitment to making every performance accessible and impactful, particularly for newcomers to the show.
Jackson discussed the collaborative atmosphere with younger cast members, noting they share many of the same cultural experiences despite generational differences. He rejected the notion of simply embodying an “older” Washington, instead viewing himself as part of an ongoing conversation about the character’s relevance.
Over the decade since its debut, “Hamilton” has become a cultural phenomenon while also inviting critique. Jackson welcomed the conversation, appreciating that the musical sparks debate and engages audiences in complex ways. He cited an example of a young fan who, despite questioning some of the show’s choices, remained captivated enough to see it multiple times.
Looking ahead, Jackson is involved in new creative projects, including composing music and lyrics for a forthcoming musical adaptation of Kwame Alexander’s “The Crossover” and developing a civil rights era musical based on a New York Times bestseller.
As “Hamilton” endures as a theatrical powerhouse, Jackson remains focused on delivering performances that resonate with both longtime fans and first-time viewers, underscoring his belief in the show’s continuing power and significance.