In the world of theater, few productions have had the seismic impact of Hamilton. When it premiered in 2015, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical reshaped Broadway and captivated the world with its fusion of hip-hop, history, and heart. Ten years later, the magic still lingers—especially during the emotional and highly anticipated reunion of the original cast at the 2025 Tony Awards. One of the original stars, Christopher Jackson, couldn’t hide his elation. As he stepped onto the red carpet that evening, he described the feeling of reuniting with his castmates in one heartfelt word: “floating.”
Jackson, who originally played George Washington, was visibly moved by the moment. Speaking to reporters with a wide smile and glistening eyes, he emphasized the deep bonds formed over a decade ago during the show’s meteoric rise. “There’s nothing quite like coming back to the family that changed your life,” he said. “I feel like I’m floating—it’s surreal, overwhelming, but mostly just pure joy.”
Hamilton wasn’t just a Broadway hit—it was a cultural movement. It revolutionized casting norms, brought American history into pop culture with urgency and relevance, and redefined what musical theater could be. Christopher Jackson, alongside castmates Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, and others, helped bring the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding fathers to life in a way no one had before.
For many in the cast, the show wasn’t simply a job—it was a transformative journey. “We all poured everything we had into this,” Jackson reflected. “And to see how it has lived on—how it still resonates with people, how kids are still learning from it—it’s the biggest reward.”
The reunion at the 2025 Tony Awards marked the tenth anniversary of the show’s Broadway debut. Hype had been building for weeks. Rumors swirled about a full-cast performance, secret rehearsals, and the possibility of surprise appearances. By the time the night arrived, expectations were sky-high.
And the cast delivered.
The original ensemble performed a medley of iconic numbers, including “My Shot,” “Non-Stop,” and “The Room Where It Happens.” The energy in the room was electric. Audience members—fellow actors, theater veterans, newcomers, and long-time fans—were on their feet, many in tears, as the beloved characters returned to the stage for one more night.
The performance wasn’t just nostalgia. It was a celebration of a decade of influence, a reminder of the work’s ongoing relevance, and an affirmation of the artistry that first took Broadway by storm.
While the reunion was nearly complete, one noticeable absence caused a stir: Anthony Ramos, who played John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, wasn’t seen on stage during the main performance. Fans immediately took to social media, wondering why one of the key figures from the original cast was missing.
But eagle-eyed viewers spotted him briefly exiting the wings after the medley concluded, which only deepened the mystery. Was he there simply to support his castmates from the sidelines? Had he been originally scheduled to perform but stepped back at the last minute? Neither Ramos nor the show’s producers gave a definitive explanation, leaving fans to speculate.
Still, the sight of him—even briefly—was enough to send longtime fans into a flurry of excitement. For many, it was enough just knowing that the full ensemble was somehow present, whether on stage or behind the scenes.
The power of the Hamilton reunion wasn’t just in the performance—it was in the palpable camaraderie among the cast. On the red carpet, the original members embraced like long-lost family, laughing, reminiscing, and speaking about how their lives have changed since the show first debuted.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, who played Angelica Schuyler, said it best: “This is more than a cast. This is a family. We’ve been through so much together—from the early days of Off-Broadway to the madness of opening night, and everything that followed. To be here again, all of us—it’s healing, it’s powerful, it’s love.”
Daveed Diggs, always charismatic and sincere, shared how much the show—and the reunion—meant to him personally. “It’s not just about the music or the roles,” he said. “It’s about how Hamilton gave us a platform, a voice, and a brotherhood. Coming back for this… it reminds me why we did it in the first place.”
While Lin-Manuel Miranda is no stranger to the spotlight, at the 2025 Tonys, he took a step back to let the ensemble shine. Of course, he performed with the cast and was central to the medley, but he seemed more intent on lifting up the others than basking in solo attention.
“That’s who he is,” Jackson said of Miranda. “He created something so special and then made sure we all had space to make it our own. That’s leadership. That’s humility.”
In interviews, Miranda spoke about the emotional weight of the reunion. “Ten years,” he said with a small smile. “It feels like yesterday, and it feels like a lifetime ago. This show gave me everything. But more than that, it gave me them—this incredible group of people I love.”
Of course, the Tonys wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling red carpet, and 2025 did not disappoint. Jackson, elegant in a tailored navy tuxedo with subtle gold accents (a nod, perhaps, to George Washington’s trim), was among the evening’s best-dressed. He walked the carpet with confidence, stopping to chat with reporters and embrace old friends.
He wasn’t the only one making waves. Renée Elise Goldsberry stunned in a shimmering emerald gown, while Phillipa Soo opted for classic Broadway elegance with a flowing white number. Daveed Diggs wore a modern, edgy suit with bold patterns, reminding everyone that the Hamilton crew doesn’t just innovate on stage—they set trends off it, too.
Even celebrities outside the Broadway circle came to honor the show’s legacy. Amal Clooney, Billie Eilish, and Nicole Scherzinger all made appearances, each expressing admiration for what Hamilton had accomplished.
In a time when Broadway—like so many creative industries—has been reexamining its identity post-pandemic, the Hamilton reunion served as both a beacon and a benchmark. It reminded audiences of the power of theater to shape culture, provoke thought, and forge community.
More than that, it proved that the magic of Hamilton wasn’t confined to its moment of debut. The work endures. It resonates with new generations and continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
As Christopher Jackson floated through the night, overwhelmed with joy and nostalgia, it became clear that this wasn’t just another awards ceremony. It was a tribute to one of the most revolutionary moments in theater history—and to the artists who brought it to life.
The buzz following the reunion performance was immediate. Social media lit up with calls for a revival, a new tour, or even a filmed follow-up. While no announcements were made that night, the cast didn’t rule out future collaborations.
“I think we all felt something tonight,” Jackson said as the evening drew to a close. “Something we haven’t felt in years. And who knows? Maybe it’s not the end. Maybe it’s just another beginning.”
The 2025 Tony Awards gave Broadway lovers a rare and beautiful gift—the chance to relive a piece of history, to reconnect with the voices that changed the stage, and to remember the joy that theater brings when it’s at its very best. And for Christopher Jackson and his Hamilton family, it was more than just a performance. It was a homecoming.
