“Hamilton” marks ten striking years on Broadway with bold celebration

The groundbreaking musical “Hamilton” has reached a major milestone, celebrating 10 years on Broadway since its opening on August 6, 2015, according to The New York Times, which detailed how the show has revolutionized theater in multiple ways. The musical about Alexander Hamilton has sold more than four million tickets and earned over $1 billion, not counting tours and international productions.

The show completely changed how Broadway works by casting actors of color as America's founding fathers, breaking away from traditional all-white portrayals, the New York Times says. “Hamilton” also introduced hip-hop music to mainstream musical theater, though it didn't start the trend many expected. Instead, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda blended modern sounds with classic Broadway songwriting techniques. The production sparked major changes in ticket pricing as well, with top seats reaching $849 to compete with scalpers who were charging thousands of dollars. The musical became a cultural phenomenon that attracted celebrities like Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and Oprah, as reported by The New York Times coverage of the show's impact on American entertainment.

Miranda announced exciting news for “Hamilton” fans during his appearance on The Tonight Show, as covered by Variety, revealing that the movie version will hit theaters nationwide on Friday, September 5. The film captures the original Broadway cast performing at the Richard Rodgers Theater in June 2016, featuring Miranda alongside Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, and Christopher Jackson. Disney originally planned to release the movie in theaters in October 2021, but the pandemic changed those plans, leading to its Disney+ debut in July 2020.

The streaming release proved successful, earning two Emmy awards and showing that making shows available online actually increases interest in live performances. Variety reported that Disney paid $75 million for the rights to the Hamilton movie. The theatrical version includes new content called "Reuniting the Revolution," featuring interviews with the original cast and creators discussing the show's impact. A special premiere will take place at the Delacorte Theater on Wednesday, September 3, with some tickets available through donations and others through a free lottery system.

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While “Hamilton” continues its Broadway run, only one original cast member remains from the 2015 opening, according to The Washington Post's profile of the show's longevity. Thayne Jasperson, who plays Samuel Seabury, has become known as the "Phantom of the Rodgers" for his decade-long commitment to the production. Jasperson lives in a tiny 290-square-foot apartment and bikes to work while doing vocal warm-ups, eating kale for energy before each performance.

The Washington Post highlighted how demanding the show remains, with actors lifting furniture, climbing rafters, and performing in nearly every song over two hours. Jasperson admits that dating has become impossible with his schedule of nights and weekends, but he finds joy in meeting fans who call him "the last original." He cried when each original cast member left, but worked to welcome new performers. The physical demands of “Hamilton” make it one of Broadway's hardest shows, yet Jasperson plans to stay until it closes, finding new ways to keep the role fresh after thousands of performances.