Christopher Jackson’s Return to ‘Hamilton’
Christopher Jackson, a prominent member of the original cast of the acclaimed Broadway musical “Hamilton,” will reprise his role as George Washington. His return will be at the Richard Rodgers Theatre from September 8 to January 3.
“I wanted to touch the thing that I feel turned me into an artist in a way that nothing I’d ever done had done. I wanted it to touch this thing again,” Jackson shared, reflecting on his decision to return.
Jackson’s return follows that of Leslie Odom Jr., who played Aaron Burr. Odom’s comeback last year brought tremendous success, driving the show back to the top of the box-office charts, earning over $4 million in a single week.
Jackson was motivated by reconnecting with fellow actors during the show’s 10th-anniversary events. He expressed a unique sense of vitality from performing in the musical, stating he was in need of both the challenge and renewal it offered.
His career includes notable performances before “Hamilton,” such as playing Simba in “The Lion King,” Benny in “In the Heights,” and Delray in “Memphis.” He has also appeared in “After Midnight,” “Bronx Bombers,” and “Holler If Ya Hear Me.” In addition, Jackson contributed as a composer and songwriter for children’s shows like “The Electric Company” and “Sesame Street.” After exiting “Hamilton” in 2016, he worked on CBS’s “Bull” and HBO Max’s “And Just Like That,” returned to Broadway with “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Freestyle Love Supreme,” and sang in the animated movie “Moana.”
“I haven’t stopped working since I left ‘Hamilton.’ I’ve been very fortunate. But there’s nothing that I have done that has challenged me in the way that show does,” said Jackson.
Jackson initially left “Hamilton” in November 2016 after starring from its early performances in 2015 off-Broadway. The Broadway production won 11 Tony Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. The cast album achieved blockbuster status, and the show has toured with great success.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre holds sentimental value for Jackson, who described it as his favorite building in New York and the location of his most profound artistic experiences. He hopes to create new memories upon his return.
Alongside Jackson, many cast members were relatively unknown at the time of “Hamilton’s” premiere. These include Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos, and Phillipa Soo. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda was not yet widely recognized.
Jackson will perform iconic songs such as “Washington on Your Side,” “Right Hand Man,” “History Has Its Eyes on You,” and “Yorktown.” He aims to regain the muscle memory required for the show, finding joy in being seen by his children who are now young adults, and familiar with the theater’s surroundings.
“I just don’t have to look for where the bathrooms are. I know where all the bathrooms are. I know how to get into the stage door. I know where to park, how long it takes me to go from Point A to Point B,” he noted with ease regarding his familiarity with the venue.