Christopher Jackson Returns to ‘Hamilton’ as George Washington

Christopher Jackson, an original cast member of the acclaimed Broadway musical Hamilton, is set to reprise his role as George Washington. Jackson, recognized for his Tony Award-nominated performance alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton, will return to the Richard Rodgers Theatre from September 8 to January 3. Discussing his return with The Associated Press, Jackson expressed a desire to reconnect with a role that significantly shaped his artistic journey.

Leslie Odom Jr., another original cast member, returned to the role of Aaron Burr last year, revitalizing the show’s popularity and generating over $4 million in one week, marking a milestone not seen since 2018. Jackson mentioned feeling compelled to return after reuniting with fellow actors during the show’s 10th anniversary celebrations. He described the unique energy and challenge of performing in Hamilton as revitalizing.

Before his role in Hamilton, Jackson portrayed Simba in The Lion King, Benny in In the Heights, and Delray in Memphis. His Broadway credits also include performances in After Midnight, Bronx Bombers as Derek Jeter, and Holler If Ya Hear Me. Jackson contributed as a composer and songwriter for children’s television shows such as The Electric Company and Sesame Street. Following Hamilton, he appeared in the CBS drama Bull, HBO Max’s And Just Like That, and returned to Broadway in Hell’s Kitchen and Freestyle Love Supreme. He also performed in the animated film Moana.

Since leaving Hamilton in November 2016, Jackson has remained busy but acknowledges that nothing has matched the challenge of the musical. The show clinched 11 Tony Awards, including best new musical and best score. The cast album achieved immense success, and the show toured to enthusiastic audiences.

Jackson describes the Richard Rodgers Theatre as his favorite place in New York, where he experienced profound artistic moments. He hopes to create new memories there. During his previous tenure, the cast, including Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos, and Phillipa Soo, gained prominence, with Lin-Manuel Miranda yet to become a household name.

Returning as the subject of the song “Washington on Your Side,” Jackson will perform numbers like “Right Hand Man,” “History Has Its Eyes on You,” and “Yorktown.” While he plans to refresh his muscle memory for the show, he looks forward to the practical aspects, such as knowing the theater’s layout, and appreciates the opportunity for his children to watch him in this iconic role.