Hamilton’s 10th Anniversary Reflections
As "Hamilton: An American Musical" approaches its 10th anniversary, original cast member Jasmine Cephas Jones reflects on the electrifying journey since its inception. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, she recalls the fervor of the show’s opening night in 2015, which she likens to the excitement of a rock concert. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s grand entrance left an indelible mark, triggering an overwhelming rush of adrenaline akin to iconic live performances, such as Michael Jackson’s at the Super Bowl. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as Miranda took his bow, eliciting screams from the audience and showcasing the palpable excitement that surrounded the production from the very beginning.
Jones played dual roles as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in both the off-Broadway and Broadway versions of “Hamilton.” After departing the production in December 2016, she is preparing for a special reunion performance at the 2025 Tony Awards, where most of the original cast will take the stage at Radio City Music Hall. This ensemble includes influential talents such as Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom, Jr., Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs, and more, reaffirming the lasting impact of the show and its cast on American theatre.
Reflecting on her time in "Hamilton," Jones emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. She conveys a sense of nostalgia and understanding that the brief but intense two-year experience would shape her career. Her insights serve as advice to her younger self, encouraging a focus on the richness of the experience rather than the fleeting passage of time. With the fast-paced nature of theatre, she acknowledges how quickly good moments can slip away, reinforcing the need to cherish every performance.
Delving into her characters, Jones discusses the distinct qualities of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. In her portrayal of Peggy, she aimed to embody the love and support between sisters, drawing from her own close relationships with fellow cast members. The camaraderie among the actresses deepened their performances as they shared a dressing room during the off-Broadway run, forging bonds that enhanced their representation of sisterhood in the narrative. Conversely, portraying Maria Reynolds allowed Jones to explore a different aspect, channeling survival instincts through the character’s emotional depth and powerful musical moments.
In preparation for her next role, Jones is set to join HBO’s "Lanterns," where she will portray Young Bernadette, described as a "strong, tough mom." This new venture presents an opportunity for her to continue evolving as an actress, transitioning from the historical narrative of "Hamilton" to more contemporary storytelling. Her character promises to have resilience and complexity, traits that resonate with Jones’s own journey in the creative arts.
As the next chapter unfolds for "Hamilton" and its cast, the upcoming reunion will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the musical. The celebration of its 10th anniversary reflects not only on the remarkable achievements of the show but also on the personal growth of its stars like Jasmine Cephas Jones. Their experiences, marked by both triumph and challenges, help to shape the future of theatre as they continue to influence new generations of audiences and performers alike.
