King George III was rightfully prescient: the original cast of "Hamilton" made a triumphant return. At the 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted with flair by Cynthia Erivo, numerous highlights stole the show. Sarah Snook garnered her maiden Tony for her mesmerizing portrayal in "The Picture of Dorian Gray," while the star of "Wicked: For Good" teasingly hinted at the upcoming sequel's secrets, belting out notes during her opening number that had the audience buzzing with anticipation.
Yet, never before had "Hamilton" fans been so exhilarated as when Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Tony-nominated Jonathan Groff, alongside the rest of the show's 2015 original ensemble, delivered a spectacular medley celebrating the musical's decade-long legacy. Dressed in sleek black suits, Miranda and Odom Jr. ignited the stage with "Non-Stop," seamlessly transitioning into "My Shot." Subsequently, The Schuyler Sisters—Renee Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, and Jasmine Cephas Jones—graced the stage with their enchanting tune. Groff, donning a striking red suit, emerged to serenade the audience with "You'll Be Back," before Odom Jr. wrapped up the medley with a powerful rendition of "The Room Where It Happens."
This Tony-winning masterpiece revolutionized Broadway and catapulted Miranda into the limelight. Reflecting on its remarkable success in a 2021 interview with The Guardian, Miranda, who conceived and starred as Alexander Hamilton, noted, "It's surreal to stand on the other side of 'Hamilton,' realizing that for many, my name is synonymous with musical theatre. I strive to embrace this responsibility with utmost dedication."
Moreover, the show has profoundly impacted countless theatrical careers. Groff, who reprised his role as King George, credits "Hamilton" for reigniting his stage passion after his brief hiatus following "Glee" fame. "Joining 'Hamilton' felt like winning the lottery," Groff shared with Playbill earlier this month. "I would sneak into Off-Broadway performances, watching from hidden spots. On Broadway, I'd disguise myself in my kingly costume, peeking through curtains from the box. It was an unbelievable show, an unforgettable experience."
Similarly, Odom Jr. couldn't resist the call to return, recently announcing his comeback as Aaron Burr this fall. "Returning to 'Hamilton' is a profoundly meaningful homecoming," Odom Jr. stated upon his return announcement. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step back into that room, especially during this anniversary, to revisit a masterpiece that forever altered my life and the lives of countless others."
