Writer and journalist Ron Chernow published his acclaimed biography of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, 21 years ago. Seventeen years ago, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up that biography. He began experimenting with rap songs inspired by Hamilton’s life, which would soon evolve into “Hamilton,” a groundbreaking stage musical.
Now, a decade later, it stands as a cultural landmark that reshaped how Americans think about history, representation and theater itself.
After premiering off-Broadway on Jan. 20, it managed to reach Broadway only half a year later on Aug. 6. “Hamilton” immediately drew acclaim from critics, audiences and celebrities alike. Early attendees included Sir Paul McCartney, Busta Rhymes and even former First Lady Michelle Obama. On a 2015 episode of “The Tonight Show,” Jimmy Fallon described the show as “life-changing,” praised Miranda as a genius and urged viewers to go see it.
Hamilton would go on to become one of the most renowned musicals the stage has ever seen. It won 11 Tony Awards out of a record-breaking 16 nominations, a Grammy, seven Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
A live performance of “Hamilton” was released on “Disney+” in 2020. In 2025, the film, accompanied by an exclusive cast reunion video, was shown in cinemas for a limited run, which was later extended due to popular demand. In a cast reunion video shown before the filmed version in cinemas, original Aaron Burr actor Leslie Odom Jr. reflected on how it seemed peculiar that these completely different people shared the same interests in theater, so there must be something special about this show.
Mere months after it debuted off-Broadway, “Hamilton” evolved from just another musical into an experience that resonated on a deep, emotional level. Soon, everyone wanted to be “in the room where it happens.”
Like its protagonist, “Hamilton” was non-stop. It reached an unprecedented level of popularity, becoming the most listened-to musical of all time. The key to its success? It’s the story of America, told by America today.
The musical humanizes the Founding Fathers, allowing modern audiences to relate to them. Choosing not to restrict these roles to white actors is more than a gesture of diversity; it reflects the inclusive spirit of modern America while giving the story a timeless quality.
Just as importantly, the score draws from hip-hop, rap and R&B, genres that had rarely been touched by Broadway on such a scale. What could have been a dry history lesson became a vibrant, emotional rallying cry for a new generation, inspiring young people to rise up and fight for what they believe in.
As said in the show, “What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” Ten years is short in the span of history, but the impact of “Hamilton” in that time has been enormous. It reignited faith in the American Dream while forcing audiences to consider how we spend our lives. Do we wait for opportunity, or do we charge forward, determined to leave a mark?
Above all, “Hamilton” reminded us of one of America’s founding principles: fight for what you believe in. Don’t be afraid to speak out, to rise up. Because, as said in the show, if we stand for nothing, what will we fall for?
