‘Hamilton’ celebrates 10 years on Broadway with theatrical movie release

NEW YORK CITY — Ten years after the Broadway phenomenon first opened and dozens of awards later, “Hamilton” is celebrating a new milestone: a theatrical release.

The hit hip-hop Broadway musical follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, the “$10 Founding Father;” an immigrant who fought in the American Revolution, laid the foundations for the U.S. banking system, spilled the beans on his own marital scandal and ultimately died in a dramatic duel with third U.S. Vice President, Aaron Burr.

“Hamilton” put a new twist on American history, sparking renewed interest in the cultural period and gaining millions of fans worldwide.

And new for fans, the theatrical release begins with “Reuniting the Revolution,” an exclusive prologue which features all-new interviews with the cast and creators.

Eyewitness News’ Joelle Garguilo spoke with members of the original cast as they reflected on the show and its legacy.

Actor Thayne Jasperson recalled attending an early workshop: “We’re singing through the show, and then I remember just being in the room … I knew it was gonna be something epic.”

Writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda says that “Hamilton” completely changed the way he pursues new creative projects.

“It’s very hard to get out of the mindset of ‘I have to say yes to every gig’ because the next gig might not come,” Miranda said. “Now I sort of think; ‘what will I learn from this experience?'”

Anthony Ramos says that the show completely shaped his career.

“This was the thing that really took me to the next level,” he said, attributing his success to the recognition that “Hamilton” brought him.

“There’s literally not a corner of my mind that it didn’t affect in some amazing, significant way,” mused actor Christopher Jackson.

The original cast also reflected on how “Hamilton” proved a gamechanger for Broadway.

“It reminded us of creativity. It reminded us to be brave and to be bold,” Leslie Odom Jr. said.

“I don’t know that Broadway was checking for me, you know? And then Lin was like, here, let me show them what you can do,” Daveed Diggs added.

Miranda is pleased that those who love “Hamilton” but haven’t been able to see the show live will now be able to experience his show on the big screen.

“I’m really excited that people will have communal theatrical experiences with ‘Hamilton’ at a movie theater near them,” he said.

If you want to be in “the room where it happens,” “Hamilton” hits movie theaters on Friday.