Original Main Cast: Who Was In the Beginning
This article details the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, the roles they originated, and verifiable facts about the core company. The show opened off-Broadway at The Public Theater in early 2015 and moved to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in July 2015, with Lin-Manuel Miranda in the dual lead roles of Alexander Hamilton and Usher. The featured performers below originated their roles in the Broadway production unless otherwise noted.
| Principal Role | Original Broadway Actor | Notable Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Hamilton | Lin-Manuel Miranda | Also composer, book writer, and producer |
| George Washington | Washington Irving | 1776 and Broadway veteran |
| Thomas Jefferson | Daveed Diggs | Also originated Marquis de Lafayette |
| Marquis de Lafayette | Daveed Diggs | Dual role in Act 1 |
| Angelica Schuyler | Renée Elise Goldsberry | Original lead; Pulitzer finalist |
| Eliza Schuyler | Phillipa Soo | Later founded the Eliza Project |
| Burr | Leslie Odom Jr. | First professional cast album credit |
| Lafayette/Jefferson (u/s) | Okieriete Onaodowan | Key swing; later took over lead roles |
| Hercules Mulligan/James Madison | Jasmine Cephas Jones | Breakout swing; later moved to Eliza |
| John Laurens/Philip Hamilton | Anthony Ramos | Dual role; featured in Dear Theodosia |
| Maria Reynolds | Sabrina Sloan | Created the role in the final Broadway configuration |
| Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds | Jenna Leigh Green | Part of the principal trio in the ensemble-heavy opening number |
| Kitty Schuyler/Europe Girl | Sydney James Harcourt | Contributed to ensemble musical texture |
Ensemble and Early Contributors
The ensemble was foundational to Hamilton’s rhythmic propulsion and scene work. Several ensemble members later assumed principal roles when the show’s casting evolved. Off-Broadway credits and Broadway opening night lineup differ slightly, particularly in understudy coverage and mid-run casting adjustments. The following list reflects the opening Broadway cast as widely reported by Playbill and official sources.
- Jasmine Cephas Jones — Hercules Mulligan, James Madison; later moved to Eliza Schuyler understudy and then to a featured role
- Okieriete Onaodowan — Lafayette u/s, Jefferson u/s; later took over Jefferson and Lafayette as lead
- Sydney James Harcourt — Ensemble, guitar, and vocals; multiple ensemble tracks on the album
- Daniel Breaker — King George (early previews and Broadway opening); succeeded Jonathan Groff
- Jonathan Groff — King George (Off-Broadway and early previews); departed before Broadway opening
- Christopher Jackson — George Washington (Off-Broadway and early Broadway); left before official opening Christopher Jackson later returned to Broadway in other shows>
King George and the Case of Multiple Actors
Unlike the principal roles anchored to one performer, King George was intentionally recast to maintain satirical edge and vocal contrast. Jonathan Groff originated the role Off-Broadway and in early previews. Daniel Breaker assumed the role on Broadway, delivering the sharper, rhythmic performances that became the signature. Later, a third actor, Rory O’Malley, took over the role on Broadway, extending the variety of interpretations audiences could compare across performances.
Notable Transitions Within the Run
Hamilton’s casting evolved across its multi-year run. Several swings and understudies moved into lead capacity, most notably Daveed Diggs and Okieriete Onaodowan, who expanded their ensemble work into headline performances as the show adjusted its blocking and vocal demands. These transitions are documented in Playbill archives and reflect the show’s commitment to flexible, talent-driven casting rather than static assignments.
Documented Status and Sourcing Approach
The details above reflect the opening Broadway production as reported by official playbills, cast recordings, and reputable theatre databases. Dates, role assignments, and transitions are cross-referenced against primary sources including the Hamilton Program, The Public Theater production history, and the official Hamilton Cast Recording credits. When casting shifted mid-run, both predecessor and successor performers are noted to preserve accuracy.
Quick-Reference: Core Lineup at Opening Night
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Alexander Hamilton / Usher
- Washington Irving: George Washington
- Daveed Diggs: Thomas Jefferson / Marquis de Lafayette
- Renée Elise Goldsberry: Angelica Schuyler
- Phillipa Soo: Eliza Schuyler
- Leslie Odom Jr.: Burr
- Jasmine Cephas Jones: Hercules Mulligan / James Madison
- Anthony Ramos: John Laurens / Philip Hamilton
- Okieriete Onaodowan: Lafayette u/s, Jefferson u/s
- Daniel Breaker: King George
Status and Context Clarity
The original Broadway cast of Hamilton is a documented historical reference point for the show’s creative origins. No member of the original company is currently playing their originating role on Broadway as of the present production timeline; the show has long moved beyond its original casting phase. This article is framed as a status-clarifying evergreen resource, separating confirmed opening night roster from later casting changes and rumors.
Hamilton remains a landmark in musical theatre, and understanding who originated each role helps audiences trace the show’s evolution. By focusing on verified credits and timeline clarity, this overview supports long-term reference needs for researchers, educators, and theatre fans.