ONE LAST TIME - Hamilton ⭐️ Revisiting Chris Jackson's performance | Musical Theatre Coach Reacts 

Watching Chris Jackson sing this to President Obama is one of the most moving performances ever. So. Much. Sobbing.

He has amazing stage presence, he controls the performance perfectly without overwhelming his costars, creating a perfect synergy. I still loved his crestfallen emotion immediately after pride when Eliza states he could have done more against slavery. I haven’t seen other “Washington‘s” do that. His voice is like a warm bath, that you can just melt in when you hear it.

Lin LOVES writing songs like this one for Chris because he knows what his voice is capable of. And Lin's reaction to watching Chris at the Kennedy Center. I call it his "choir boy fangirl" face. Their friendship is so special.

The first time I watched Hamilton on the first day it was available, I was sobbing at the end of this song. The gut-wrenching emotion that comes out of Chris Jackson's performance is huge, and I will admit that I'm usually in tears at the end of this song every time I've watched Hamilton since the first time. I also have to say that I'm a little surprised when I look at a quarter and don't see Chris Jackson's profile on it.

Here are the thoughts I've had over the song: I learned a lot of things about history and historical figures by watching Hamilton. It was through this number that I found out that the scripture Washington quotes was his actual favorite part of the Bible. It's about farmers being freed from military oppression. You can understand why Washington, the man who led the revolutionary army and became its nation's president, would hold that verse special. I've since used that phrase to refer to independence in general, from any of life's problems. I've never been particularly patriotic, but how can you not be when it comes to the birth of the nation? You can see just how much his heart aches to relax and step away from it all. When he says "At home, in this nation we've made." He just seems so eager to rest and enjoy the nation they've created [and it's such a shame he only got to enjoy retirement for 2 years before he died]. When the female company sings "George Washington's going home" it just hurts my heart so much. When he says "History has its eyes on you" and is gesturing at the audience, it feels to me like he's offering his story to the American citizens, that even though he will step away and die someday, that the rest of the nation's life is up to us, to vote, to lead, to continue to create the nation that we end up having. The excerpt Lin used from the farewell address is so beautifully written. I also think it's interesting when Hamilton's saying the first part, it's almost like he's voicing the words for himself: like how he hopes the country will view his mistakes "with indulgence" [possibly referring to his affair and other controversies]. He even looks around nervously as he says that line. "Consigned to oblivion, as I myself must soon be, to the mansions of rest." It's almost a recognition of one's death itself. I must one day die and be left behind. And the phase 'mansions of rest' is such a nice, peaceful view of retirement, or at least, stepping away in general. It's nice to think of rest as being so grand, that it is a mansion. I also like the closing line from the excerpt: labors and dangers. That not only will they be passing on the fruits of their labors, but the dangers of what they have set up, and the possible mistakes we will continue or reinvent. I think my final point is about the accidental poetry of George's decision to step down and establish the term limits. The name of the king they declared independence from was also George. King George. Washington could have very easily become a "new" King George, but he chose a different path. I love the look on Chris Jackson's face when the number is over. This is what I love about art--performative art in particular. It's that special moment that I crave to see whenever I watch a movie or hear a song, that moment when everyone knows that the performer has given that scene, that song, that performance, absolutely everything they had. They dedicated their whole being for that moment. Truly a magnificent and unforgettable performance.

Blessed to have seen him live in both In The Heights and in the OBC of Hamilton. What a talent ❣️

This is always my first stop whenever I get back in my Hamilton bag! 2 minutes in and I'm crying like it's my first watch 🥲

Never would have thought that there can be a masterpice of a song like this dedicated to stepping down. A perfect de-inaguration song.

I know we explore the original cast on the Disney production, however on the international adaptations, Matu Ngaropo absolutely nails the Australian production, especially how he commands the wartime numbers with his Mauri warrior-like presence that he brings to the table

This gives me goose bumps every time I watch it. Is Chris in tears at the end of this song? (Or just me!) I never saw him do it live. That one line hits me, "safe in the country we made"...it didn't turn out to be very safe though, did it? 😔

His performance was excellent at the Kennedy awards as well.

Love your reaction to these performances after all these years! Oversharing moment: My Grandmother (who raised me) was one of the first 300k to pass from Covid on Mother's Day 2020. I guess my brain found comfort in this music (my therapist said it was a "blanket") and I went through the rest of the year obsessed, basically this musical was a permanent earworm. I'm thankful for Lynn Manuel Miranda's music for helping me heal!

I have seen Hamilton on tour twice, and both the Washingtons were terrific, but I would have LOVED to have seen Chris in this part in person! He gives me goosebumps just watching the video; I can only imagine what it was like to see him perform it live!

One of my all time favorite performances and singers. His voice is effortless and he has a grit that is somehow smooth. Pitch is always perfect. I am always so stunned when I hear him sing. One of the absolute best.

I saw this Amazing talent live onstage on One of the best nights of my life: Freestyle Love Supreme! What a time I had! Christopher Jackson and Wayne Brady were on the stage that particular night.When I shouted suggestions out to TWO of my favorite performers on the Same Stage at the Same time,and my suggestions were incorporated into their Impromptu Rapping??This very humble fan just about Melted into her seat from Crying and Laughing and Joy 😘😇🥰😁🥹🥲

Chris Jackson is everything, thank you for coming to my Ted talk~! 🤩 😍 🥰 ♥️ 💜 💗

Ok, confession time. I actually wasn't that overwhelmed by Chris Jackson's performance the first time I saw Hamilton. I don't even remember why it didn't resonate with me at first. Needless to say, I have since seen the error of my ways to the point that whenever I hear the name George Washington now, it's Chris' face I picture in my mind.

You’ve heard the apocryphal story, that Lin told Chris that he was going to be Washington while they were on stage in Heights? Couldn’t have a better actor for the role. He makes Washington human, but also shows the strength and character that Washington must have had to be the first US President. A wonderful merging and a wonderful performance.

I do think this he is my favorite in the original cast. This song still moves me and it’s the conviction with which he sings that does it. Is his voice perfect? Maybe not but to me it sure seems like it.

Even though George Washington had many faults, Chris Jackson's incredible voice and commanding stage presence lend the character gravitas. Tamar Green, who is currently starring as Washington in the Broadway production, is another fantastic performer.

The last note gave me actual chills 😮

Goosebumps every single time!

When I first heard this I had goosebumps! It was such a great performance and it made me think back to American history classes and just wonder how much these men shaped them US back on its inception and what we see today. My favorite track off this Broadway hit.

My favorite song, hands down.....cry at the end every. time. what a performance...

One of my favorite moments from the show. So good!

Great reaction as always.. I’m a huge fan of this musical. Pls react to Rachelle Ann Go’s performance of “Burn” in the West End production of Hamilton. ❤

What you said about “politics” was right on and said so well. Because it’s so divided it’s hard to voice it without further divisiveness but you spoke undeniable truth…without alienating either “side.”

I think the "making him seem sympathetic" isn't actually that big of an issue, since the show is from Burr's perspective, meaning it's from the mindset of the era rather than from today looking back.

Thank you for this reaction.

Chris Jackson brought George Washington to life! 💯

I saw Hamilton twice last year (Syracuse and Rochester NY) same GW. He was fantastic. Not sure the actor's name, but he did not disappoint.

I was surprised when I learned that Chris Jackson is a baritone. I’m a baritone. And I can’t do that. Not even close. This is my favourite piece in this astonishing musical. So many moments of brilliance. From the first hearing I was struck by the inspiration in using the actual text of Washington’s farewell address, spoken haltingly by Hamilton, then taken over and breathed into full life by Washington. And I think this was the first time I really noticed the quill. Again, brilliant. Thanks for sharing this again.

13:20 That has to be one of the show's smoothest on-stage costume changes.

Anthony Ramos acting in the background to portray the much younger Philip Hamilton is tremendous

9:15 I know he's mimicking here, but I wonder if on any day, maybe like Lin's last performance, they actually put some liquor in that bottle^^

Chris Jackson is amazing!

“YOU AND IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII” If you don’t scream that with him every time you hear it, I don’t care to know you.

I don’t think you’ve done “Right Hand Man” yet, and that is a good one with tons of Chris Jackson versatility.

HOW can one pick the most talented cast member when there are so many, so so many?

We wouldn’t have had this full musical at our fingertips if it wasn’t for COVID. This wasn’t going to be released for at least a decade, apparently.

Democracy is Messy and it was designed that way. Sometimes it stinks, but it's better than a lot of other government systems. Chris did a wonderful job with this song.

Chris Jackson should gave won the Tony.

Hello! Please react to Stay Alive Reprise. Thank you!

Without doubt the original and soo good. However, Tamar Greene's Washington in the current Broadway version, IMO, is the best for this song within the content of the Musical.

Saw Chris Jackson on Broadway and then saw Hamilton in West End a year later (forgot who was playing Washington at that time). There is NO comparison. I thought Washington was the weakest player on the stage that night . . . Maybe because it was in England, but I didn't get the feeling of pride that Jackson conveyed being the President

Chris Jackson's tone...that is all.

Say what you will about him being a slave owner (don’t worry, the future will come after us the same way some today go after our first president), but he didn’t just do something unique by relinquishing his power, he did something that had never even crossed the mind of another person in history who held power. He was, is, and always will be the greatest president ever. No, the greatest world leader ever.

8:51 if you have a hard time celebrating George Washington for doing something that not only was universally practiced (slavery is not uniquely American) then but STILL practiced today, then you need to stop moralizing the past. Not only is it practiced today, our current president is suspiciously getting millions of dollars passed through dozens of shell companies from the country that is the world’s greatest offender when it comes to slavery. Don’t be getting all high and mighty on the guy who actually freed his slaves. No, get pissed at the president profiting from it to this very day.