When I heard that “Hamilton” was coming to theaters on September 5, I didn’t hesitate to grab tickets. I’ve been a fan of the musical for years–I even saw the touring production at the Steven Tanger Center last December–but there’s something timeless about Lin Manuel Miranda’s original Broadway cast. Sitting in the theater with friends, I felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement. This wasn’t just a chance to revisit a favorite show, but also to reflect on “Hamilton” and how it resonates 10 years later.

The movie release comes with a few differences from the Disney+ version many fans already know. Before the performance, audiences see short snippets of interviews with cast members, offering a glimpse into their perspectives on the show’s legacy. And, just like a live performance, there is a 10-minute intermission to divide the acts. These small touches make the screening feel less like a film and more like a hybrid between cinema and theater, which made me appreciate the effort to preserve the show’s stage magic.

Still, what struck me the most was not the format, but the content. “Hamilton” doesn’t just dramatize history: it reimagines it. Miranda presents the American Revolution with Hip-Hop, R&B, and a diverse cast in a way that feels alive, urgent, and relevant.

Early College at Guilford student Iris Turfle took AP United States History (APUSH) this past year and saw the movie in theaters.

“Studying APUSH made me really aware of all the dates and events, but watching “Hamilton” made it click in a way textbooks never did,” said Turfle. “Suddenly I could see the people, the politics, and the struggles come alive, and it made history feel less like memorizing and more like a story I was part of.”

The songs themselves remain as moving as ever. My entire group cried at “Blow Us All Away” and “It’s Quiet Uptown,” while we laughed with other parts.

“‘It’s Quiet Uptown’ was heartbreaking. But honestly, King George’s songs made me laugh every time. It’s a good mix of heavy and funny,” said Turfle.

Even knowing what was coming, I still found myself leaning forward in my seat, as if I were watching the story unfold for the first time. That’s the power of “Hamilton”: it makes history not just something to study, but something to feel.

Interestingly, the audience experience varied. When my group went, the theater was mostly empty, which gave the showing an intimate feel. But others, including Early College student Sachi Bhusal, told me their screenings were packed with fans singing along to every song as though they were the actors.

As described by Bhusal, several people broke out in Georgian era fashion for the movie–as well as in song. “It felt very welcoming and I didn’t feel like I was ‘nerding out’ because everyone there was as interested in the musical as I was,” said Bhusal.

This disparity reflects the enduring, almost cult-like devotion the show has inspired since 2015. Bhusal also took APUSH this past year, as all Early College students do in their sophomore year.

“When I watched years before without taking APUSH I paid more attention to the songs than the actual story being told because the songs were really catchy, but now that I know the context it’s easier to piece the story together and understand it better,” said Bhusal.

While some critics have argued that “Hamilton” romanticizes the Founding Fathers, I think the musical is more complex; it acknowledges their flaws, while also demonstrating how their legacies still shape the government we live under.

In today’s political climate, that tension feels even more relevant.

Early College student Val Fuentes agrees. “I think there’s still always something to get out of a performance years later. It mainly shows what the American audience values especially during this time where America once again feels very divided.”

Ultimately, I walked away from the theater remembering why I fell in love with “Hamilton” in the first place. It’s not just about catchy songs or clever rhymes–it’s about telling America’s story in a way that feels alive. It reminds us that the past is never as distant as it seems.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who barely remembers high school history, “Hamilton” offers something worth experiencing.

Fuentes previously watched “Hamilton” live at the Tanger Center and focused more on the production rather than the music itself. “It was a lot different because I actually understood this time around and I wish I had understood it the first time,” said Fuentes.

Would I recommend seeing “Hamilton” in theaters? Absolutely. Not only does it honor the magic of live theater, it also proves that great art doesn’t fade; it only grows stronger with time.

Ten years later, “Hamilton” is still making history sing.