Little girl's reaction to Philippa Soo in 'Hamilton' proves why representation matters

On Friday, the world was treated to the blockbuster Broadway smash Hamilton, as Lin-Manuel Miranda's critically acclaimed musical about Founding Father Alexander Hamilton was dropped on Disney+.

Check out the trailer for the smash-hit Hamilton below:

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And like millions watching around the world, a little girl named Jenna was in the room when it happened - and she loved everything she saw.

Determined to introduce more diversity into theater, Miranda told The Undefeated that Hamilton is "the story of America then, told by America now."

He added: "People of color are the future of this country - they are the present, they are the future.

"And, on another level, this was always a hip-hop musical in my head. If this had been cast with all white people, wouldn't you think I'd messed up?"

Of course, one of the amazing actors among the original Broadway production of the show is American actress Phillipa Soo, who has a Chinese/European heritage.

In the musical, Soo plays Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, in what can be argued is a show-stealing performance.

But watching Soo on stage meant a lot for a young Asian girl called Jenna.

Being recorded by mom Britney, Jenna can be seen watching Soo perform 'Helpless' on stage. Overwhelmed at seeing at an actress that looks like her, Jenna points to Soo and says: "It's me!"

Check out the video below:

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The adorable video was eventually seen by Soo, who replied on Twitter by writing:

"Little Jenna here is exactly why #representationmatters. I am so grateful for this show, that so many young people can watch this show and say 'It’s me'. Thank you @britbrit1432 for sharing this video."

After being shared by Soo on Twitter, the adorable clip has amassed over 2.1 million views and 103,000+ likes.

And the response has been incredible, with many Twitter users sharing their own stories of representation in the media:

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In an interview with Deadline about the musical phenomenon, Soo spoke about the importance of casting non-white people in traditionally Caucasian spaces. She said:

"It’s a huge deal that we’re seeing a show that is retelling American history using actors of color.

"We’re channeling these characters and historical figures through our voices and our bodies. The writing is so genius and what Lin has given us is such a gift. It’s definitely not a history that we were necessarily included in as people of color but I think what the show does and it did then, and what it continues to do now is it holds this piece as a mirror up to society and ask ourselves where are we right now.

"It asks the question: How are you? I feel like the show is a doing that. It’s asking, 'How are you? What’s going on in society at large?'"

Hamilton is available to stream now on Disney+.