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Hamilton will celebrate its tenth anniversary on Broadway this summer by welcoming back Leslie Odom Jr. to reprise his role as Aaron Burr in a special 12-week engagement. Odom, who first portrayed Burr in the show’s initial off-Broadway production at The Public Theater, was a key part of the Broadway cast during its early years and won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance.
In a statement regarding his return, Odom expressed that performing in Hamilton once more holds profound significance for him. “It’s a meaningful homecoming,” he remarked, highlighting his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with a work that has had a lasting impact on both his life and the lives of many others.
Odom’s journey with Hamilton began when he attended a workshop version at Vassar College, where he was particularly moved by the song “The Story of Tonight.” Reflecting on that experience, he shared, “It was a moment that brought me to tears as I watched four men of color onstage singing about themes of friendship, brotherhood, and love—something I had never witnessed in a musical before.” This poignant moment resonated deeply with him and solidified his commitment to the production.
The phenomenal success of Hamilton opened numerous doors for Odom after he departed the show. He has since showcased his talents across various mediums, featuring in several television series such as Love in the Time of Corona, Abbott Elementary, and The Good Wife. Odom has also made notable appearances in films like The Many Saints of Newark, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and The Exorcist: Believer. Furthermore, he returned to the Broadway stage in productions like Purlie Victorious and Gutenberg! The Musical!.
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Odom’s return to Hamilton is set to begin on September 9 and will conclude on November 23. He remarked on the significance of a show running for such an extended period, noting, “You rarely see productions reach a decade in duration. While many excellent shows come and go, it’s remarkable for a piece like Hamilton to resonate with audiences and culture as profoundly as it has, much like Rent did in its time.”
As one of Broadway’s most iconic productions, Hamilton continues to thrive. It has grossed over $1 billion, captivating audiences with more than 3,380 performances to date. Only a handful of shows, including The Lion King, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera, have achieved higher gross earnings, with Hamilton reaching the billion-dollar milestone in a remarkably shorter time frame than its peers.
Source
www.rollingstone.com