Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to His Acclaimed Tony-Winning Role in 'Hamilton' This Fall

Leslie Odom Jr., famed for his role as Aaron Burr in the hit musical “Hamilton,” is set to make his Broadway comeback this fall. Starting September 9, he will reprise his Tony Award-winning role at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, a venue he considers a significant part of his journey.

Odom reflects on his past performances, noting his admiration for the show. “It gave me life in ways I cannot even express,” he told The Associated Press. He played Burr over 500 times, finding fresh insights and revelations with each performance. “It never got boring,” he insisted, underlining his dedication to the craft.

Having left the original production in July 2016, Odom acknowledges that “Hamilton” was a pivotal moment in his career. It marked the beginning of his transition into stardom. He credits the show for instilling in him the importance of being present and open during performances, a philosophy he plans to bring back to the stage.

The upcoming run will feature a new cast, allowing Odom to explore his character afresh in collaboration with different actors. “I want the audience to experience something alive and exciting,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of this approach.

Post-“Hamilton,” Odom continued to establish his presence in both theater and film. He earned a subsequent Tony nomination for his role in “Purlie Victorious,” appeared in “Glass Onion,” and starred as Sam Cooke in “One Night in Miami.” His versatility extends to voice work in animated series and appearances on popular TV shows.

Odom studied at Carnegie Mellon University and began his Broadway career in “Rent.” His extensive experience encompasses television roles in “Smash” and “CSI: Miami,” as well as performances in films like “Red Tails.” He remains grateful for his time with the original cast of “Hamilton,” particularly during the pandemic when a filmed version captured the magic of their performances.

“Hamilton,” which chronicles the life of Alexander Hamilton and addresses themes of ambition and immigrant roots, won 11 Tony Awards and continues to resonate with audiences across the globe. Odom plans to delve into Ron Chernow’s biography once more to prepare for his return, reinforcing his commitment to the role and the legacy of the musical.

With his characteristic passion and artistry, Odom is poised to deliver another memorable performance, reminding audiences why “Hamilton” captured the theater world’s attention. His journey reflects not just personal growth, but also the transformative power of the arts.