A Historic Return to the Role That Launched a Legacy
Leslie Odom Jr. is stepping back into the spotlight as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, nearly a decade after originating the role that earned him a Tony Award and cemented his status as a Broadway legend. His highly anticipated return coincides with the musical’s 10-year anniversary on Broadway, marking a full-circle moment for the actor and fans alike.
“Returning to Hamilton is a deeply meaningful homecoming,” Odom shared in a press release. “I’m so grateful for the chance to step back into the room — especially during this anniversary moment and to revisit this brilliant piece that forever changed my life and the lives of so many.”
From Day One to Today: Odom’s Hamilton Journey
Odom’s journey with Hamilton began in its early off-Broadway days. He went on to play Burr in the original Broadway cast when the show premiered at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in August 2015. By July 2016, he exited the show alongside fellow stars Lin-Manuel Miranda and Phillipa Soo. This marks the first time Odom will reprise the role on Broadway since then, returning to the very stage where it all began.
One of his most iconic performances in the show is the Act Two number “The Room Where It Happens,” a song that captured Burr’s ambition and showcased Odom’s unmatched stage presence.
“When I saw Leslie perform ‘The Room Where It Happens’ at the first act two workshop of Hamilton, I knew I was witnessing a historic moment,” said Hamilton lead producer Jeffrey Seller. “How lucky we are that Leslie is returning to Hamilton and bringing his indelible Burr back to Broadway.”
A Career Beyond Broadway
Following his breakout role, Odom has become a multifaceted force across entertainment. He’s appeared in films like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Harriet, popped up on hit TV shows like Abbott Elementary, and returned to Broadway last year in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.
Off-stage, Odom has released five studio albums, penned a memoir titled Failing Up, and co-wrote a children’s book with his wife, I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know.
As Hamilton celebrates its milestone anniversary, the return of Leslie Odom Jr. adds another layer of excitement and nostalgia for audiences who witnessed — or missed — his era-defining performance the first time around.
