History has been very good to Leslie Odom Jr., who originated the role of Aaron Burr in Broadway’s Hamilton. It was the role of a lifetime that garnered Odom a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor, but it was also strenuous, with a demanding eight shows per week. Both Odom and Hamilton visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda left the cast in 2016, and Odom began making moves.
A self-titled album, the first in a four-CD deal with S-Curve Records, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s jazz chart. Odom went out in the world to perform for his fans and was able to connect with them in a way he couldn’t with a punishing performance schedule. He was able to resume his career in TV and film, wrote a memoir (Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning), and released a Christmas album.
Now he’s supporting his first album of original material, Mr, with a tour and singing from his heart on broadcast appearances such as NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. He won’t have a loose schedule for long, though, as his role as Sam Cooke in One Night in Miami will require red carpet walking, and he’s been cast as Burr in the film version of the groundbreaking musical that made him a superstar.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. March 8, starting at $25 plus tax and fee. 702.632.7600
