Leslie Odom, Jr., Tony-winning star of Broadway's "Hamilton," spoke with SPARC students and members of the Richmond community in a one-day-only special event in honor of MLK Day of Service on January 21, 2019. The event was moderated by local favorite Desirée Roots, singer, actor, and dancer. As part of Little Nomad’s annual participation in MLK Day of Service, the owners invited their friend, singer, actor, and author, Leslie Odom Jr. to participate in an intimate 45-minute conversation with SPARC students and the community. Proceeds from ticket sales of the event will support SPARC’s scholarship fund. Video directed and edited by Martin Montgomery. Multifaceted performer Leslie Odom, Jr. originated the starring role of Aaron Burr in the blockbuster hit Broadway musical, Hamilton. He is a Grammy Award winner as a principal soloist on Hamilton’s Original Broadway Cast Recording, which won the 2015 award for Best Musical Theater Album. For his performance as Burr, Odom, Jr. earned the Tony Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical. Odom, Jr. made his Broadway debut at the age of 17 in Rent before heading to Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious School of Drama, where he graduated with honors. His film and television credits include Person of Interest, Smash, Murder on the Orient Express, and the upcoming Harriet for Focus Features filmed right here in Richmond. Odom, Jr. is also the author of the 2018 book Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.
