Fans of the musical “Hamilton” no longer have to “Wait for It” as Leslie Odom Jr. is set to reprise his iconic role as Aaron Burr in celebration of the hit musical’s tenth anniversary, the “Hamilton” musical announced on Monday.
He will return to the role he originated at the Richard Rodger Theatre in New York City from September 9 through November 23.
Odom Jr. received the 2016 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Burr. He also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in the same year as a leading singer of the musical’s original cast and recording.
Odom Jr. initially left “Hamilton” alongside the musical’s creator, star and the original Alexander Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, in July of 2016 in the same farewell performance. Odom Jr. played Burr in the original off-Broadway production beginning in 2015, sticking with the production as it became a national sensation and moved to Broadway late that year.
“It was the start of so much for me. It was the start of a career that I always dreamed of. It’s just the beginning. It’s the genesis,” he told the Associated Press.
On the official “Hamilton” Instagram account, the post announcing Odom Jr.’s return to Broadway has received over 381,000 likes and over 6,700 comments.
The mega-popular musical has won 11 Tony Awards — nominated for a record-breaking 16 in 2o16 — and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in the same year. Ever since its meteoric rise to fame, it’s been a force in the theatre industry.
“I think one of the best things [”Hamilton”] did for theater — as an industry — was bringing so many people who are not into theater in the world of Broadway,” said Sofia Hussain, a freshman studying theatrical design with an emphasis on costume design. Hussain said she was a major fan of the musical in its heyday.
Emma Fergusson, a graduate student studying cinematic arts, film and television production, said that she would love to hear Odom Jr. sing “The Room Where it Happens” and “Dear Theodosia” live.
“‘Wait for It’ was my favorite song in the fifth grade — I even made an animation with my stuffed animals to the song — I was obsessed,” said Ever Carlin, a freshman studying studio art.
On the other hand, students are anticipating ticket prices to see Odom Jr. and how difficult it will be to secure tickets to his performance run.
“I’m curious to see — I’m sure ticket sales are like [going to] skyrocket,” Fergusson said.
“I don’t know that I would [attend] — [it] depends on how much the tickets cost. If I could get cheap tickets, then yes,” said Hussain.
According to the “Hamilton” website, prices for the tickets range from $173.60 to$625.50 per ticket, depending on how close viewers sit to the stage.