Broadway Buzz: Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to Hamilton, “CHESS” Begins Rehearsals, and Regional Awards Nominations Open

The theatrical world is abuzz with significant news on September 11, 2025, as major productions and awards cycles mark exciting developments.

Leslie Odom Jr. Reigns Again in “Hamilton”

Broadway welcomed back a familiar, Tony-winning face as Leslie Odom Jr. reprised his iconic role as Aaron Burr in the hit musical Hamilton.

Odom Jr., a celebrated original cast member, returned to the Richard Rodgers Theatre stage on September 9, 2025, for a limited engagement. His run is scheduled to continue through November 23, coinciding with Hamilton‘s tenth anniversary on Broadway. His return marks a significant homecoming, as he earned a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for originating the role. Beyond Hamilton, Odom Jr. has an impressive career in film and TV, including roles in One Night in Miami, Glass Onion, and the series Abbott Elementary. His presence is a major draw for theatergoers eager to witness his powerful performance once more.

“CHESS” Gears Up for Broadway Premiere

Rehearsals are in full swing for the highly anticipated Broadway revival of the cult-classic musical CHESS. The production, set to begin previews on October 15, 2025, at the Imperial Theatre, boasts a star-studded cast.

Leading the ensemble are Tony winner Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Emmy nominee Lea Michele as Florence Vassey, and Nicholas Christopher as Soviet grandmaster Anatoly Sergievsky. The creative team includes a new book by Emmy winner Danny Strong, with music and lyrics by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by Tim Rice. Directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer, this new production promises a fresh take on the iconic story of love, loyalty, and power set against the backdrop of the Cold War. Performances are slated to run through March 15, 2026, with an official opening night on November 16.

Nominations Open for BroadwayWorld Regional Awards

Enthusiasts of regional theater have a new opportunity to champion their favorite productions, as nominations for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards Worldwide are now open. This annual event celebrates outstanding achievements across theatrical productions eligible from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The nomination period is open to reader submissions until October 31, 2025. Following this, BroadwayWorld editors will verify nominations before the voting period commences in early November, concluding on December 31. Winners are slated to be announced in January 2026.

“Shucked” Continues Its Joyful Run

In San Francisco, the musical comedy SHUCKED is drawing crowds and rave reviews at BroadwaySF’s Curran Theatre. Praised for its “flat out hilarious” and “corny” humor, the show features a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn and a score by Grammy Award-winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. The production, which centers on a small town threatened by a corn blight, has been lauded for its wit, heart, and standout musical numbers, including “Independently Owned” and “Walls.” SHUCKED is scheduled to play through October 5, 2025.

Animated Buzz: “Hazbin Hotel” Season 2 Teaser Arrives

Fans of adult animation have a new preview to dissect as Prime Video released the teaser trailer for HAZBIN HOTEL season two. The trailer hints at escalating conflict in Hell, with the Vees, led by Vox, declaring “War is coming.” The new season, premiering October 29 with a two-episode rollout each week until November 19, picks up after the events of season one, delving into the power struggles and rivalries within the demon hierarchy.

This week’s Broadway news also includes updates on the stage adaptation of The Hunger Games entering rehearsals and a new musical titled GOLDEN preparing for industry presentations. The theatrical landscape continues to offer a vibrant mix of established hits and promising new ventures.