Tony Winner Leslie Odom Jr. Set for Highly Anticipated Return to Broadway’s Hamilton

NEW YORK, NY – Tony Award-winning original cast member Leslie Odom Jr. is slated to make a highly anticipated return to the Broadway production of Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s acclaimed musical, “Hamilton.” Odom Jr. will reprise his iconic role as Aaron Burr for a limited engagement at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, producers announced.

His engagement is scheduled to run from September 9 through November 23, 2025. The news, which sparked immediate excitement among theatre enthusiasts and fans of the show, was initially disseminated through an announcement on Instagram.

A Landmark Return

Leslie Odom Jr.’s planned return holds significant weight within the history of “Hamilton.” He was a pivotal member of the musical’s original company, which debuted on Broadway and rapidly transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. His portrayal of Aaron Burr, the complex historical figure and antagonist to Alexander Hamilton, earned him widespread critical acclaim and solidified his status as a leading Broadway performer.

Odom Jr.’s performance culminated in receiving the prestigious 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. This award was one of the 11 Tony Awards ultimately secured by the production, including the coveted Best Musical prize, during a year when the show dominated the awards landscape.

His departure from the show in 2016, alongside other principal original cast members, marked the end of an era for many fans. His return is seen not merely as recasting, but as a brief reunion with the role that significantly elevated his career and contributed indelibly to the musical’s initial success and enduring legacy.

Context of “Hamilton”‘s Enduring Success

“Hamilton” officially opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6, 2015. Its innovative blend of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and traditional show tunes, coupled with its reimagining of American history through a diverse cast, resonated powerfully with audiences and critics alike.

Beyond its impressive Tony haul, the musical was also awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, underscoring its impact as a significant work of art addressing themes relevant to contemporary America. The show continues to play to packed houses on Broadway and in touring productions worldwide, nearly a decade after its premiere.

Odom Jr.’s limited return is timed to coincide with the musical’s upcoming 10th anniversary on Broadway, adding a layer of historical significance and celebratory resonance to his engagement. His presence during this milestone period is expected to draw heightened attention and demand for tickets.

Producer Confirmation and Anticipation

The news of Odom Jr.’s return was formally confirmed by lead producer Jeffrey Seller. Seller has overseen the production since its inception and has been instrumental in its global expansion and continued success.

While the specific circumstances leading to this limited engagement were not fully detailed in the initial announcement, the confirmation from the production team solidifies the plans and underscores the significance of bringing an original, Tony-winning principal back to the stage. Such returns are relatively uncommon for long-running blockbusters and often signal a special event or milestone.

The role of Aaron Burr requires an actor capable of conveying deep internal conflict, frustrated ambition, and smooth, compelling musicality, particularly through numbers like “Wait for It” and “The Room Where It Happens.” Odom Jr.’s original performance set a high bar, defining the character for millions of listeners via the original cast recording.

Fans and critics are anticipated to greet his return with considerable enthusiasm. His limited engagement offers a unique opportunity for audiences – both those who saw the original cast and those who have only experienced subsequent iterations or the filmed version – to witness his acclaimed interpretation of the role live on the Broadway stage once more.

Looking Ahead

Leslie Odom Jr. has had a successful career since leaving “Hamilton,” spanning film, television, and music. His return to the Richard Rodgers Theatre, even for a defined period, serves as a powerful connection to the show that launched him into wider international prominence.

His engagement from September 9 through November 23, 2025, is poised to be a major event in the 2025 Broadway season, drawing significant attention to the enduring power and cultural relevance of “Hamilton” as it approaches its first decade on the Great White Way.