Join us at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 30 at the Orpheum Theatre for an evening of conversation with Tony and Grammy Award- winning artist, Leslie Odom, Jr., who will be in Memphis celebrating the release of his new book, Failing Up. Leslie will discuss the personal stories from his life shared in the book that have inspired, motivated, and empowered him over the years with a special guest to be announced. A short performance with a live band will follow the conversation.
Leslie Odom, Jr. has most recently been seen in the blockbuster Broadway musical Hamilton, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for the role of "Aaron Burr." 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. Odom, Jr. originated the role of "Burr" in a sold-out run at The Public Theater in 2015, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical.
As a recording artist, his self-titled debut album was part-funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign which raised $40,971. The album was released in 2014 by Borderlight Entertainment, Inc. Odom, Jr. has appeared on Smash, Law & Order: SVU, Gotham, Person of Interest, Grey's Anatomy, House of Lies, Vanished and CSI: Miami. He starred in the feature film Murder on the Orient Express.
"We are so thrilled to bring Leslie Odom, Jr. to Memphis, says Nicole Yasinsky, Marketing Manager at Novel. "Not only does Failing Up have wonderful stories of his journey and successes, but it contains the important message to our youth that success can look like different things to different people. It can be messy and may come from a lifetime of hard work and missteps. He, like so many Memphians, is a product of public education and we want the students in our public schools to know that the work they are doing every day, right now, can have an impact on their future, and lead to the success they envision for themselves."
"We're grateful to be partnering with the Orpheum, where the best of Broadway already comes to Memphis," says Emily Draffen, Events Coordinator at Novel. "This town is full of great theatre and talented performers, not to mention theatre education and outreach programs. We at Novel are so proud that we're able to bring an inspirational figure like Leslie Odom, Jr. to our city."
About the book:
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning
With personal stories from his life, Odom asks the questions that will help you unlock your true potential and achieve your goals even when they seem impossible. What work did you put in today that will help you improve tomorrow? How do you surround yourself with people who will care about your dreams as much as you do? How do you know when to play it safe and when to risk it all for something bigger and better?
These stories will inspire you, motivate you, and empower you for the greatness that lies ahead, whether you're graduating from college, starting a new job, or just looking to live each day to the fullest.
Ticketing information:
Tickets are $30 and include one free copy of his new book, Failing Up. Tickets are available through the
Orpheum box office in person, online at www.orpheum-memphis.com, or over the phone at (901) 525-3000.
Tickets are also available via the following link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00544EE8F0AF92
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