Feature: Leslie Odom, Jr. Plays Larson Memorial Concert Hall

Tony and Grammy Award winning performer, Leslie Odom, Jr., visited Brookings, SD this weekend to perform a medley of songs as part of South Dakota State University's Woodbine Productions.

A partnership between the South Dakota State University Foundation and an anonymous benefactor, Woodbine Productions brings a performer to campus each year with all proceeds going towards scholarships for music students at South Dakota State University. Past performers include Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, and Kristin Chenoweth.

Accompanied by a five piece band, Odom, Jr. dazzled the crowd as he took the stage. Best known to some in the audience as Aaron Burr in HAMILTON, he opened the show with Wait for It from the popular musical. While there may have been some in the crowd only there to hear him sing songs from HAMILTON, he indeed made the audience wait for more songs from his award winning role; introducing the audience to other notable music from the performer's career.

For those who may not have heard him sing outside of the HAMILTON cast album, Odom, Jr. showed that he is certainly more than his famous role. Showcasing his smooth tenor voice, his set included songs from RENT, SPRING AWAKENING, his self-titled album LESLIE ODOM, JR., and the highly anticipated HAMILTON. Odom, Jr. did a nice job catering to audience expectations and providing delightful surprises throughout the show. A highlight for me was watching Odom, Jr. interact with and highlight the talents of his band - it was fun to watch pianist, Michael O. Mitchell, rock out and passionately play on every song. Odom, Jr. made good on his promise for more HAMILTON, closing the show with The Room Where It Happens and leaving the audience dancing in their seats.

It was an afternoon filled with great music and supporting a great cause, really nothing more you could ask for on a Sunday afternoon.

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Follow Katie on Twitter @KBeckerBWW for all things theater in Sioux Falls.

To find out more about Woodbine Productions visit SDStateFoundation.org

Photo Credit: Nathan Johnson for Broadway Style Guide.

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