Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star Inspires Local Youth

Leslie Odom, Jr. speaks with Northern Virginia students

Most know him as Aaron Burr from the hit musical Hamilton, or for his notable appearances on stage and screen. On April 30, 2022, Leslie Odom, Jr., a Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar who has earned award nominations including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Critics’ Choice Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, performed his GRAMMY Award-winning music on Merchant Hall stage as part of the Hylton Center's two-day 12th Anniversary Gala. The first in-person Hylton gala since 2019, the event welcomed more than 1,000 guests over the weekend and supported the Hylton Center’s mission to present diverse performances and programs of high quality and artistic excellence, along with the Endowment.

In addition to performing an electrifying Hylton Center EXTRA! performance, Odom, Jr. gave a select group of lucky students the opportunity to join him for an in-person, open dialogue about his career path, where he shared sage advice about achieving goals in the performing arts. Students from George Mason University’s School of Theater, Northern Virginia's Creative and Performing Arts Center (CAPAC), and the following Prince William County high schools: Colgan, Forest Park, Osbourn Park, and Woodbridge. These high schools participated with engaging questions and robust conversation.

One attendee raved, “This was top notch! The educational opportunity provided to local students was exceptional and one of a kind. The facility, the staff, the entire experience has inspired me to connect more with Hylton Performing Arts Center.”

The Hylton Center was thrilled to have this world-class artist participate in these impactful community events. It is unique collaborations such as this that further the Hylton Center's vision of being a creative commons for the region and ensuring artistic excellence in the performances and programs we offer for generations to come.

This Hylton Center EXTRA! performance by Leslie Odom, Jr. was made possible by Carol Merchant Kirby and Peter Kirby, NOVEC, and Buck and Julie Waters.