By Isabella McHugh
Correspondent
Fans no longer have to “Wait For It”. After starring in the original “Hamilton” cast, Leslie Odom Jr. will reprise his role as Aaron Burr from Sept. 9 to Nov. 26.
On Sept. 9, audience members gathered at the Richard Rodgers Theatre to be transported back in time. After capturing the crowd’s heart and soul in a less than three-hour spectacle, the performers take their bows.
Odom can be seen standing right alongside his fellow actors, beaming from ear to ear in an Instagram video. His return falls only three days after the show’s 10th anniversary, which makes for two celebrations. Many Broadway shows don’t withstand the test of time, but “Hamilton” has remained a top seller throughout its existence.
Odom described one of the dress rehearsals to Vogue, stating, “It’s for all the new cast members coming into a long-running show. I’m going in with five other new people. It was weird and cool and wonderful. It’s heady.”
The actor expressed his excitement in another statement, saying, “I feel so lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to dip back into this thing that at first just meant a lot to me, but now has come to mean a lot to so many people.”
Odom’s return is met with great enthusiasm from long-time fans of the show. Some may even describe it as “historic.” In the Instagram video, a real-life spectator, Ashley Hufford, described the pure happiness and energy from the audience.
From this particular performance, there were moments when Odom was given a standing ovation.
While this is a joyous occasion, many fans are frustrated by the record-high ticket prices. With Odom’s return and the show’s 10th anniversary celebration, prices have skyrocketed. This leaves many unhappy fans who wanted the chance to see Odom reprise the role but cannot afford it.
Fans took to social media, posting angry comments regarding the price. “[I am] waiting to buy the tickets and the ones available are nothing less than $1600,” one wrote.
Another even quoted the show itself saying, “That’s so exciting, happy for everyone who can see him live! Sadly, I won’t be in the room where it happens.”
To get more fans in seats, “Hamilton” producers established a $10 lottery so they don’t need to pay the hefty prices.
Leslie Odom Jr. returns to the “Hamilton” cast after nearly a decade. (Photo courtesy of IMDb)
There is definitely reason to cheer for this historical musical moment.
Odom stated in an interview with People, “I’m so grateful for the chance to step back into the room—especially during this anniversary moment — and to revisit this brilliant piece that forever changed my life and the lives of so many.”
