Be in the room where it happens with Leslie Odom Jr in Philadelphia this weekend.
The arts in big rooms like Verizon Hall aren’t cheap. I’m not going to pretend otherwise but…
Buy the cheap seats for $35. It’s fine, there isn’t a bad seat in that palatial space. Just get yourself and your Hamilton obsessed kid into the Kimmel Center this weekend to experience the charm and chops of our modern day Nat King Cole.
Oh yeah, and get treated to some Nat classics too.
At the end of it all we have but one choice: do we do the thing or do we not. This weekend, Philadelphia I’m talking to you, this weekend you gotta do the thing and that thing is bear witness to the jaw-dropping beauty that is Leslie’s solo vocal rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” performed in a Verizon Hall that becomes quieter than a graveyard on a still evening. That then transitions elegantly into “Dear Theodosia” with a sweetly plucked acoustic guitar. The lord as my witness you will not hear anything more stirring on any stage for many a year.
The Philly POPS combine with Leslie Odom Jr’s band and the Nationwide commercial guy himself on 2+ hours of intimate songs, Broadway showstoppers from Rent and Spring Awakening, Hamilton origin stories, laughter, and a tantalizing tease of the next Odom Jr symphony show called Black & Silver, and examination of black musicians influence on film and music.
Yeah, I know what you really want to know so here you go: you will hear Leslie Odom Jr sing three Hamilton songs in total, starting with the opening number (so arrive on time!) that will bring you and your kids so much joy you might accidentally forget that the world is a terrible place.
I have had the good fortunate of watching my teenager experience immense joy in her 14 1/2 years but I don’t think I have ever seen her face like it was when Leslie Odom Jr walked onto the stage, the applause waned, and “Theodosia writes me a letter every day” floated through the Kimmel Center. She was shaking, grabbed my hand, and started to cry the happiest tears of all time.
This is the weekend, Philly. Today at 3pm and tomorrow at the same time. Tickets are still available.
Be in the room where it happens with Leslie Odom Jr, Hamilton’s original Aaron Burr, and The Philly POPS!
*My teen and I received free tickets to facilitate this story.
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