Leslie Odom, Jr. News

Wayne Brady wants to make one thing perfectly clear regarding his upcoming role in Chicago's HAMILTON!

Making its annual Kennedy Center appearance, the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Opera House stage with seven performances, February 7-12. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the Company's performances include a company premiere, four D.C. debuts, two new productions, and a total of 11 works by a range of distinct choreographers.

The weeks leading up to the New Year are often a time of reflection and recognition of the preceding twelve months. In that spirit, BroadwayWorld is taking a moment to look back on the brightest lights in theatre this season.

Today's big news: New Yiddish Rep's GOD OF VENGEANCE, the inspiration for Broadway's upcoming INDECENT, begins tonight at La MaMa, and GMA celebrates Andrew Lloyd Webber this morning!

I'm pretty sure there's nothing Leslie Odom, Jr. can't do. This recording of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" perfectly shows off his good taste, style and that exemplary voice. The song is, of course, an American classic, with lyrics by Kim Gannon and a melody by Walter Kent. Gannon wrote it from the point of a World War II soldier stationed overseas, telling his family that he'll be home for the holidays, and to prepare the Christmas fun. Of course, the last lyric is one of the most melancholy ever written - "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." When the song was first pitched to folks in the music business, it was roundly refused, since it all seemed incredibly sad. But Bing Crosby smartly threw caution to the wind and recorded the tune, with immense success. Interestingly, after the lyricist's death, he left the royalty rights to the American Heart Association, which has benefitted greatly ever since.

Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kevin Spacey, Stevie Wonder and many more paid tribute to legendary singer Tony Bennett last night on NBC's TONY BENNETT CELEBRATES 90

Today's big news: Christina Bianco premieres O COME, ALL YE DIVAS tonight in London!

NBC will commemorate the 90th birthday of one of America's most treasured musical icons, Tony Bennett, with the two-hour special “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come,” on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

NBC will commemorate the 90th birthday of one of America's most treasured musical icons, Tony Bennett, with the two-hour special TONY BENNETT CELEBRATES 90: THE BEST IS YET TO COME today, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

NBC commemorates the 90th birthday of one of America's most treasured musical icons, Tony Bennett, with the two-hour special Tony Bennett CELEBRATES 90: THE BEST IS YET TO COME tonight, Dec. 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Even the busiest Broadway stars have holiday wishes, and Leslie Odom Jr. recently made time to give the New York Post  some intel on what he's hoping to find under the tree come Christmas morning. At the top of the list is a record player; according to Odom Jr., 'We're gonna play records - old and new - almost exclusively in our house in 2017.' The Tony and Grammy winner also has simpler desires, however, evidenced by the inclusion of items like socks further down the list.

NBC will commemorate the 90th birthday of one of America's most treasured musical icons, Tony Bennett, with the two-hour special TONY BENNETT CELEBRATES 90: THE BEST IS YET TO COME on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Tony Bennett celebrated his 90 th birthday in August and this milestone occasion continues with the RPM Records / Columbia Records release of Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 set for pre-order on November 11 th and worldwide release on December 16.

What are the places and experiences that will prove most memorable to art patrons worldwide? J.P. Morgan has its top picks in the firm's just-released #NextList2017.

NBC will commemorate the 90th birthday of one of America's most treasured musical icons, Tony Bennett, with the two-hour special TONY BENNETT CELEBRATES 90: THE BEST IS YET TO COME on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The nominees for the NAACP Image Awards were announced today. The awards recognize the year's best in film, TV, music and books.

Need some last minute gift ideas for the Broadway lover in your life? Fear not! There may be only a few short weeks left before the holidays, but we've got plenty of ideas to add to your shopping list!

A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS WITH MEGAN HILTY was one of my favorite cabaret/concert experiences this year. It's always a treat to hear her sing. She's in her own class as a vocalist and I look forward to what she does next.