Leslie Odom, Jr. News

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: Broadway celebrates its biggest night, the Public brings back PENZANCE, CINDERELLA gets a cast album and so much more!

Four promotional tracks from the new politically-charged and contemporary musical WITNESS UGANDA, directed by American Repertory Theater's Tony Award-winning Diane Paulus and composed by Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews, have now been released.

The Public Theater announced complete casting today for the new Public Lab musical VENICE, with book by Eric Rosen, music by Matt Sax, lyrics by Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, additional music by Curtis Moore, and choreography by Chase Brock. Directed by Eric Rosen, VENICE will run Tuesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 23 in The Public's Anspacher Theater, with an official press opening on Thursday, June 13.

NBC's musical drama series SMASH feautures a handful of well-known Broadway regulars acting as guest stars on this week's episode, with Daphne Rubin-Vega and Jesse L. Martin continuing their second-season arcs and Carolee Carmello and Kathie Lee Gifford making special appearances.

After four weeks of online voting at makeamusical.org, five schools emerged as winners of NBC's "Smash" Make a Musical Constructed by Lowe's initiative. The winning schools will each receive a grand prize gift certificate to Lowe's to make renovations to their school theaters.

On this week's episode of NBC's SMASH titled 'The Parents', Karen and Jimmy give a sneak peek of their new musical 'Hit List'. Below, get a first look at Katharine McPhee and Jeremy Jordan performing 'Broadway Here I Come' from the all-new episode!

SMASH star and Broadway regular Leslie Odom Jr. has established a Kickstarter account to fund completion of his first solo album project.

Today we are talking to a divinely gifted triple-threat talent who made a name on the Great White Way with her starring parts in 9-TO-5 and WICKED and has shot to international stardom with her leading role on NBC's musical drama series SMASH - the gorgeous vocal powerhouse Megan Hilty. Analyzing all aspects of her new solo album, the expressive and sexy IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, Hilty shares her inspirations, considerations, ruminations and dedications in regards to the new release, explicating the meanings behind both the original songs and covers. In addition to all about IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, Hilty also shares stories about some of her own favorite performers, songs and performances as well as what elements had to converge in order to create this fantastic first solo album. Additionally, Hilty shares details about her day job on SMASH Season Two and what we can expect in the coming weeks - including behind-the-scenes stories involving guest stars Bernadette Peters and Liza Minnelli, no less - as well as what musical material we will be hearing from the reclaimed bombshell of BOMBSHELL, Marilyn Monroe, now that she is back in the show. All of that, news on sharing a soundtrack duet with GLEE star Lea Michele in LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN and her experiences working on that upcoming animated film and much, much more awaits!

On the next episode of the NBC musical dramedy SMASH titled 'The Bells and Whistles', Karen (Katharine McPhee) gives up everything to follow her heart while Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) and Derek (Jack Davenport) clash over their vision for 'Hit List.' Get a sneak peek below!

On the next episode of the NBC musical dramedy SMASH, Leslie Odom Jr. (Sam) dazzles the crowd at a get-together, crooning the jazzy '(Let's Start) Tomorrow Night'. Get a sneak peek of the performance below!

BC's musical dramedy series SMASH is set to feature a cover of Justin Timberlake's current worldwide hit 'Mirrors', taken from his remarkable new THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE album, on an upcoming episode. Leslie Odom Jr. performs the heartrending ballad live on camera.

Thirty schools from across the country have been selected as finalists in NBC's "Smash" Make a Musical Constructed by Lowe's initiative to improve school theater facilities. The schools will compete to receive the most online votes at makeamusical.org by Wednesday, April 10 in order to receive one of five grand prize gift certificates to Lowe's for their renovations.

Rosie O'Donnell has revealed on Twitter that she will be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming 'Tony Awards' episode of NBC's SMASH.

SMASH star Megan Hilty stopped by this morning's 'Today' show on NBC to chat about her character, Ivy, on the Broadway-themed musical drama series. Watch the appearance below!

One of stage and screen's brightest young stars shines in his Indianapolis cabaret debut. Leslie's show features songs from his roles on Broadway (Rent, Leap of Faith,) the hit NBC musical drama Smash, along with songs by his idols including Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. Armed with a voice that scintillates with subtle power and brilliant clarity, Leslie is worthy of the spotlight.

NBC's hit series SMASH, home improvement retailer Lowe's, and iTheatrics have partnered to help schools across America improve their theaters through the 'NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical constructed by Lowe's' initiative.

On April 24, American Theater Group, New Jersey's newest professional theater company, will present, direct from its success at the 2012 New York Musical Theatre Festival, Jonathan Brielle's new musical Himself and Nora at its new home, Hamilton Stage in Rahway, New Jersey.

NBC and Columbia Records announced that the soundtrack for Bombshell, the musical within NBC's Golden Globe-nominated series television hit 'SMASH' (Tuesdays, 10-11pm ET), will be released today, February 12.

SMASH star Katharine McPhee stopped by the 'Today' show this moring to chat about her role as 'Karen', a talented young actress eager to shine in the role of Marilyn Monroe. The actress teased that her character will "take some initiative" this season. Check out the appearance below!

Tonight is the premiere of Season 2 of NBC's Golden Globe-nominated musical drama series SMASH (Tuesdays, 10-11pm ET), and NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Columbia Records will make select songs from each episode this season available in the 'Smash' iTunes store http://www.itunes.com/NBCSmash.