Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. to perform at 2026 New York Holiday Party

Lafayette College’s Bicentennial continues to be a joyous, celebratory, and memorable occasion. Looking ahead to 2026, the College is excited to announce that renowned award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and bestselling author Leslie Odom Jr. will perform at the Bicentennial New York Holiday Party Dec. 10, 2026.

Leslie Odom Jr. | Courtesy photo

“We’re thrilled to share that Leslie Odom Jr. will perform for our annual New York Holiday Party next year,” said President Nicole Hurd. “Leslie lit up the musical stage with his now legendary portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, a role in which he passionately animated a very human story in our nation’s history. It’s the same passion that powers Lafayette stories every day, upholding our legacy and the promises that lie ahead.”

“We couldn’t be more thankful that Leslie will be spending part of his holiday season with us next December,” she added. “I know he’ll electrify our celebration and deliver a memorable performance for all who attend as we commemorate the conclusion to our incredible Bicentennial.”

To accommodate more guests, the 2026 party will be held at New York Public Library’s flagship location, the majestic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. Since its dedication in 1911, the Beaux-Arts edifice, with its murals, chandeliers, and massive marble lions, has captured the imagination of New Yorkers and visitors from across the globe. 

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. | Photo courtesy of New York Public Library

“I can’t think of a better place to present this event. A National Historic Landmark, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building represents learning, research, and exploration of humanities and the sciences, the same ‘and’ ideals we hold dear at Lafayette,” Hurd said.

Look for more details and registration information as planning for the 2026 New York Holiday Party takes shape.

About Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy- and two-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter, actor, and a New York Times bestselling author. 

Well known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom recently made a highly anticipated return to his award-winning role Sept. 9 through Nov. 26. 

Last season, he made his long-awaited return to Broadway as a producer, alongside his beloved Nicolette Robinson and the gracious Jeffrey Richards, with the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, written by the legendary Ossie Davis. The revival opened to widespread critical acclaim. Odom was Tony-nominated for his performance, and the production received six nominations and one win. 

Purlie Victorious was recorded and aired as part of PBS’ Great Performances. Odom has continued to captivate audiences across film and television, including his star turn as legendary soul singer Sam Cooke in the Amazon film adaptation of One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King. His lauded portrayal of the soul icon and musical performance of original song “Speak Now” earned him multiple awards and nominations. 

Additional film and television credits include Rian Johnson’s record-breaking 2022 Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, for Netflix; The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to David Chase’s award-winning HBO series The Sopranos; Apple TV+’s Central Park (2020 Emmy nomination); Hamilton on Disney+ (2021 Emmy nomination); host of The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back! on CBS (2022 Emmy nomination); Abbott Elementary; The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder; Harriet; and many more. 

In March 2018, Odom added the title of author to his resume with the release of his book Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning, which was recently released in paperback in March 2025. Co-written with Nicolette Robinson, Odom’s first children’s book, I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know, was published by Feiwel & Friends in March 2023. The book debuted on The New York Times bestseller list at #7 in its first week. Odom has released six full-length albums. His sixth studio album and first live album, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios, was released Oct. 17, 2025.