Tony-Winning Hamilton Star to Speak with SPARC Students and Members of the Richmond Community in a One-Day-Only Special Event January 21, 2019 at 6pm.
As part of Little Nomad’s annual participation in MLK Day of Service, the owners have invited their friend, singer, actor, and author, Leslie Odom, Jr. to participate in an intimate 45-minute conversation with SPARC students and the community on January 21, 2019 at 6pm. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event will be held at 4pm at SPARC’s 120-seat Sara Belle November Educational Theater near Richmond’s Scott’s Addition. Local singer, actor, and dancer, Desirée Roots, will moderate. Proceeds from ticket sales will support SPARC’s scholarship fund.
Multifaceted performer Leslie Odom, Jr. originated the starring role of Aaron Burr in the blockbuster hit Broadway musical, Hamilton.
He is a Grammy Award winner as a principal soloist on Hamilton’s Original Broadway Cast Recording, which won the 2015 award for Best Musical Theater Album. For his performance as Burr, Odom, Jr. earned the Tony Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical. Odom, Jr. made his Broadway debut at the age of 17 in Rent before heading to Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious School of Drama, where he graduated with honors.
His film and television credits include Person of Interest, Smash, Murder on the Orient Express, and the upcoming Harriet for Focus Features shot right here in Richmond. Odom, Jr. is also the author of the 2018 book Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.
Little Nomad, a trendy children’s clothing store located in Richmond’s Arts District, is owned by local couple, Anthony and Nora Bryant. After observing the impact of SPARC classes on their own daughter, the couple decided to give back to SPARC and help to provided access to life-changing performing arts training for students that may not have financial means. “As a local retailer, it is important to us to give back to the community that supports us. We believe in the importance of an arts education and want to help ensure access through scholarships. When Leslie offered to participate in our annual MLK Day of Service event, we thought SPARC would be a perfect partner,” said Nora Bryant, Owner of Little Nomad.
SPARC, a nonprofit performing arts organization for youth, provides students, ages 4 – 18, the opportunity to participate in shows, classes, camps, and workshops throughout the year. About Odom, Jr.’s appearance, executive director Ryan Ripperton said, “We are blown away that this is happening! We’re so grateful that Leslie would volunteer his time to inspire our community, and that our friends at Little Nomad connected him to SPARC. He embodies our shared belief that you can change the world through your talents, and we’re honored to have him here to share that message.”
Ticket Information
On Sale: January 17, 2019 at 9am (link to ticket sales will be sent via email on Jan. 16 – see details below).
Tickets will be available to the general public by signing up for Little Nomad’s email lists at littlenomadshop.com or SPARC’s by clicking HERE. On January 16, you will receive an email with a link to ticket sales and code to use when you purchase your tickets on January 17 at 9am.
Ticket Prices: $50 per person for a ticket only and $75 for ticket and a copy of Leslie Odom, Jr.’s book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.
Proceed from ticket sales of the event will support SPARC’s scholarship fund.