Tony and Grammy Award-winner Leslie Odom Jr. will headline the second annual Pops in the Pavilion concert at Villanova University's Finneran Pavilion on Sept. 25.
The Philadelphia-raised performer joins the Philly Pops orchestra for the scholarship fundraiser at 800 E. Lancaster Ave. in Villanova, inside Radnor Township. The show runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m., according to the Philly Pops event listing. Every ticket includes a gourmet picnic-style meal served at the seat, the Philly Pops said on Facebook.
Odom grew up in the East Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). He studied theater at the New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia before making his Broadway debut at age 17 in "Rent" in 1998. He later earned a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album for originating the role of Aaron Burr in "Hamilton."
The evening pairs Villanova student musicians with the Philly Pops, an orchestra composed entirely of local musicians that performs classical, Broadway, rock and jazz works across the region. Proceeds support Villanova student scholarships.
Last year's inaugural Pops in the Pavilion featured Broadway star Sutton Foster at the same arena, best known as the home of Villanova basketball.
Entertainment columnist Neal Zoren, writing in Mainline Media News on Sunday, Sept. 6, called Odom "one of the most laudable entertainers of the day."
Tickets and event details are available at Villanova's event page.
Upcoming Philly Pops concerts
- Sept. 18 — Boyz II Men with the Philly Pops at the Mann Center in Philadelphia.
- Sept. 25 — Leslie Odom Jr. with the Philly Pops, Pops in the Pavilion, Finneran Pavilion, Villanova University.
- Oct. 24 — Hugh Panaro and pianist Charlie Albright at Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia.
