“Happy Holidays” by Andy Williams filled the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday, December 1st as ugly Christmas sweaters, multigenerational families, and eager Hamilton theater fans spilled into the corridors. There was free unlimited non-alcoholic hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy, and the pièce de résistance was tonight’s holiday programming, “Deck The Halls,” an intimate performance by Tony and Grammy award-winning singer and actor Leslie Odom Jr.
The show was without intermission, so the seats were packed with eager attendees as they gripped their plasticware, waved to friends in other sections, and rummaged through the LA Phil program. The air in the theater grew foggy, like the morning of a winter’s day, and as the light dimmed and the minimalistic LED Christmas trees glowed on stage, the crowd quieted to a murmur, and a faint voice cried out, “We love you, Leslie!” as the band gets into place.
When the five spotlights aligned on the stage and Leslie began to sing, the crowd erupted into applause and cheered.
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light, next year all our troubles will be out of sight.”
It was the perfect opener for a great show and a subtle reminder that better days will always come.
The show was paced beautifully and was a mix of oldies and original songs from Leslie’s albums Simply Christmas and his 2020 release The Christmas Album. Leslie and his four-piece band did a great job creating an experience that feels like we are in a shared living room, and this was an intimate party for 2000 people. The musical selection had a little bit of everything for everyone in attendance, just like you would have at home: some classics, some gospel, some soft rock, an acapella or two—the list goes on, and I appreciated that.
On this evening, Leslie Odom Jr. was like that dear uncle who hogs the mic during the family’s holiday karaoke session—the one you’re most excited to see.
Pacing around the red Oriental rug in the middle of the stage, draped in head-to-toe black, Leslie commanded our attention with the remarkable charisma you would see in an actor like Denzel Washington and golden-age crooners Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. His rendition of “My Favorite Things” was my favorite thing—his vocal projections. The bands layering. *chefs kiss*
A special treat for the night was a surprise duet with his wife, Nicolette Robinson, for their 12th anniversary. Singing their song “Edelweiss,” the crowd watched a Disney fairytale in real life and saw their daughter Lucille’s best ballet moves. It was a Hallmark movie-worthy moment that I didn’t know I needed, and now I need a Christmas album from them both.
Every song Leslie sang brought magic into the room, from his soft rock rendition of “The First Noel” to “Ave Maria.” Still, his closing monologue of the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore left us on the edge of our seats. His theater background showed so brightly at that moment, and as he delivered the words “And to all a good night,“ I felt the holiday spirit wash over us all as we transformed from being like The Grinch to being people of Whoville. I almost expected snow to fall from the ceiling.
If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit, check out Leslie Odom’s Jr. Christmas tour this month. The Walt Disney Concert Hall has several December holiday concerts, including Home Alone in Concert, Jennifer Hudson: The Gift of Love, Holiday Sing-Along, and more.
Words by Asha Moné
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
