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Leslie Odom Jr.’s Touching Speech to Cynthia Erivo at Sardi’s

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I rarely use the hashtag #RelationshipGoals , but in this case I’ll make an exception. One of the most genuine, most talented friendships on Broadway between Leslie Odom Jr. and Cynthia Erivo is truly #FriendshipGoals.

Odom presented Erivo with her very own Sardi’s caricature drawing on July 12, in front of fellow Color Purple cast and costars, including Danielle Brooks and Heather Headley, and fellow Broadway friend Laura Benanti. Before the unveiling though, Odom offered up a few touching words about the talented singer/actress that brought us, and Cynthia, to tears. What he said is nothing short of the truth. In her Broadway debut at just 29-years-old, Erivo has earned herself a multitude of awards, including the coveted Best Actress in A Musial Tony, and earned her place in the hearts of millions who make their way to the Bernard B. Jacobs to be healed. With the current and ongoing outcry to get the rest of the world to understand #BlackLivesMatter , something special happens on 45th street to let us know that it’s going to be alright.

Speaking on the deaths of Prince and Muhammed Ali, Leslie says he received an important word from his pastor in L.A. who told him, “Mantles are falling. Mantles are falling and what that means is when a mantle falls,” pointing to Ervio, “it’s your turn to take over. They ran their race. They’ve done their part, now it’s your time.”

Check out the video below and as a bonus check out this AWW worthy Instagram post from Cynthia.

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First Look

WATCH: Cynthia Erivo & Leslie Odom Jr. in First Trailer for Harriet

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Cynthia Erivo as Harriet/YouTube

Cynthia Erivo is Harriet Tubman in the film Harriet set to be released November 1st. She is joined by Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr. as abolitionist William Still, who helped Tubman organize her trips on the Underground Railroad. Music aficionado Janelle Monae also co-stars.

Kasi Lemmons directs the film in which she co-wrote with Gregory Allen Howard. Check out the trailer.

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

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First Look

A Look Inside CATS with Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba & More

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Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella in CATS film rehearsal Photo: YouTube
Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella in CATS film rehearsal Photo: YouTube

Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella in CATS film rehearsal Photo: YouTube

Go behind the scenes for the first look at #CatsMovie.

CATS stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut. You’ll also see an appearance from Les Twins, most notably known from dancing alongside Beyoncé.

Featuring Lloyd Webber’s music and dancers under the leadership of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street to tap.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical “Cats” received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 years and earned the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical.

In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for an extraordinary 18 years. Since opening in London in 1981, “Cats” has continuously appeared on stage around the globe, to date having played to 81 million people in more than fifty countries and in nineteen languages. It is regarded as one of the most successful musicals of all time.

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