Illustration by Colleen O'Hara
Savannah is a warm touchstone for me. My first time there was 25 years ago when I did this ramshackle musical revue. I have a distinct memory of my grandparents—who lived close by in Columbia, South Carolina—picking me up at the airport under that lovely skylight and taking me out to dinner. Then about seven years ago, my dear friend moved his family from Los Angeles to teach acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I thought, “Well, that’s not going to last.” Then two other friends decided to go to SCAD and teach. Nobody came back. When I got a commercial gig offer in Savannah, I had to take it just to make sure my friends were okay in this little town! I visited them, took a tour of the campus, and saw the appeal immediately. It’s a newer school, but it offers so many programs and resources. I’ve been a guest artist about 15 times, and every time I go, I feel challenged and inspired to work harder. This fall, my [actor] wife Nicolette and I will be SCAD artists in residence. I still travel quite a bit for my concerts too, and many cities in the country feel quite similar. But with Savannah, you know where you are right away. You have the Spanish moss on the trees, the historical architecture, the people, the food. The Public Kitchen & Bar is my number one spot. They have nice outdoor seating, and you can enjoy the weather. They’re famous for shrimp and grits, so that’s what you have to order. I also love Collins Quarter because they have a great late breakfast. When I’m not traveling with my kids, I don’t like getting up early. This place isn’t even open for dinner—which means they’re serious about brunch! And we go to the Grey when fancy people visit us at the school. I’m a city guy you know, and Savannah is a small place. But it’s full of theater, film, and visual art, and it has a slower pace, so I get the space and quiet to develop ideas. It’s the best of both worlds.
Leslie Odom Jr. is a Grammy– and Tony–winning actor and singer known for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton. This December he’ll perform in cities across the South—including Atlanta; Jacksonville, Florida; and Wilmington, North Carolina—as part of his nationwide Christmas Tour.
