VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
POPS IN THE PAVILION
Friday, September 25, 2026 | Finneran Pavilion
ABOUT POPS IN THE PAVILION
Featuring a spectacular lineup of student and professional musicians—including some very special guest performers—this is more than just a night to remember. It’s a meaningful force for good, raising essential financial aid funds that pave the way for dozens of Wildcats to achieve their dreams.
Designed to expand access and opportunity for Villanova students, Pops in the Pavilion brings together students, alumni, family and friends to champion and celebrate the power of the Villanova community.
Broadway-star Sutton Foster performing at the 2025 Pops in the Pavilion show.
ANNOUNCING THE 2026 PERFORMANCE
Tony- and Grammy-Award Winning Actor and Performer Leslie Odom Jr.
LESLIE ODOM JR.
Leslie Odom, Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter, actor, and a New York Times bestselling author. Well known for his breakout role as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom recently made a highly anticipated return to his award-winning role on September 9 through November 26. Last season, he made his long-awaited return to Broadway as a producer, alongside his beloved Nicolette Robinson and the gracious Jeffrey Richards, with the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch written by the legendary Ossie Davis. The revival opened to widespread critical acclaim.
Odom was Tony-nominated for his performance, and the production received six nominations and one win. Purlie Victorious was recorded and aired as part of PBS’ Great Performances. Odom has continued to captivate audiences across film and television including his star turn as legendary soul singer Sam Cooke in the Amazon film adaptation of One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King. His lauded portrayal of the soul icon and musical performance of original song “Speak Now” earned him multiple awards and nominations. Additional film and television credits include Rian Johnson’s record-breaking 2022 Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, for Netflix, The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to David Chase’s award-winning HBO series The Sopranos, Apple TV+’s Central Park (2020 Emmy nomination), Hamilton on Disney+ (2021 Emmy nomination), host of “The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back!” on CBS (2022 Emmy nomination), Abbott Elementary, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Harriet, and many more.
In March 2018, Odom added the title of author to his resume with the release of his book – Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning, which was recently released in paperback in March 2025. Co-written with Nicolette Robinson, Odom’s first children’s book, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, was published by Feiwel & Friends in March 2023. The book debuted on the New York Times bestseller list at #7 in its first week. Odom has released six full-length albums. His sixth studio album and first-ever live album, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios, was released on October 17, 2025.
THE PHILLY POPS
The Philly Pops is the orchestra that knows no musical bounds. Founded in 2023 by a group of passionate and incredibly versatile musicians, today’s Pops pays homage to the symphonic pops legacy of Peter Nero, iconic pianist and conductor of the original Philly Pops (1979-2013), even as it carries forth his passion for breaking boundaries across all styles of music. The Philly Pops embodies our city’s infamous gritty spirit and love for hard work as it showcases Philly talent and leaves an indelible mark on the Philly music scene.
About Music Director Christopher Dragon
Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the Music Director of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, newly appointed Music Director of the Philly Pops and is the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony which he joined in the 2015/16 Season as Associate Conductor. Before moving to the United States, Dragon held the inaugural position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra where he was mentored by Asher Fisch.
Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances including Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan, Cynthia Erivo and Joshua Bell, to standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire such as Danny Elfman’s Percussion Concerto; all areas of which he has become highly sought after. Christopher has become known for his charisma, high energy and affinity for a good costume, consistently delivering unforgettable performances that has made him an audience favorite.
Recent highlights include his sold-out symphony tour with Gregory Alan Isakov, which included debuts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Nashville Symphony, a new orchestral collaboration with Nathaniel Rateliff and his successful German debut with the WDR Funkhausorchester.
BENEFACTOR
TABLES
Patrons purchasing Benefactor Tables will provide direct scholarship support to students at Villanova. Platinum, Gold, and Silver Benefactors will experience dazzling, up-close live performances while making the most meaningful impact on academic scholarship.
To reserve a table or if you have any questions, please email Carey Patton, Major Gift Officer for Family Engagement and Philanthropy, or call 610-684-5533
All tables include tickets, a gourmet dinner and complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks for 10 guests, reserved VIP parking, and access to a pre-event cocktail reception with the University President and members of the Philly Pops.
Benefactor tables have the greatest impact on student scholarship.
Platinum Tables ($50,000)
Platinum tables are located in the front rows on the floor, offering the very best seats in the house and include a personal attendant for drink service and a full-page ad in the program book.
Gold Tables ($25,000)
Gold tables provide excellent floor-level views and include a half-page ad in the program book.
Silver Tables ($10,000)
Silver tables are located on the floor with great views of the stage and include a quarter-page ad in the program book.
INDIVIDUAL
TICKETS
Don't miss an unforgettable evening of stunning live performances and celebration of student scholarship support. Individual tickets will go on sale in August 2026.
Individual tickets include a gourmet picnic-style meal to be enjoyed at your seat, along with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. A portion of every ticket sale will provide direct scholarship support to students at Villanova.
Mezzanine Seats ($200)
The traditional upper-level sideline sections with seatbacks, the mezzanine seats offer exceptional views of the show and will include a picnic-style dinner, drinks, and reserved parking on the night of the event. (Tax-deductible amount: $74)
Gallery Seats ($125)
The Gallery is above where the legendary Villanova student section is during home basketball games, and offers bleacher seating with head-on views of the live performances. Each seat includes a picnic-style dinner and drinks. (Tax-deductible amount: $46)
Choir Loft Seats ($50)
Seated behind the student choir accompanying the Philly Pops, the Choir Loft offers bleacher seating with unique views from directly above the orchestra and includes a picnic-style dinner and drinks. (Tax-deductible amount: $18)
Loge Seats ($500)
Offering a more premium viewing experience, Loge seating comes with a comfortable seat with direct views located along the balcony railing, and includes a picnic-style dinner, drinks, and reserved parking on the night of the event. (Tax-deductible amount: $184)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For those seeking additional avenues to make an impact, sponsorship opportunities offer a meaningful way to support Pops in the Pavilion. These contributions help expand access to a Villanova education, allowing sponsors to make a lasting difference.
To get involved, or if you have any questions, please email Carey Patton, Major Gift Officer for Family Engagement and Philanthropy, or call 610-684-5533
Check back soon for details about sponsorship opportunities.
CONTACT US
For additional information or inquiries about Pops in the Pavilion, please email us.
