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[Wesleyan on Broadway - In the Heights]

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“In The Heights” Benefit Performance Raises $1.5 Million, Supports 38 Scholarships

Following the benefit performance of “In The Heights” at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, President Michael S. Roth joined the show’s star, director and orchestrator—all Wesleyan alumni—on stage to announce, “Together, we have raised $1.5 million for Wesleyan scholarships—providing financial aid for 38 students in the Class of 2012!”

To the delight of the sold-out house, Wesleyan’s popular 6-foot tall Cardinal mascot also appeared on stage with the president. Wesleyan alumni and parents sponsored the special benefit performance of the breakthrough Broadway musical hit, “In The Heights,” so that 100% of the proceeds go directly to support student scholarships. The audience of 1,300 included Wesleyan trustees, senior staff, faculty, alumni, parents and hundreds of students.

“In The Heights” was created by and stars Lin-Manuel Miranda ’02, is directed by Tommy Kail ’99, and arranged and orchestrated by Bill Sherman ’02. Miranda began to create the show during his sophomore year in the ’92 Theater on the Wesleyan campus. Later he worked with Kail and Sherman to bring it to life on Broadway. “In The Heights” opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in March 9, 2008.

The New York Times calls “In The Heights” a “Singular New Sensation!” and Lin-Manuel Miranda the “glowing star of the show.” Time Magazine praises it as “Heartfelt and full of hope.” “A big, pulsing power-surge of a show,” observes Newsday.

The evening was made possible by the generous support of several alumni and parents who are passionate about access to Wesleyan.

A special benefit performance in support of financial aid
through the Wesleyan Fund.

Friday, September 5, 2008
8:00 p.m.

Richard Rodgers Theatre
226 West 46th Street
New York City

Created by and Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda ’02
Directed by Tommy Kail ’99
Arranged and Orchestrated by Bill Sherman ’02

Lin-Manuel Miranda ’02
Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s invitation

Winner of 4 TONY AWARDS!

“A vibrant chronicle of life in a close-knit Upper Manhattan Latino community, ‘In the Heights’ bagged four Tonys including score for 28-year-old composer-lyricist, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who began the project as a student production during his sophomore year at Wesleyan U[niversity].” —Daily Variety

“The energy it gives off could light up the George Washington Bridge for a year or two.” —The New York Times