May 13, 2008 (Sarasota, FL) Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical IN THE HEIGHTS has taken the lead today for Tony nominations. Miranda’s nominations are for Best Actor in a Musical and Best Musical Score. The show earned a leading total of 13 nominations, including Best Musical.
Asolo Repertory Theatre congratulates Miranda for the sweeping recognition his Broadway musical garnered today. Miranda is a collaborator and has contributed two new songs to Asolo Rep's production of WORKING that opens this Friday, May 16.
WORKING, a musical adapted by Stephen Schwartz from the best selling book by Studs Terkel is based on Terkel's conversations about with real American working people about their jobs. Schwartz, a multiple Tony and Oscar nominee himself, wrote some of the songs along with other well-known artists including musical legends James Taylor, Micki Grant,and Craig Carnelia.
Stephen Schwartz will be in attendance for the opening night performance and afterparty of WORKING this Friday at 8:00 p.m. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s parents also will be here to proudly represent their son at the opening and afterparty, as Lin-Manuel is unable to break away from his Broadway show.
The festivities around WORKING will take on a special excitement as Asolo Rep and the WORKING cast and creative team celebrate Miranda’s sweeping Tony Award nominations.
About Asolo Rep: Asolo Repertory Theatre, the premier professional theatre of the state of Florida, has become one of the most important cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. Entering its 50th season, Asolo Rep continues its mission to entertain, engage, and inspire audiences through the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary, and newly commissioned work all performed in rotating repertory.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council. Funding is also received through efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, the Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.