Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the Broadway sensation "Hamilton!," will receive the 18th Monte Cristo Award by Waterford's  Eiugene O'Neill Theater Center. in a ceremony April 30 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

An alumnus of the O’Neill, Miranda’s first professional production was at the O'Neill's National Music Theater Conference with "In The Heights" in 2005. A

The O’Neill annually presents the award to "a prominent theater artist whose work has had an extraordinary impact on American theater, in memory of its namesake. "

The event supports the center’s commitment to developing new work and new artists for the stage.

O’Neill Executive Director Preston Whiteway said:  “Lin-Manuel’s pioneering spirit continues to transform the American theater landscape since he first launched and developed his In The Heights at the O’Neill in 2005, and through every endeavor he undertakes.  Not since Eugene O’Neill has there been someone who so firmly plants American theater in the cultural landscape of this nation, and worldwide. We are delighted to recognize him with our 2018 Monte Cristo Award.”

“The O’Neill is a place I will always hold near to my heart” sharesl Miranda, 38. “It’s a great honor to receive this award and to continue to work with the O’Neill to raise money for scholarships so that more and more artists can benefit from the teachers and mentors and the space they create.”

This past May, The Miranda Family Fund announced their commitment to provide scholarships for artists of color to attend the O’Neill’s National Theater Institute. NTI’s credit-earning theater intensives—taught by industry professionals and master teachers—train actors, singers, directors, dancers, designers, playwrights, and composers to produce, write, direct, and act in their own work, as well as create their own path in the industry.  

NTI is a pipeline to the profession - and with this partnership, The Miranda Family Fund and NTI will further the inclusion of artists of color across all disciplines of theater.

Tickets for the  Monte Cristo Award are available at www.theoneill.org/montecristoaward.  Tickets start at $350. Information:  860-443-5378 ext. 288, or email events@theoneill.org.
 www.theoneill.org/montecristoaward