School officials announce partnership to bring city students to Broadway

School officials announced on Tuesday, October 27 the start of an educational partnership that will provide 20,000 New York City public school students the opportunity to see the critically-acclaimed “Hamilton” on Broadway—and then bring it home to the classroom.

Through the program, which will launch in 2016, students will gain access to the show—revered by many as the most dynamic in recent times—based on Ron Chernow’s biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The Broadway blockbuster will also be infused with classroom studies, especially those relating to American history.

“Social studies has always been my passion, and this partnership will be transformational for New York City kids,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “This musical will ignite curiosity and give teachers and students the opportunity to experience American history in a unique way while connecting to the class curriculum and cultivating a deep love of learning.”

“Our goal is to ensure that all students have a shot to see ‘Hamilton’ and use its words, music and staging to further their enjoyment of American history, music and drama,” added “Hamilton” Producer Jeffrey Seller.

Thanks to a $1.46 million grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, tickets will cost only $10 for the students, who will attend Wednesday matinees at which they will also get to meet members of the cast.

The first group of participating high schools will be selected by the New York City Department of Education and will include schools across the five boroughs with large numbers of students eligible for free or reduced lunch.