Project and photos compiled by Anna Leach and Lauren Langdon

Christmas morning, sophomore Tessa Smith was opening gifts with her family.  She unwrapped the present from her father, Mr. Robert Smith, and found a framed certificate; she then “promptly started crying.” When her younger cousins asked if she was okay, Tessa said, “I am just happy, you guys.” In red lettering, the certificate declared she would be able to “meet Darren Criss after [seeing] him in a performance of ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’.”

Robert bid on the experience online at charitybuzz.com. Charitybuzz is a website where people can win meetings with celebrities, VIP access to sporting events,  designer merchandise and more; the proceeds go to a variety causes. The particular auction Robert bid on supported  Communities in Schools, an organization that “surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”

Jan. 14,  Robert, Tessa, Tessa’s brother Sam Smith and Robert’s girlfriend Ms. Donna Southwick flew to New York City and saw “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” After touring the musical’s set and the Al Hirschfeld Theatre ‘s backstage, the Smiths and Southwick met with  Glee,  Team Starkid (creators of productions on Youtube such as “A Very Potter Musical”), and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” star Darren Criss for a few minutes.

Listen below to hear Tessa’s account of “The Darren Criss Experience.”

Verse 1: Love at first sight:

Verse 1: Love at first sight

Pre-Chorus: Run at a dead sprint, while changing his clothes:

Pre-Chorus: Run at a dead sprint while changing his clothes

Chorus: Do you ever sleep?:

Chorus: Do you ever sleep?