Broadway Dancer to Documentary Film Director: HAMILTON's Morgan Marcell Debuts ELIZA PROJECT at the Smithsonian

A film directorial debut for Morgan Marcell, original Hamilton cast member, Sharing Our Stories: The Eliza Project is a 10 minute Short Documentary about the inception, purpose and hopeful legacy of The Eliza Project, co-founded by Philippa Soo (original 'Eliza Hamilton,' Hamilton) & Morgan Marcell. Featuring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Lin-Manuel Miranda & the students of Graham Windham*.

The Eliza Project is a philanthropic endeavor led by Hamilton cast members to lead artistic workshops and create new works with the students at Graham Windham, the orphanage created by Eliza Hamilton herself. It attempts to fulfill Eliza's legacy and connect an extremely successful Broadway show with its history and the next generation. Sharing Our Stories: The Eliza Project takes an in-depth look at several student workshops taught by current Hamilton cast members.

Director Morgan Marcell has a huge passion for story telling through film. Growing up, she said she wanted to be the female Steven Spielberg, but didn't apply to film school, discouraged by the amount of work Spielberg had already created at her age. Thanks to the wonderful platform Hamilton provided, the encouragement from the musical's creative team, the support from Graham Windham and the ask for a donation from the Smithsonian Institution, Morgan has produced and directed her very first professional film. All she needed was the answer "yes," something she aims to say to all The Eliza Project participants as they ask,"can I...?"

The film will debut November 6, 2017 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. during the donation day for Giving in America. It will also screen at the opening of the exhibit in March 2018. The film will be donated to the Smithsonian as a gift from Morgan Marcell, Graham Windham and The Eliza Project.

*Eliza Hamilton established Graham Windham as the first private orphanage in New York City in honor of her husband, Alexander Hamilton. 211 years later, Graham Windham's mission to support kids and families lives on. Today, Graham serves thousands of kids and their families. Most of these kids have had a tough start in life. But through their own strength and Graham's support -- whether through family counseling and treatment, or academic help, these kids can thrive into adulthood. Eliza's dream was to give every kid to get their shot -- that mission lives on today.

For more information please visit www.graham-windham.org.