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Sophomore + Darren Criss = Gleeful

Sophomore + Darren Criss = Gleeful
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?

Bridge: Showstopper:
Verse 2: Darren is a mango:
Coda: I’ve never seen you happier
Meeting Darren Criss (the full audio experience):

[nggallery id=196]

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  • J

    james SmithFeb 11, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    This was great. Listened to the whole thing. Really, really enjoyed it.

    Reply
  • A

    Anna LeachFeb 10, 2012 at 8:17 am

    @Raya- Quick note, it’s Tessa. But thanks for the compliments (the thanks goes to everyone else as well!). And yes, I was thinking of “Sophomore” as well. Story of our lives.

    Reply
  • R

    RayaFeb 9, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    This is absolutely awesome! Darren fan experiences are always fun to hear about, and Jaime is just the icing on the cake. (She’s such a sweetheart.) These pictures and the account are wonderful. Glad the time was great! (Also, did any other Darren fans smile at the title of this, “Sophomore + Darren Criss = Gleeful”? All I can think is his song “Sophomore”! :P)

    Reply
  • H

    Hannah TaftFeb 9, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Darren Criss is indeed a mango. This made me so happy.

    Reply
  • B

    Beth MitchellFeb 7, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    I love this so much, and i’ so jealous.

    Reply
  • K

    Katie HydeFeb 7, 2012 at 11:12 am

    THIS MADE MY LIFE.

    Reply
  • K

    Kiley O'TooleFeb 7, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I’m so insanely jealous! Ahhh great story! & those pictures are to die for!!

    Reply
  • S

    Shaeffer SmithFeb 7, 2012 at 8:00 am

    OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS AND I AM SO JEALOUS THIS IS GREAT!!!! Great job, Anna and Lauren! You never fail to amaze us!

    Reply
  • B

    BriannaFeb 6, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    Great job 🙂 This entire story had me fan girling start to finish

    Reply