The world-premiere staging of Witness Uganda begins previews Feb. 4 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA, prior to an official opening Feb. 12, for a run through March 16.

Witness Uganda, according to press notes, "tells the story of Griffin, a young man from New York City, who volunteers for a project in Uganda, and finds himself on a journey that will change his life forever. Inspired by a true story, this rousing new musical, staged by Tony Award-winning director and A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus, exposes the challenges confronted by American aid workers and the complex realities of trying to change the world."

The intent of the Richard Rodgers Award is to "nurture talented composers and playwrights by enabling their musicals to be produced in New York City." Witness Uganda received a Richard Rodgers Staged Reading Award in 2012 and was presented in 2013 by A.R.T. at Playwrights Horizons and Columbia University's Miller Theater.

This year's jury included Tania León (chair), Sheldon Harnick, Richard Maltby, Jr., Ted Sperling and Jeanine Tesori.

Read more about the American Repertory Theater staging here. For more information, visit ArtsAndLetters.org.