Wright State presents compelling drama ‘Laramie Project’
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death, Wright State University’s presents “The Laramie Project” Feb. 17-26 in the Herbst Theatre of the Creative Arts Center.
This riveting drama is derived from interviews conducted by Moises Kaufman and The Tectonic Theatre Project in the immediate aftermath of the 1998 murder of Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student. Through the viewpoints of the Laramie, Wyoming, community, a compelling portrait takes shape of a small town coming to grips with a hate crime that shocked the nation.
Under the direction of Josh Aaron McCabe, eight actors portray dozens of roles. The cast includes Spence Hall, Sydney Friehofer, Zavi Odetta, Matthew Shanahan and Ni-Ni Denker.
“Matthew Shepard’s murder is an incredible tragedy that is pivotal to the modern-day LGBTQ+ movement,” said Emily Yantis-Houser, associate director of the WSU LGBTQA Center, in a release. “Not soon after the insurmountable loss felt by the AIDS epidemic, it marked a new surge of political activism for LGBTQ+ rights and humanity. It is especially pivotal for young people and college students as Matthew was a 22-year-old gay college student who was just out for a night of fun with his friends. It is imperative
‘Matthew Shepard’s murder is an incredible tragedy that is pivotal to the modern-day LGBTQ+ movement,’ Emily Yantis-Houser Associate director of WSU LGBTQA Center
for the Wright State community, particularly our LGBTQ+ community, that we reignite the memory of Matthew Shepard by sparking dialogue and activism, which is why the LGBTQA Center is proud to sponsor this production of ‘The Laramie Project’ on our campus.”
Performances will be held Feb. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 19, 25 and 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15.
For tickets or more information, visit wright.edu/theatre or call 937-775-2500. Wright State is located at 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn.
Sinclair presents ‘Jackie Robinson Steals Home’
Sinclair Community College continues its Free Expression Series with “Jackie Robinson Steals Home” by Peter Manos on Feb. 16-17 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, on the downtown Dayton campus, 444 W. Third St., Dayton.
Directed by Sinclair Theatre alumnus Shaun Diggs, the play chronicles the life of the legendary Robinson. The action concerns him attempting to steal the hearts of fans and pave the way for people of color to play America’s favorite pastime.
Performance times are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at noon and 7 p.m. The presentation is slated to run 45 minutes. Joyce Barnes has written a study guide. The cast includes DeAngelo Powell as Jackie along with Bryana Bentley, Shamya Sumlin, Derek Dunn-Melvin, Josiah Callinan and Kiri Olsen.
All performances are provided free of charge as part of the Free Expressions Series mission of “free theatre for free thought at Sinclair” with support provided by Sinclair’s Diversity Office. Groups of 20 or more should email patti. celek@sinclair.edu for reservations by Feb. 15. All other seating will be first come, first served, at the door, beginning 30 minutes prior to curtain.
Dayton Theatre Guild season announcement
The Dayton Theatre Guild’s 2023-2024 season will consist of August Wilson’s “Radio Golf ” (Aug. 25-Sept. 10, 2023), Mark St. Germain’s “Wednesday’s Child” (Nov. 3-19, 2023), Sam Shepard’s “True West” ( Jan. 12-28, 2024), Robert Lindsey-Nassif and Peter Ullian’s musical “Flight of the Lawnchair Man” (March 22-April 7, 2024) and Tracy Letts’ “Superior Donuts” ( June 7-23, 2024). For more information, visit daytontheatreguild.org.