Steel River Playhouse stages ‘Laramie Project’ performances
During the month of March, Steel River Playhouse will present two productions on alternating weekends, allowing the audience to get an insight into a story based on true events and their impact 10 years later.
“The Laramie Project” is the story of Matthew Shepard and the people who live in Laramie, Wyoming, written in the aftermath of his brutal murder. The Tectonic Theater Company went to Laramie and conducted over 200 interviews with people in the town and constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from the interviews and their experiences.
“The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later” continues the story of the impact on the town. In 2008, the Tectonic team returned to Laramie and interviewed many of the same people and several new ones, including Matthew’s mother and the two men convicted of killing him. This is their story.
Director Stacey Michaud notes that in 2013, Moises Kaufman, head writer of “The Laramie Project” and member of The Tectonic Theater Project said, “I keep waiting for ‘The Laramie Project’ to feel historical and it doesn’t. Twenty-five years after Matthew Shepard’s
death, we are still having conversations, debates, protests and marches over what it means to be treated equally, justly and humanely in our country.”
The first show, “The Laramie Project,” will be presented on March 10,11, and 12 and again on March 24, 25, and 26. The running time for this show is approximately 3 hours, including 2 intermissions.
The follow-up, “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later,” will be presented on March 17, 18, and 19 as well as March 31, April 1 and 2. The running time for this show is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission.
The book is written by Moises Kaufman and members of The Tectonic Theater Project and directed by Stacey Michaud. Note that these shows contain mature themes and may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
Opening night performances are sponsored by
W. Scott Roberts Paul Sgambato. The productions are sponsored by the Patterson Mayhew Charitable Fund. Season Sponsors are the Susan and Scott Bentley Foundation.
Performances for both shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings with 2 p.m. Matinees on Sunday.
Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for Seniors (65 and older), and $17 for Students. Purchase tickets to both The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later and receive a $5 discount on each ticket. Use the discount code Matthew Shepard at checkout to receive the reduced rate.
Choose your seats and buy tickets online at https://steelriverplayhouse. my.salesforce-sites.com/ ticket#/ or contact the Box Office at 610-970-1199. For more information on upcoming shows, educational offerings, or volunteer opportunities email info@steelriver. org.