Press
Taken from "Easy Reader"
Theater Review
by Melinda Calvert
Published June 12, 2008
In November 1998, four weeks after the murder of 21-year-old college student Matthew Shepard, 10 members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, headed by Moisés Kaufman (Michael Allen), arrive in Laramie, Wyo. to interview area residents and law enforcement about their feelings on Shepard's murder. The goal of the Tectonic group was basically to get community response about the murder of the young man, but more importantly, they wanted to discover if theater was a medium that could contribute to a "national dialog on current events."
Matthew Shepard was gay, but he had plenty of friends in town, or so people said. But, on the evening of Oct. 6, after drinking alone at a local bar, he was picked up by two men and driven to a remote field outside of Laramie, where he was viciously beaten, tied to a fencepost and left to die in the freezing night. For 18 hours Matthew suffered alone, tightly strapped to the fence until a passing bicyclist saw him and brought help. He was barely alive and unable to speak. He died five days later in a Colorado hospital.
"The Laramie Project" successfully demonstrates what can happen when intolerant people misunderstand someone who is "different." But, it also responds to the flip side by showing compassion from many of the principals in this story. Through more than 200 interviews over a period of a year-and-a-half, Kaufman's group was able to shed considerable light on community response to Shepard's horrifying murder, and the repercussions from this deplorable hate crime. Laramie's slogan, "Wyoming's hometown" was replaced with unwelcome national notoriety. While some residents were deeply moved by the events surrounding the death of Shepard (even to showing sympathy for the accused), others remained obstinate. This dialog speaks volumes about the intolerance still prevalent in much of today's society.
Ten of the 11-member cast switch from "interviewer" to "Laramie interviewee," each portraying several characters as they assemble onstage at the beginning and remain there throughout this long but engrossing play. The audience can delineate who is being portrayed by an identifying piece of clothing the actors don for each portrayal. This practical solution works effectively in allowing the play to move along at a smooth pace.
First performed in Denver in February 2000, the show opened in Laramie the following November. Although the play revolves around a shocking murder, the theme seems to strive for higher ground. Most of the documented interviews were open and honest, and, surprisingly, there are several amusing, poignant moments throughout.
This cast is brilliant as they make the characters come alive for the audience. The Narrator is Diana Mann, who capably delivers background information to the audience making it easier to follow the plot. The Interviewers are: Bob Baumsten as John McAdams; Rita Baumsten as Kelli Simpkins; TTC regular Michael Grenie as Greg Pierotti; local well-known personality Shirley Hatton as Amanda Gronich; Zach Mink is Andy Paris; Mark Nelson as Stephen Belber; Christine Siebert as Barbara Pitts; Jillian Van Niel as Leigh Fondakowski, and Katherine Wewers as Mercedes Herrero. Especially impressive are the performances by Michael Allen (Kaufman), whose impeccable delivery and comic timing is, and has always been, second to none, and Zack Mink (the bartender) who is able to jump into character with the apparent ease of flipping a light switch.
Kari Hayter gets kudos for directing a play that could very easily be a confusing mess if not for her expert guidance. She has done a masterful job with this production. Although she will be leaving in the fall to begin the MFA program in directing at California State University, Fullerton, the Torrance Theatre Company hopes she will return to direct more quality plays in future.
The play is produced by Gia Jordahl and stage managed by Michael Aldapa. The assistant stage manager is Ryan Amador and actress Diana Mann (Narrator) is also the costume designer. Matt Scarpino did the unusual scenic design, with lighting by Steve Giltner. Moisés Kaufman wrote the play.
“The Laramie Project” ends much as it starts, with a ringing sense of sadness, but it also shows a sense of healing and great hope for the future. Adult themes. This excellent play is highly recommended.
Cast
Pictures
Production Team
Show
Video
