Yesterday my Mom and I went to see a local production of The Laramie Project. I was really impressed by the production. Granted I had several friends in the cast, but I thought everyone gave strong performances. Since this is an ensemble piece I was engrossed with watching how the cast members used costume pieces, accents, and their mannerisms to differentiate between their characters.
I read The Laramie Project back in college. If I remember correctly it was for Play Script Analysis. I loved that rather than being a standard three act structure the story is told through a series of interviews. I’ve wanted to see how this would translate to stage and I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity.
This was the first time I’d seen a show in this venue’s black box. The intimacy of the space and the minimalism of the set added a lot to the show. Stripping back the production elements really let the story and text shine. Which is what you want when a play is so moving and thought provoking. Plus you could tell that the cast and crew put a lot of care and respect into telling Matthew Shepard’s story.
I kind of hate that I saw the closing performance. So I can’t exactly promote the show. But if there is ever a production of Laramie in your area, I highly recommend going to see it.
Shandi Sturgill 
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