WRVP Opens ‘The Laramie Project’
Docudrama October 12 in Rochester

The White River Valley Players’ fall production, "The Laramie Project," a docudrama written in the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo., will open Friday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rochester High School eAuditorium.

Additional performances will take place Oct. 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. The show contains adult language and content.

In October 1998, when he was a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, Shepard became the victim of a brutal hate crime because he was openly gay. Tricked into accepting a ride from two young men from Laramie, he was beaten and tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie. He was discovered there 18 hours later in a coma, and never recovered.

The White River Valley Players chose to present "The Laramie Project" for its social significance and its exploration of an important moral and political issue. Shepard’s murder is not seen in the play but is described and talked about by a variety of people, including college professors, police, hospital staff, clergy, business people, ranchers, and students, some of them his friends.

"We hope that this production will bring us one step closer to abolishing hate and ridicule in our schools and communities," said producer Robert Finkle. "Those who have seen this play describe it as powerful and deeply moving as it explores the depths to which human beings can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable."

Writer Moisés Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theater Project of New York City conducted over 200 interviews with the people of Laramie. It is their voices that are heard in this serious play, filled with interesting and colorful characters.

Originally performed with the eight members of Tectonic Theater Project playing all 60 roles, the White River Valley Players’ production of "The Laramie Project" will divide these many roles among 29 actors. The cast includes many local residents, as well as a number from neighboring towns.

Appearing onstage will be Brenda Goupee, Burma Cassidy, Christine Meagher, David Crowley, Denny DeCoff, Dick Robson, Dorothy Robson, Doug Kingsbury, Elaine Cissi, Ferron Griffin, Jimi Lormand, Joanna Colwell, John Wong, Kathrin Lawlor, Kris Williams, Kristi Tate, Linda Bennett, Tony Lepkowski, Martha Jo Perkins, Montana Bowman, Nancy Comack, Nancy Manning, Robert Melik Finkle, Sarah Wesson, Scott Rotman, Susie Smolen, Tomas McElhaney, Herb Campbell, and Toni Richardson.

Tickets are available in Rochester at the White River Credit Union and Judy Jensen Clay Studio, and will also be sold at the door prior to performances. There is a discounted price for students and seniors. For more information, call Robert Finkle at 767-4770.

____________