Alison Sears (Erin Salvati) and Marge Murray (Alỳsha Jones) teach Greg Pierotti (Cory Messinger) a thing or two in ‘The Laramie Project’ which runs November 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17 in Sloan Theatre, LHU.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - “We are a group of people bringing forth a message of peace and love and compassion,” proclaims Romaine Patterson. The LHU University Players continue their bold 2007-2008 season with the heartbreaking and hopeful play, “The Laramie Project.” Written by Moisés Kaufman and Members of the Tectonic Theater Project, “The Laramie Project” runs November 8, 9, 10 and November 15, 16, 17 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional Saturday matinee November 17 at 2:00 p.m. in Sloan Theatre on the LHUP campus.

How does a community heal from a tragedy that propels it into the national spotlight? “The Laramie Project” tells the horrific story of Matthew Shepard who was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. Shepard was a victim of this attack because he was gay. In the aftermath of this monstrous crime, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project traveled to Laramie and interviewed the residents. “The Laramie Project” draws together these interviews into a breathtaking collage of documentary theatre. The eight principal actors portray over 65 different characters including Matthew Shepard’s father Dennis (Joshua Miller); the assailants, Aaron McKinney (Joshua Miller) and Russell Henderson (Shawn Ergler); Aaron Kreifels, the young man who found Matthew (Cory Messinger); Reggie Flutey, the police officer who responded to the crime scene (Jaime Torley); Matthew’s friend Romaine Patterson (Erin Salvati); the notorious Reverend Fred Phelps (Joshua Ferrell); and faculty at the University of Wyoming (Alỳsha Jones and Amy Waters).

In addition to the eight principal cast members, the University Players production features an ensemble of seven actors who comprise the “Angel Army.” By turns the “Angel Army” serves as residents of Laramie, members of the media, and stage assistants. Members of the “Angel Army” include Andrea Becker, Kathleen Good, Rachael Johnson, Jayme Piper, Jenn Sine, Ray Sturdevant, and Christina Tongyai.

Dr. Christine Woodworth, Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts—Theatre Division, directs “The Laramie Project.” She most recently served as the Co-Costume Designer for the LHU / UP production of Tartuffe (2007) and director of the LHU / UP production of Machinal (2006). Professor Stephen E. Haynes serves as Scenic and Lighting Designer and Technical Director. Most recently, he directed and designed the LHU / UP production of Tartuffe (2007). He asserts that “the amount of territory—literal and figurative—that The Laramie Project covers would prove to be a challenge to any designer.” Haynes and Dennis Berfield (Assistant Scenic Designer) have mapped the topography of the play through their design, which also features some striking technical surprises. Costumes have been co-designed by Professor Stephen E. Haynes and Dr. Christine Woodworth. The design team also consists of Cian J. Ruane (Sound Designer), Jaime Torley (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Ray Sturdevant (Student Technical Director). “It’s always the best part of my job to collaborate with student designers. The level of talent our students possess is impressive,” says Haynes.

“The Laramie Project” runs November 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17 in the Sloan Theatre. Curtain time for all shows is 8:00 p.m. with an additional Saturday matinee on November 17 at 2:00. Tickets for all Sloan Theatre main stage performances are free for all LHUP students with ID, $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for non-LHUP students and seniors. All seats are general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the SCC Business Office in the Parsons Union Building (PUB) on the LHU campus. Please arrive early to all shows as no latecomers will be seated. A Curtain Talk will follow the November 15 performance. Audience members who attend the November 15 performance are invited to stay following the show for a discussion with the cast, director, and designers. For further information, contact Dr. Christine Woodworth in the Department of Performing Arts, LHUP (570) 484-2853.