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Summary: The lives behind the media spotlight...
Review: "The Laramie Project" is a deeply moving piece of theatre. In 1998, members of the Tectonic Theatre Project of New York journeyed to Laramie, Wyoming. In the wake of the tragedy of the murder of Matthew Shepard, company founder Moises Kaufman wanted to know "What can we as theatre artists to as a response to this incident".Their answer lies in "The Laramie Project". Through a series of interviews, the members of the company were able to capture the essence of those who live and work in Laramie and in Wyoming. Though characterized by many as "redneck" and "backwater", they found, instead, a group of sensitive and caring people, people bewildered by the negative media spin visited on their city. These people come to life in "The Laramie Project". Eight actors portray scores of Laramie residents, and others affected by the tragedy. In a style reminiscent of television "docu-drama" (but much more powerful), these lives are played out in three acts. It is impossible to come away from "The Laramie Project" unaffected. A chronicle of life, and death, it is a totally new brand of theatre; one that will redefine forever our concept of art imitating life. An excellent companion piece is "Losing Matt Shepard", by Beth Loffreda.
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Summary: Simply put, it's AMAZING!
Review: 'The Laramie Project' is more than a play, it is a beautiful and astonishing work of art! If you are given the chance to see this play, THEN SEE IT! The HBOFilms version is good, but the story loses some of its grace and charm in the whirlwind of big name actors. I have been privelidged enough to perform in a production of 'The Laramie Project', and as a gay man, it gave me a lot to think about and a whole lot more to feel thankful for. If you are an actor, many of the monologues in this play are perfect for any audition. If this play could bring my stepfather to tears, who knows what it could do for you?
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Summary: Wonderful example of contemporary theatre
Review: I bought this script knowing nothing about it (the play that is, not the story behind it). I read it and was totally taken aback by it. I thought the presentational style in which it is done lends itself perfectly to the story. I would love to see (or, in a perfect world, be in) this show and compare a performance to the reading. This is not a happy story and anyone going into it expecting to "feel good" after reading it is going to be disappointed. But if you're looking for a play to make you think about and feel for those involved in this story, than READ THIS SCRIPT!!!
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Summary: Powerful piece of work
Review: I give this story five stars because it is a powerful piece of work that taught me a lot of things about how American society deals with homosexuality. I've never been to Wyoming but this story helps to give some insight on how things were in that state when this horrible tragedy happened. I hope more people get a chance to read this book as it is evident, based on the speeches by some members of this government, that homophobia is still present in this society. That kind of institutionalized homophobia was seen in its worst form when Matthew Shepard was viciously attacked and killed because he was gay. This book certainly is an eye-opener and for that it deserves the best praise. Kudos to Moises Kaufman.
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Summary: Powerful piece of work
Review: I give this story five stars because it is a powerful piece of work that taught me a lot of things about how American society deals with homosexuality. I've never been to Wyoming but this story helps to give some insight on how things were in that state when this horrible tragedy happened. I hope more people get a chance to read this book as it is evident, based on the speeches by some members of this government, that homophobia is still present in this society. That kind of institutionalized homophobia was seen in its worst form when Matthew Shepard was viciously attacked and killed because he was gay. This book certainly is an eye-opener and for that it deserves the best praise. Kudos to Moises Kaufman.
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Summary: A powerful work
Review: I haven't actually read the play, but I just returned from seeing it performed at my daughter's high school. It is a powerful and moving drama, creatively staged with each actor playing a multitude of parts. Nevertheless, the flow is clear, the progression of the story is evident and the powerful emotions build throughout the play. By the final act, I was in tears. It is masterful, don't miss seeing it.
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Summary: From an actress who performed this play
Review: I'm a high school actress who had the extraordinary privilege of acting in this amazing play, and I have to say that just reading The Laramie Project doesn't do it justice--you really have to see it performed. That said, if you're looking for a moving, uplifting play to direct/act in, THIS IS IT. Yes, it has its sad moments, but it's also funny and truly beautiful, and teaches everyone who comes into contact with it an important lesson about love and compassion. The Laramie Project is one of the most significant pieces of literature I have come across, and I urge everyone to read it or, if possible, to see it. (Thank you to my fantastic director and my fellow Yorkie actors (you guys know who you are) for a fantastic experience.)
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Summary: A play better seen than read
Review: Moises Kaufman, who created the magnificent stage drama _Gross Indecency_, based on the trial of Oscar Wilde, here takes another true-life incident, the murder of Matthew Shephard, the young gay man who was beaten and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming, and applies the same documentary techniques, culling the monologues and characters from interviews with actual residents of the town and people variously involved with the tragedy and its aftermath. I saw the play in its Off-Broadway incarnation and was overwhelmed by the drama, brought out by a magnificent cast (members of which helped write the text), many playing multiple characters. The skill and passion of the actors, I think, was responsible for much of the power of the evening, combined with a simple but effective production. Inevitably, reading the text alone will not bring out the full impact of this work. Still, it is a powerful testament and one that should be disseminated in whatever form. If it's produced anywhere in your neighborhood, I would say, run, don't walk to see it.
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Summary: An amazing play!
Review: My closing night for this play was last night and it was amazing. Playing these character's and watching the audience respond and feeling their energy was amazing. This is a terrific story and very well done. The reactions of the townspeople is so true and you just flow with the story.
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Summary: A tribute to Matt that is eloquent and true
Review: Of all the literature that has appeared since the murder of Matt Shepard, this play by Moises Kaufman, et al, is the stand-out best of the field. Many of the published works dealing with Matt's death have a saccharin-like insincerity. They often wallow in self-indulgence. However, "The Laramie Project" stands out as a true, eloquent dramatic experience that moves the reader with the plain truth of the matter. Matt is gone, but our memory of him will always live in works like this.
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