Review: 'Laramie Project' is the best play in years by Carson City players, directors
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sun, 04/18/2010 - 1:57pm
There are at least a dozen reasons Carson folk should see the play "The Laramie Project" next weekend at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. But two should be enough to get you moving.
First, the play itself is intense, absorbing, dramatic, engaging. Maybe play isn’t the right word since this is a collection of comments made by Laramie residents before and after the murder of gay college student Matthew by beating and leaving to freeze on a Wyoming back road.
Second, is the cast, which is as good as it gets, all locals, all professionals when they are on the stage. The cast: Hal Dubiel, Lynette Brown, Holly Laguna, James Godwin, Corey Stockton and Rachel Anderson. This is probably the best cast I’ve seen on Carson City stages in years.
Third, this is a multi-media presentation, which in this case means the use of five TV screens, some big, some small, all picking up the action or running recorded sessions with the cast members. It’s a testament to the lasting attraction of living people that despite the action being shown on the TVs, one always looks back at the person being screened for the real feeling.
Fourth, is the excellent direction and staffing. Veteran Brewery drama director Andie Anderson is in charge, and she does a totally excellent job with her cast, moving them imaginatively, bringing their voices out. She is aided by movement coach Karen Chandler of Carson High, who is also artistic director for the Brewery’s in-house drama company. Technical director is Kevin Bunch; lighting operator is Kelly Anderson, video engineer is Jeff Fast. Film producer was Donna Walden, tech director Darla Bayer. Andie Anderson and James Godwin compiled the sound track.
Fifth, this is a play about how Laramie reacted to the hate killing of the young man by two locals. It very much reflects the conflicts in America about homosexuality, the opinions and fears by some. The message is heartfelt and one that is important for those of us who live in a mixed world — all of us.
Sixth, this is a very important production, sponsored by the Performing Arts Collaborate, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Northern Nevada Film Factory. And, of course, the Brewery, whose executive director John Procaccini says, :I am proud to be at the held of an organization that knows no boundaries when presenting arts and culture.”
Make the effort to see this fine production. You’ll probably be a moved as I was in the closing moments when the story of how Laramie reacted is told.
“The Laramie Project,” at the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall, 511 W. King St., is roughly the story of the murder of a 21-year-old gay college student in 1998. The play runs April 23, 24, 30 and May 1. Tickets are $18 general, $15 students and seniors. Call (775) 883-1976.
Creating the work is the Tectonic Theater Group, which made personal investigations into the site in Laramie, Wyoming. It reports on the fallout and actions within the community after the murder.
This is a multi-media performance and is staged by BAC’s Performing Arts Collaborative, The Film and an Animators Club, Northern Nevada Film Factory, BAC’s technical crew and Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The goal is to increase understanding of homosexuals in the community.
“The story doesn’t focus so much on the death of Matthew (the murdered gay), but rather looks on how his death impacted the community,” says Procaccini.
Director Andie Anderson chose this play because she believes it will touch the community in ways most plays cannot.
“It is the story of a community affected by tragedy, and because Laramie, Wyoming, is similar to Carson City geographically, I think our residents will related to the story,” says Anderson. “This could be any small town in America.”
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