This March, Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown, presents two productions on alternating weekends, allowing audiences to get an insight into a tragedy based on true events and its impact ten years later.

A Powerful Story in Two Parts

The Laramie Project is the powerful story of Matthew Shepard and the people that live in Laramie, Wyoming, written in the aftermath of his brutal 1988 murder. The Tectonic Theater Company, the New York creators of the work, went to Laramie and interviewed more than 200 people for the script.

The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later continues the story of the impact on the town.

In 2008, the Tectonic team returned to Laramie and interviewed many of the same people and several new ones, including Matthew’s mother and the two men convicted of killing him. This is their story.

Together, both productions provide the full experience and understanding of what happened.

Ongoing Relevance

Director Stacey Michaud notes that in 2013, Moises Kaufman, head writer of The Laramie Project and member of The Tectonic Theater Project said, “I keep waiting for The Laramie Project to feel historical and it doesn’t. Twenty-five years after Matthew Shepard’s death, we are still having conversations, debates, protests and marches over what it means to be treated equally, justly and humanely in our country.”

The book is written by Moises Kaufman and members of The Tectonic Theater Project and directed by Stacey Michaud.

Production Details

Opening night performances are sponsored by W. Scott Roberts and Paul Sgambato. The productions are sponsored by the Patterson Mayhew Charitable Fund. Season sponsors are the Susan and Scott Bentley Foundation.

The first show, The Laramie Project will be presented on March 10–12 and March 24–26.

The follow-up, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later will be presented on March 17–19 and March 31/April 1–2. 

Performances for both shows are at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings with 2 PM matinees on Sunday.

Obtaining Tickets

Ticket prices are:

• $29 for adults
• $24 for seniors (65+)
• $17 for students

Purchase tickets to both The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later and receive a $5 discount off each ticket.  Use the discount code Matthew Shepard at checkout to receive the discount.

Tickets can be purchased online at the Steel River Playhouse or by contacting the box office at 610-970-1199.

Note that these shows contain mature themes and may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

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Oprah interviewed Matthew Shepard’s parents seven years after their son was taken.