Sparta High School Presents The Laramie Project

Scripts are flying as the Sparta High School’s Drama Department prepares for its production of The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman, directed by Drama and English teacher, Mrs. Victoria Reed. Based in Laramie, Wyoming, the play depicts a true story of a young man, Matthew Shepard, who was beaten to death in 1998 because he was gay. The denial, shock, confusion, and tribulations of the small town come to fruition through a series of dynamic characters reflecting on the tragic event.

Every role is double casted, featuring a wide array of students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Each actor and actress will be performing as multiple characters, testing their acting abilities, as the challenge to delve into the minds of several contrasting personalities governs rehearsals. And as senior Joe Spekhardt comments, “the stage fright” is just another obstacle to maneuver around. Though acting in a nonfictional play can be demanding, bringing justice to a travesty is humbling, and as sophomore Natalie Strouse adds, “I love how it’s something that really happened…something that you will never forget.”

On Wednesday, November 11th, the cast engaged in a Skype call with Kelli Simpkins, who played Leigh Fondakowski and Romaine Patterson in the original Tectonic Theater production of The Laramie Project. She answered questions regarding characterization, public reactions to the show, the writing process, tips on natural acting, and how to find a balance between solemnity and lightheartedness, bringing an inspiring insight and fresh perspective to the play.

She described that her experience with the Laramie Project not only changed her artistic career, but also helped her to develop on a personal level. And the SHS cast is no different, as they are finding that an exploration of such a modern, applicable topic inevitably leads to a much deeper questioning of the human purpose and the psyche in general. Freshman Claire Riley confirms this, as she reflects on one of her characters, Aaron Kriefels: “…he is a very inspiring character who encourages people to take action. He’s not afraid to show what he’s feeling and instead of running away, he did something about the situation.”

As the production dates come closer, the cast is beginning to put last minute details in place. And being personally involved in the production, I can assure potential audience members that it is an inspiring, powerful play of love, raw emotion, and unrestrained reality. The show will be at the Sparta High School auditorium at 7pm on November 19, 20, and 21, with a 2pm matinee Saturday afternoon – the cast looks forward to seeing you then!

Nov. 19 & 21: Claire Riley, Carly Marquez, Emily Johnson, Isabelle Baptista, Brendan O’Hara, Brent Bloomgren, Kaela Panicucci, Jamie Corter, Maddie Cuan, Taina Brantley, Chelsea Dauphinee, Sylvia Kloian, Sarah Hoffman, Julia Miller, Jessica Longstreth, Natalie Strouse, Juleanna Green

Nov. 20 & 21 (2 pm): Jack Muino, Henry Silberstein, Becca Senatore, Joe Spekhardt, Brittany Galvin, Wil Maloney, Elizabeth Bottoni, Emma Rust, Georgia Waehler, Nina Strowe, Ashley Smetana, Julia Ianuzzi, Lomaani Ranasinghe, Kasey Senatore, Alex Schuessler