The University of Scranton Players to present ‘The Laramie Project’

SCRANTON — The University of Scranton Players will present “The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, directed by Bob E. Gasper, Oct. 12-14 and 19-21. Performances will take place in the Royal Theatre in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows will start at 2 p.m.

“The Laramie Project” recalls the aftermath of the brutal murder of 21-year-old college student Matthew Shepard through interviews of the residents of Laramie, Wyoming, conducted by the Tectonic Theatre Project. Shepard was beaten to death in the outskirts of Laramie for being gay. His death sparked outrage in communities across the nation and led to landmark hate crime legislation named in his honor.

This year marks 20 years since Shepard’s murder. The Players plan to honor his memory by opening their production on the day of his death. Additionally, the Players will host post-show discussions after both Saturday performances to offer an open space where people can explore and process Shepard’s story.

The production features Ali Basalyga, of Scranton; Shaye Santos, of Wrightstown, N.J.; Holly Ferrence, of Harding; Samantha Gurn, of Brackney; Catherine Karpiak, of Scranton; Jim Shygelski, of Scranton; Peter Sims, of Yardley; Nicholas Yanni, of Scranton; Matthew Valunas of Dunmore; and Dalton Gorden, of Taylor.

For tickets, contact the Players box office at 570-941-4318 or visit us thescrantonplayers.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens, students, and University of Scranton faculty and staff. The second weekend shows are free for first-year students.

Cast members for The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project’ are, from left, front row, Catherine Karpiak, Dalton Gorden, Nicholas Yanni, Ali Basalyga, Peter Sims. Second row, Holly Ferrence, Jim Shygelski, Matthew Valunas, Shaye Santos and Samantha Gurn.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Players-1.jpg.optimal.jpgCast members for The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project’ are, from left, front row, Catherine Karpiak, Dalton Gorden, Nicholas Yanni, Ali Basalyga, Peter Sims. Second row, Holly Ferrence, Jim Shygelski, Matthew Valunas, Shaye Santos and Samantha Gurn. Submitted photos

From left, Dalton Gorden, Peter Sims, and Shaye Santos rehearse a scene from The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project.’

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Players-2.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, Dalton Gorden, Peter Sims, and Shaye Santos rehearse a scene from The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project.’ Submitted photos

Cast members for The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project’ are, from left, front row, Holly Ferrence, Dalton Gorden, Nicholas Yanni, Ali Basalyga, Peter Sims. Second row, Catherine Karpiak, Jim Shygelski, Matthew Valunas, Shaye Santos and Samantha Gurn.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Players-3.jpg.optimal.jpgCast members for The University of Scranton Players’ production of ‘The Laramie Project’ are, from left, front row, Holly Ferrence, Dalton Gorden, Nicholas Yanni, Ali Basalyga, Peter Sims. Second row, Catherine Karpiak, Jim Shygelski, Matthew Valunas, Shaye Santos and Samantha Gurn. Submitted photos