News & Events 2005-2006

Blair Academy Players Open Their Season

The Blair Academy Players opened their 2005-06 season on Wednesday, November 2, with “The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project. The production runs November 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wean Studio Theatre of the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts. Please note that this play is suitable for mature audiences only.

According to director Craig Evans, chair of the performing arts department, “In October, 1998, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. Their more than 200 interviews make up this deeply moving theatrical experience in a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable.”

Taking on multiple roles is a cast of 20, including Ed Albanese ’07, Mike Breslin ’09, Meg Fry ’06, Cassandra Gardiner ’07, Grace Huntley ’06, Chris Jones ’06, Henry Kozinski ’07, Susan Landenwitsch ’07, Todd Lewis ’08, Jordy Liebowitz ’06, Keegan McDonald ’07, Rebecca McGoldrick ’08, Sarah Pearson ’06, Griffin Randolph ’07, Michael Richards ’08, Tessa Rubel ’08, Cricket Snyder ’06, Tina Tozzi ’08, Kyle Turner ’06 and Gabriella Zlocki ’07. The student director is Kathy Kim ’06. The production’s technical director is Wayne Rasmussen.

Craig added, “The Laramie Project is a unique theatrical event, allowing the audience to look into the soul of a town where a hate crime became a national tragedy. Brutal in its honesty and striking in its use of the stage, this play continues the national dialogue on gay issues, offering true testimony from those affected by the crime – in essence, an entire town. Critics called it a reverse ‘Our Town,’ forcing the audience to ask, “Could that happen in my town?” 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. Reservations may be made by calling Craig Evans at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5682.

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