The Laramie Project Reviews
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...But the play speaks to more than LGBTQ+ issues. It addresses fundamental questions that are more relevant than ever in our divided, angry nation. Will we allow ourselves to be shaped by hate or compassion? Cruelty or kindness? Fear or hope?"
Windy City Times- Recommended
"...What Bertelsen and his cast don't lose sight of is that it's not possible to pin down one definitive narrative on what Matthew Shepard's life and death meant for Laramie and beyond. But amid the cacophony of media reports and ruminations upon whether anything has really changed in a big way for LGBTQ people, it's clear that Shepard's death did cause at least some in Laramie to re-examine their values and beliefs, or claim them with a stronger sense of public purpose."
Third Coast Review- Recommended
"...AstonRep Theatre Company marks the anniversary with a stirring production of The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project. It’s a documentary-style play that gives voice to members of the Laramie community—a roster of more than 60 citizens played by 12 actors. Derek Bertelsen directs the actors, who move skillfully from character to character with changes in voice, body language and an occasional accessory addition."
Chicago On Stage- Highly Recommended
"...The Laramie Project is one of those shows where the script alone almost assures a strong production, but this is one of the finest you could see. Every element comes together in perfect harmony to make the horrifying and emotional tale stay with you long after the play ends. It is a moving example of what theatre can be."
Picture This Post- Somewhat Recommended
"...There is passion behind this particular production, and it’s very clear that everyone involved is treating the material and the history of Matthew Shepard with care and respect. From this performer’s viewpoint, the show would benefit from more rehearsal, in several aspects, and the production doesn’t bring any radically new perspectives or nuances to the 2000 play. That being said, the true text and real people still have a lasting effect, and the effects of hate crimes such as Matthew’s provide chilling context for today."
Splash Magazine- Highly Recommended
"...All characters in The Laramie Project are based on real individuals, many of whom waived anonymity; the characters step forward, introduced by narrators, and speak as though the subject of an interview. The resulting moments tell a story of a time and place, of a crime and it’s aftermath, of a trial, convictions and sentencing, of ruined/lost lives. The non-linear presentation and unselfconscious real words are chilling in their depictions of what Hannah Arendt called “the banality of evil”, as well as in the humane expressions of a myriad forms of regret."