12/11/2015
The powerful theatrical experience of THE LARAMIE PROJECT aside... what really takes my breath away has been watching the evolution of these thirteen individual actors each of whom play a myriad of roles.
We've had first-timer Noah Hinojos who, in just the two weeks that I've been with the show, has grown into a remarkably very naturalistic actor, with a presence onstage and off that's relaxed and charismatic. The very same compliments can be made of Morgan McKeehan, who is certainly no stranger to the Odessa stage, but remains one of the most gifted and relentlessly underutilized talents in the area.
Jaci Inzer, Mark 10's very own intern, absolutely blossomed through the rehearsal process, which was so exciting to see, as was the transformation of Haley Houston Hudnall from an Odessa child star (one of my first Tadpole Company members) into a lovely, engaging adult actress upon her return to the stage this year.
And it is always fascinating to see the detail and subtle but meticulous variations that Paul Oeser IV uses to distinguish his roles. And my love for Andrea Harbin, of course, is profound and everlasting.
Tip of the iceberg. TIP of the ICEBERG. All in all, it's been a remarkable show to watch, over and over, and a kind of humbling experience to be performing among this whole ensemble.
I want to thank my three fellow-producers. Jonathon, who agreed with his usual artistic passion to take this show from me so I wouldn't be overwhelmed at the tail of my season. Jackie, who has always made all things possible. And Erica, the amazing wonderful, fabulous Erica Palay whose dramaturgy was essential and SUCH a blessing. She needs to be reminded on an hourly basis what a gift she is to our theatre community.
Much of what Mark 10 Theatricals’ “The Laramie Project” resonates today – even 17 years later. In the Moises Kaufman and Tectonic Theater Project play about the murder of Matthew Shepard, the tones of violence and hate are echoed in the present. In the wake of mass shootings, small town prejudices a…