New York City
Chad Allen, Stockard Channing, Robert Desiderio, Van Hansis, Judith Light , Kathy Najimy, and Mary-Louise Parker star in a special reading of The Laramie Project as a benefit for The Matthew Shepard Foundation. The event is directed by Moisés Kaufman, who helped create the show. It is hosted by Tipper Gore and also features a special live performance by singer-actress Cyndi Lauper.
The Laramie Project was created in the wake of Matthew Shepard’s murder near Laramie, Wyoming in 1998, as Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project interviewed residents of Laramie about the crime. The work premiered in Denver in 2000, followed by a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run. An HBO film version featuring many celebrities was first telecast in 2002.
At the December 1 event, Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard, will present Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project with the group’s “Making a Difference” Award.