Pueblo Theater Takes Bold Stand with Matthew Shepard Story, Sparking Important Colorado Dialogue

As Pride Month unfolds across Colorado, Pueblo's Steel City Theatre Company is courageously bringing a powerful piece of regional history to the stage that resonates deeply with Rocky Mountain communities. The company's production of "The Laramie Project" chronicles the tragic 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard just across Wyoming's southern border, a story that continues to impact conversations about acceptance and safety in Colorado communities.

"These conversations are really important, especially as we're looking at some hate crimes against trans people," explains Andrea Garrett, managing director of Steel City Theatre Company. The production's timing proves particularly relevant as Colorado communities work to foster inclusivity while facing ongoing challenges.

Local Impact and Response

The documentary-style production features over 60 different perspectives from Laramie residents, offering Colorado audiences a mirror to examine their own community attitudes. While the theater company has faced some social media pushback, Garrett notes that most negative responses have come from outside the immediate Pueblo area:

"Not a lot of the commenters have been local to Pueblo," Garrett reveals. "Most of it has just been some comments about 'that lifestyle is wrong. I don't appreciate this lifestyle,' but actually not talking about the show specifically."

Cast Members Emphasize Contemporary Relevance

Local performers stress the production's significance for modern Colorado audiences. Cast member Zachary Price explains, "I think the message here is not only presenting Matthew Shepard's story, but also everyone else's story around it."

Fellow performer Macie Gross adds: "I just feel it's very, very important to do this now to show people like, 'Hey, this is what's going on. This is still an issue, and this is still something we need to worry about.'"

Community Impact

• Runs June 12-21 at Steel City Theatre Company in downtown Pueblo
• Features perspectives from diverse community voices including law enforcement, medical professionals, and local residents
• Addresses ongoing concerns about hate crimes and community safety in Colorado
• Promotes dialogue about acceptance in Southern Colorado communities

For Colorado families seeking to engage in meaningful conversations about inclusion and community values, this local production offers a powerful starting point. The theater's location in downtown Pueblo makes it accessible to residents throughout Southern Colorado who wish to experience this important piece of regional history and its contemporary relevance.

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