Tana is in her first show EVER and it is here with GCT!

Tana is a midwife and nurse practitioner with a longstanding love for theater and commitment to social justice. Throughout childhood she would perform musicals and original pieces for her parents in their living room. As a teenager, the Swift Creek Mill Theater was her favorite hangout spot. During her service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, she directed a camp for school age children to write and perform educational sketches on health topics. The Laramie Project is Tana’s formal theatrical debut.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Because it’s a true story composed of unscripted interviews, there are moments of joy, uncertainty, humor, anger, and so on. It’s challenging sometimes to lean into a full range of emotions while dealing subject matter that is quite tragic. But that mix of emotion is part of what makes it so relatable.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Every time Matthew Shepard’s story is heard, that’s another opportunity for him to change the world for the better. I wanted to be part of bringing his story to life here in our part of the world.

Who should not come see this show?

Kids less than about 15 years old should probably sit this one out. TW: adult language and discussions of violence, sexuality, and drug use.

As you play many characters, can you tell us which one is most like you and which one is least like you?  And why?

Of my characters, Officer Reggie Fluty is probably most like me, as someone who cares about helping others and has a quirky sense of humor. Kristen Price is least like me, as she tries to defend acts of hatred.

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?

I imagine I would enjoy playing Matt Galloway, though I know his character is in good hands with my castmate and dear friend, Jamie.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

I think folks will be thinking, “how can we cultivate more understanding in our community among people with different backgrounds so that we meet each other with kindness and not fear or hate?”

How is this production bringing something, if anything, new to this story?

I see this production as something like a relay race, in which the baton is Matthew Shepard’s story. Each audience, cast, and crew member takes hold of that baton and finds their own unique way of keeping his memory alive and making the world safer, kinder, more beautiful.

Why should audiences be excited for this show? 

This story is powerful and real. You can look forward to seeing how some regular people stood up for what was right when their whole community was hurt by a horrendous tragedy. You’ll be witnessing the transformative power of compassion.