Nick DeGruccio
Director, SDC/AEA/SAG
The Laramie Project
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
The Laramie Project
by Moisés Kaufman
and the Members of Tectonic Theatre Project
Colony Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse
June 1, 2002 (Colony) September 9, 2003 (Laguna)
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
2002 LA OVATION AWARDS
DIRECTION OF A PLAY
BEST PLAY
BEST ENSEMBLE
2002 BACKSTAGE GARLAND AWARD
ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE
"Laramie Project Powerfully Conveys Hope...A riveting presentation had Saturday's opening-night audience listening in absolute, attentive silence, except for outbursts of surprised laughter and scattered coughs as people choked back tears." - LA Times, Critic's Choice Darryl Miller
"A stunning and thought-provoking piece of theatre...Nick DeGruccio's savvy, fluid and energized direction never loses it's way and the onstage ensemble is absolutely stellar." - Variety Ed Kaufman
"This production, beautifully staged by Nick DeGruccio and eight superb actors, fills its three hours of stage time with unyielding humanity - at is best and worst." - LA Weekly, Critic's Pick Tom Provenzano
"Here under Nick DeGruccio's expert guidance, the actors are beyond praise, defining the meaning of selfless....this Laramie Project is a must-see experience of infinite importance." - In Magazine David Nichols
"Poignant moments underscore all sides of Wyoming tragedy...each member of the ensemble infuses such emotional depth into their characterizations that even the most minor vignette becomes memorable." - Daily News, 3 1/2 Stars Julio Martinez
"...so charged, so emotionally draining I defy anyone, regardless of his or her sexuality, not to shed a few tears in this purely theatrical depiction that produces a visceral reaction nearly impossible to explain...Personally, I couldn't even talk, opting out of the opening night reception for a silent car ride home with my friend." - Entertainment Today Travis Michael Holder
"It works like gangbusters under the fluid direction of Nick DeGruccio, who tempers the whole canvas with highlights and shading that not only give the staging a marvelous look and feel but also give deep insights into the strength of the ordinariness of the people depicted. He moves his eight cast members effortlessly on and off the stage from their large scenes to their individual portraits with taste and a a solid effectiveness. Under DeGruccio's guidance, not a moment is wasted or dimmed in the evening's portrait of despair, hope, bias, humor and fear. " - BackStage West, Critic's Choice T.H. McCullogh