CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Later this month, Laramie County Community College Theatre students will stage “Orion,” a play that dives into themes of love, loss and self-discovery, in collaboration with New York–based professionals. Performances are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 14–16 and Nov. 21–23 at the LCCC Playhouse, 1400 E. College Drive. Tickets are $10, with free admission for students with ID.
Written by playwright Matthew McLachlan, “Orion” follows Sam and Gwen as they navigate the emotional aftermath of their breakup. With humor and honesty, the play uncovers the lasting impact of love and the reasons people cling to past relationships. Guided by friends, Sam tries to understand his place in Gwen’s life, while Gwen attempts to let go, according to a press release by LCCC.
In the week leading up to the premiere, McLachlan, along with producer D.J. Zayas and actress Amanda Jones — who originated the role of Gwen — will join students for final rehearsals. This hands-on opportunity with professionals is designed to bridge students’ classroom experience with the world of professional theater.
“What we need to be doing in our work as educators is closing the distance between class and the so-called ‘real world,’” LCCC Theatre Instructor Jason Pasqua stated. “Matt, DJ and Amanda are working theatre professionals. That world seems so far away and so inaccessible to our students that it’s hard to explain that yes, this is a real thing; yes, you can do it; and yes, you can be a part of it.”
The production also features student direction, with freshmen Michael Herda and Miles Fischer leading the cast. According to Pasqua, it’s virtually unheard of for freshmen or sophomore students to direct a MainStage production. Herda and Fischer’s approach, he noted, emphasizes honesty in performance rather than strict direction.
“The thing that almost everyone misunderstands about acting and directing is that it’s not about ‘how you say the lines,’” Pasqua stated. “It’s about what you’re doing with the lines and how you’re listening, really listening, to what the other person is saying and doing. Michael and Miles seem to understand that.”
Pasqua added that the production’s set is another unique aspect of the show. “We’ve made a very bold and complicated choice with the set. The students built it from scratch and the amount of thought and effort that went into realizing this design is breathtaking.”
Tickets for “Orion” can be purchased at the door or online at lccc.wy.edu/theatretickets. With this blend of professional insight and student innovation, LCCC Theatre’s “Orion” should be a memorable performance for the Cheyenne community.
