The Theatre Huntsville production of “The Laramie Project” opens March 16 at the Von Braun Center Playhouse.

Gaylen Pugh of Madison is a cast member. In her extensive acting resume, Pugh portrayed “Big Mama” in last summer’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Theatre Huntsville.

“The Laramie Project” recounts the death of Matthew Shepherd, a 21-year-old college student who was gay. In October 1998, Shepherd was severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence in the prairie outside Laramie, Wyo. His bloody, battered body was not discovered until the next day.

Several days later, Shepherd died in an area hospital.

Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project created the play. This group spent 1.5 years traveling to Laramie after the beating and during the trial of Shepherd’s accused killers and conducted interviews with 200 townspeople, Theatre Huntsville publicist Leslie Bofill said.

“‘The Laramie Project’ is a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable,” Bofill said.

Along with Pugh, the cast includes Ann Sowby, Carlos Bofill, Christopher K. Carter, Enzie Willett, Jason Graham, Jeff White, Jeremy Woods, Jim Zielinski, Laurie Kellogg, Leslie Bofill, Samantha Musto, Sandy Federico, Shawn Tracey and Tripp Karrh.

Director Robbie Shafer is assisted by Donny Becht. Handling production responsibilities are producer Mark B. Moore, technical directors Russ Willet and Scott Trites, scenic artist Fred Sayers, stage manager Peter-John Sligting and stage properties by Vielka Pride.

This production contains mature language and is recommended for teenagers and adults.

Theatre Huntsville is a member of the Alabama Conference of Theatre and American Association of Community Theatres.

Show dates are March 16-17, 19 and 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 18 and 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for senior citizens older than 65, students and active-duty military personnel. Tickets are available online at yourseatiswaiting.org. Call 256-536-0807 for group rates or handicapped seating.