E. Texas rallies behind 'The Laramie Project'

This little girl had a message for Matthew Shepard, or perhaps gay Tyler murder victim Nicholas West.

Trinity Wheeler, the gay Tyler native turned big-time New York stage manager who’s directing a production of “The Laramie Project” in his hometown this summer, sent over these photos of the rally that was held in support of the play Tuesday afternoon outside the Tyler Civic Theatre.
Wheeler said it was “quite a scene” as about 100 supporters, along with a few opponents, gathered outside a board meeting where members ultimately voted to reapprove “The Laramie Project.” The board had uanimously signed off on the production in March, but in response to letters of concern from citizens, “The Laramie Project” was pulled from the theater’s Web site last week and the re-vote scheduled. Some board members reportedly were concerned that the play about gay murder victim Matthew Shepard would hurt the already struggling theater in the conservative East Texas town. But Wheeler said now that the play has been reapproved, organizers are already considering additional performance dates to accommodate all those who want to see it. Tickets for  currently scheduled performances June 17-19 will go on sale May 1, and we trust that you’ll be able to purchase them on said Web site by going here.
More pics after the jump.