Shows at the Little Ardmore Theater can be a great escape from reality. But their newest production is about changing the reality of millions of bullied kids.

The goal of "The Laramie Project" is to put an end to bullying.

"I've never seen anything quite like it," said John Pryor, director of the play.

Pryor says the play focuses on the story of gay college student Matthew Shepard. He was murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998 because he was gay.

The tectonic theater project conducted hundreds of interviews, gathered news stories and wrote the play with sixty six characters in a series of short scenes.

"I think it's gonna be a challenge for me and for the actors to present it in a way that not only is meaningful, but something that is entertaining," Pryor said.

But this play isn't just about entertaining people, it's about sending a message to the outside public.

Pryor said it's about tolerance, understanding, and different parts of our society.

While many people agree with that statement, theater assistant Lucinda Hicks says that some playgoers don't see it that way.

"You get the religious right wing folks who are, you know, the westboro baptist church people and you get their side," Hicks said.

But no matter what you think, Hicks said we need to remember Matthew Shepard.

"He was someone's son. Someone's friend," she said.

And in that way, we're all the same.