An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard
An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard is an intimate and deeply moving play by Mike Broemmel that brings audiences into a moment shared by Matthew Shepard and his mother, Judy. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality that ended Matthew’s life, the play centers the young man behind the headlines—a beloved son whose humor, hopes, fears, and humanity deserve to be remembered.
Tender, haunting, and ultimately hopeful, An Echoing Spring explores the enduring power of a mother’s love and the urgent need to stand against hatred. Through Matthew’s story, the play asks audiences not merely to remember what happened, but to consider the responsibility each of us carries to build a kinder and more courageous world. “On the coldest night of winter, I pray you hear an echo of spring.”
Returning to the Stage - Winter 2026
This winter, An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard returns to the stage, bringing audiences together once again to remember Matthew not simply as the victim of a brutal crime, but as a son, a friend and a young man whose life continues to call us toward compassion. Through the deeply personal bond between Matthew and his mother, Judy, the play explores grief, enduring love and the courage required to confront hatred without surrendering hope
Its return comes at a time when Matthew’s story—and the lessons it carries—remains urgently relevant. An Echoing Spring asks audiences to do more than remember: it challenges each of us to stand against cruelty, protect those made vulnerable by prejudice and help build a world in which every person can live openly and safely. This winter, the play’s message will be heard anew: “On the coldest night of winter, I pray you hear an echo of spring.”
The Importance of An Echoing Spring
An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard matters because Matthew’s story remains tragically relevant. At a time when LGBTQ+ people—particularly young people—continue to confront hatred, intimidation, and violence, the play reminds audiences of the human life behind the headlines. Matthew was more than the victim of a horrific crime. He was a son with dreams, fears, humor, and an enduring capacity for hope.
The play also speaks to our responsibility after remembrance. Through the bond between Matthew and his mother, Judy, An Echoing Spring asks audiences to consider how love can answer cruelty and how ordinary people can refuse to remain silent in the presence of hate. Remembering Matthew must mean more than mourning what was lost; it must strengthen our resolve to create a world in which every person can live openly, safely, and without fear.
“On the coldest night of winter, I pray you hear an echo of spring.”
Cast & Crew of An Echoing Spring
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Kathy Trageser as Judy Shepard
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Director
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Director
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Mike Broemmel - Playwright
Julian Harris as Matthew Shepard
UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Director
Mike Broemmel is an internationally produced, critically acclaimed and award-winning American playwright whose work has been staged across the United States, Off-Broadway and abroad. During the past 20 years, more than three dozen of his plays have reached the stage, including An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard. Broemmel is the
Mike Broemmel is an internationally produced, critically acclaimed and award-winning American playwright whose work has been staged across the United States, Off-Broadway and abroad. During the past 20 years, more than three dozen of his plays have reached the stage, including An Echoing Spring: A Story of Matthew Shepard. Broemmel is the resident playwright at Act One Productions, creator of the Iconic Women Theatre Series and creative director of the Lavender Theatre Festival. His guiding philosophy is simple: “Theatre that makes a difference.”