Wyoming 1879

by Kim E. Ruyle

[Full-Length]
Claire, a young schoolteacher in frontier Wyoming, seeks revenge after the notorious outlaws, George “Big Nose” Parrot and “Dutch Charlie” Burris, murder her fiancé. Her decisions are shaped by three suitors who have very different world views. Lillian, a precocious teenager, helps Claire consider the propriety of the suitors and guides her through the turbulent political climate in Rawlins....

[Full-Length]
Claire, a young schoolteacher in frontier Wyoming, seeks revenge after the notorious outlaws, George “Big Nose” Parrot and “Dutch Charlie” Burris, murder her fiancé. Her decisions are shaped by three suitors who have very different world views. Lillian, a precocious teenager, helps Claire consider the propriety of the suitors and guides her through the turbulent political climate in Rawlins. Fannie, a local barmaid, provides a means for Claire to exact revenge. The western frontier is a dangerous place, and the way Claire chooses to deal with violence, revenge, and romance has profound consequences.

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Wyoming 1879

Recommended by

  • Charles Scott Jones: Wyoming 1879 by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    The research that must have gone into WYOMING 1879 is impressive, with diction reminiscent of the HBO series Deadwood. Kim Ruyle has crafted a Western drama for our times with strong female characters, and yet it sits firmly in its own. Kim deftly weaves in the science, religion, and literature of its day, each area represented as a suitor to Claire the school teacher. The future doctor Lillian is a hoot. Wildly visceral resolution. The use of the Tolstoy quote is inspired. Wonderful! [5-31-26]

    The research that must have gone into WYOMING 1879 is impressive, with diction reminiscent of the HBO series Deadwood. Kim Ruyle has crafted a Western drama for our times with strong female characters, and yet it sits firmly in its own. Kim deftly weaves in the science, religion, and literature of its day, each area represented as a suitor to Claire the school teacher. The future doctor Lillian is a hoot. Wildly visceral resolution. The use of the Tolstoy quote is inspired. Wonderful! [5-31-26]

    ”
  • Ken Love: Wyoming 1879 by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    This is a unique and wholly engaging take on the revenge tale. With premonitions of the Women's movement and the Age of Reason, Kim E. Ruyle's "Wyoming 1879" is a play of ideas, the yearning for literature, death, high drama and the tumult of the American West. And I must mention the vivid and highly believable characters who drive this compelling piece. Kudos!!!

    This is a unique and wholly engaging take on the revenge tale. With premonitions of the Women's movement and the Age of Reason, Kim E. Ruyle's "Wyoming 1879" is a play of ideas, the yearning for literature, death, high drama and the tumult of the American West. And I must mention the vivid and highly believable characters who drive this compelling piece. Kudos!!!

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: Wyoming 1879 by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Love the setting, the time period, the feisty Lillian and the clear characterizations throughout this fast-paced romantic period drama. Bravo, playwright.

    Love the setting, the time period, the feisty Lillian and the clear characterizations throughout this fast-paced romantic period drama. Bravo, playwright.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
CLAIRE ROUSSEAU Female. White. 20. A schoolteacher.
TOMMY GILLY Male. White. 21. A hostler who owns and manages a horse stable.
LILLIAN HEATH Female. White. 13. Former student of Claire and aspiring physician.
FANNIE BROWN Female. Black. 20. A barmaid.
JESSE MILLER Male. White. 28. A druggist and fledgling scientist.
WILLIE CONWAY Male. White. 32. A Bible-thumping preacher and widow.
TIP VINCENT A Union Pacific detective. Doubled with Jesse Miller.
BOB WIDDOWFIELD A Carbon County deputy sheriff. Doubled with Willie Conway.

Awards

  • 2nd Round Selection in Austin Film Festival Stage Play Competition
    Austin Film Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2025
  • Scriptwriters & Co International Festival, Full-Length Play Script Category.
    Scriptwriters & Co
    Finalist
    2025
  • 2026 Stanley Drama Award
    Wagner College
    Semi-Finalist
    2025