Neo-nazis can be quite loud and obnoxious, but there’s a new work of art that is ready to drown out their ugly noise. “Parade,” opening tonight on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, is that extraordinary and confident masterpiece. With its serendipitous advertising slogan – “This Is Not Over Yet” – borrowed from one of the most powerful songs in its beautiful score, the revival of 1998’s “Parade” arrives just when it’s needed most. It provides an eloquent response to the rise in antisemitism, making it clear that hate has no place in our society. The hate group that protested outside the show’s first preview quickly realized they were no match for the powerful message of “Parade” and haven’t returned since.
This production of “Parade” is truly remarkable. With a cast as talented as it is large, led by the incredible voices of Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, it brings the story to life with artistry and theatrical expertise. Set in 1913 Georgia, “Parade” tackles important issues with grace and skill. It tells the true story of Leo and Lucille Frank, a Jewish couple whose lives were destroyed by false accusations. Leo was wrongly convicted for the rape and murder of a young girl and faced a death sentence. The case, still under re-evaluation today, highlights the injustice and antisemitism that plagued the time. The musical explores their heartbreaking journey and the complexities of their marriage.
Directed by Michael Arden, “Parade” showcases the incredible talents of Platt and Diamond as they portray Leo and Lucille Frank. Their performances are captivating and moving. The show delves into the dark history of the events surrounding the case, shedding light on the prejudice and violence that Leo faced. It’s not your typical Broadway musical, but that’s what makes it so powerful. The combination of Uhry’s compelling book and Brown’s beautiful music creates a production that is both engaging and poignant.
However, every production of “Parade” faces its challenges. The story can become ponderous if it moves too slowly, and the delicate power dynamics can crumble if the wrong performers are cast. The score, which has the potential to soar, relies on stellar singers. Thankfully, Arden, Platt, and Diamond have ensured that this revival of “Parade” is a triumph. They have brought the story to life with passion and skill, creating a production that is commanding and unforgettable.
“Parade” is a must-see musical that tackles important themes and showcases the best of Broadway talent. It’s a work of art that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary production.Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing production of Parade. With a talented cast of 33 individuals, including standout performances from Alex Joseph Grayson, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Danielle Lee Greaves, this rendition of Parade is undoubtedly one of the best interpretations of the Uhry-Brown work that you will ever witness.
The set, designed by Dane Laffrey, is a visual masterpiece. A raised, boxy, center-stage platform serves as a versatile backdrop, evoking images of witness stands, boxing rings, wooden gallows, and old-timey bandstands. As the story unfolds, the stage seamlessly transitions from home to pencil factory, chain gang roadside to governor’s mansion, with each location change accompanied by unsettling historical photographs projected against the back wall. These haunting images serve as a reminder that the characters we see singing and dancing were once real people who walked this earth.
Most audience members will be familiar with the historical context of the story, which begins in 1913. Leo Frank, a Jewish man from Brooklyn who relocated to Marietta, Georgia to work in a pencil factory, is accused of the horrific murder of young Mary. The events leading up to the crime are skillfully portrayed by Uhry’s book, subtly highlighting the stark differences in worldviews between Leo and his wife Lucille, both Jews raised on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Their disagreement over working on “Confederate Memorial Day” sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds.
The character of Mary is introduced early on, dressed in her holiday-picnic attire and clutching a white balloon. Her flirtatious exchange with a local boy foreshadows a movie date that will never happen. Mary’s death is symbolized on stage by the release and ascension of the balloon, a poignant moment that showcases the production’s attention to detail.
Throughout the story, we are introduced to a diverse array of characters, including a corrupt prosecutor, a guilt-ridden governor, a racist judge, an antisemitic newspaper publisher, and the Black servants who observe the injustice of a white man’s hanging while their own community suffers. These characters are brought to life through powerful performances and memorable musical numbers, such as the Act II opening number “Rumblin’ and a Rollin'” and the trio of Mary’s lying friends singing “Factory Girls.”
However, it is Leo and Lucille who truly steal the show. Ben Platt’s portrayal of Leo is nothing short of extraordinary. His vocals are breathtaking, effortlessly reaching high notes and resonating with emotional depth. While Platt’s onscreen performances have been hit or miss, his stage presence, acting skills, and singing prowess firmly establish him as one of Broadway’s brightest stars. Co-star Jessica Diamond matches Platt every step of the way, delivering a stunning performance that showcases her incredible talent.
Prepare to be moved, enthralled, and deeply affected by the powerful performances and masterful storytelling of Parade. This production is a must-see for any theater enthusiast.Leo’s Statement: “It’s Hard to Speak My Heart”, Diamond’s “You Don’t Know This Man”. Director Arden and choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant & Christopher Cree Grant don’t skimp on the big ensemble numbers either, reaching a rousing (and menacing) “Where Will You Stand When the Flood Comes?” Sure, we know where this mob will stand come the flood, but that knowledge does little to soften the blow when Platt’s Leo, dressed only in the nightshirt he was wearing when abducted (costumer designer Susan Hilferty’s work is top notch throughout), drops to his death in a bit of stagecraft that, while not quite as gasp-inducing as a similar scene in last year’s Hangmen, still packs its punch. In a brief coda that jumps to the present day, the actors who played that long-ago Confederate soldier and his sweetheart take the stage in modern dress as a young couple happily picnicking on the very site where a plaque marks the spot of Frank’s lynching. It’s a purposely ambiguous scene, perhaps hopeful, more likely not. A projection reminds us that Frank’s case, reopened in 2019, remains officially unresolved.
Title: Parade
Venue: Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Director: Michael Arden
Book: Alfred Uhry
Music: Jason Robert Brown
Cast: Ben Platt, Micaela Diamond, Alex Joseph Grayson, Sean Allan Krill, Howard McGillin, Paul Alexander Nolan, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kelli Barrett, Courtnee Carter, Eddie Cooper, Erin Rose Doyle, Tony Award nominee Manoel Felciano, Danielle Lee Greaves, Douglas Lyons, Jake Pedersen, Florrie Bagel, Stacie Bono, Max Chernin, Emily Rose DeMartino, Christopher Gurr, Beth Kirkpatrick, Ashlyn Maddox, Sophia Manicone, William Michals, Jackson Teeley, Charlie Webb.
Running time: 2 hr 30 min (including intermission)
