“Parade“, a musical, is based on a true story centered around the 1913 story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager who is wrongfully accused of the rape and murder of Mary Phagan. The trial, verdict and how things actually played out in history are set out in this powerful production thru dialogue and music.

Joining the conversation is actor Chris Shyer who plays Governor Slaton in the show. Setting out the plot and discussing audience reaction is just part of the conversation. For those watching/listening to the interview on WGNRadio.com or other podcast platforms, stay tuned for the BONUS conversation which continues after the WGN+ TV stream version comes to a close.

“Parade” is playing at the CIBC Theatre from August 5th through the 17th and tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Review:

PARADE

By:

Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain: WGN+ ; WGNRadio.com

****/4

Don’t let this Parade pass you by!! This amazing Tony Award winning Revival is stunning, powerful, thought provoking and incredibly timely today.

This revival production of Parade has a classic score by Jason Robert Brown (Bridges of Madison County and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) which is captivating…the lyrics, the music…brilliant.

The story is true. Leo Frank, a Jewish man is wrongfully accused of murdering a young girl in 1913 Georgia; the musical takes on, not only the story, but also sets out the deep rooted themes of antisemitism, racism and so much more which all resonate strongly today. The story may be a century old, but the underlying issues continue today.

The performances are universally superb. Max Chernin (who was part of the original Revival cast on Broadway) as Leo Frank will leave you with little doubt that he understands this actual historical figure and presents him with a sense of determination and intensity that is compelling. He is matched by Talia Suskauer (formerly Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway) who plays Leo’s wife Lucille Frank. There are characters you might want to call horrible people but they have to be viewed within the racist pressures of that day. Some think today’s jury and justice system is rigged, well, it doesn’t compare to what apparently went on back in 1915 at trial time.

There is an historic figure who can likely be viewed as a good guy. Chris Shyer as Governor Stayton is sincere and presents a politician as we wish all could be these days.

Parade is impactful….it will have you up thinking and talking about it through the night…and it has many a lesson to teach us asking the questions that should have been asked back in that time.

The story is real…these people were real…and you can look them up and check them out and decide for yourself who committed the murder of a young Mary Phagan. Will we ever know? Does the production answer the question? Only one way to find out….march right over to get tickets and see this powerful Parade!

Parade plays through August 17th at Broadway in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre and tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com