Parade

Gallery Players are reknowned for not shying away from the more controversial subject matter in their productions and this was no exception.  Alfred Uhry wrote the script for Parade, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. It premiered on Broadway in 1998 with a new version performed in 2015. The production is described by MTI as “amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, it explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds”.  It is, a powerful and moving piece of theatre.

Based on the harrowing but true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man in Atlanta who was convicted of raping and killing a  thirteen year old girl who was employed in a pencil factory where he was a Manager. Leo was played by Matt Jewson, displaying his utter disbelief, distress and highly emotional feelings of being accused of this crime. This was a difficult role which he achieved with total conviction giving a very polished performance.  Alex Johnson is his wife, Lucille Frank, her excellent performance was poignant and touching as she brought an affinity and warmth to her role as she stood by her husband in the hope of seeing him pardoned of the crime.

The large and hugely talented cast, too numerous to mention individually, all gave amazing, emotional and polished performances and were totally ‘in the zone’ throughout all their time on stage, especially in the crowd scenes. It had been written in such a way that all the characters were absolutely vital to the plot, some playing dual roles and were in no way just supporting actors.  The score it needs saying is technically a very difficult one, and was well achieved with several very complicated harmonies. Practically every character had their own solos which they all performed confidently along with the group numbers which were strong and powerful under the excellent leadership of Matthew Snow along with his musicians.

Director and choreographer, Wade, had skillfully designed and plotted the production with all the moves being totally choreographed.  There was only one scene where the characters actually ‘danced’ which brought some light relief against the trauma of the other scenes.  Even the set dressing and changing was achieved in a choreographed way by the cast, totally naturally as they delivered their lines. It was actually a master-class in scene changing making it by far and away the least important thing that was going on onstage and without losing any pace whatsoever.

 The backdrop for the scenes were projected onto a cloth using newspaper cuttings and photos which helped to narrate the storyline. Costumes and hairdressing were all very appropriate for the setting, as was the lighting and sound, and complimented the production well.

 Gallery’s intimate theatre setting certainly gave their audience a totally immersive and thought provoking experience for this musical.  It was a disturbing and uncomfortable piece of theatre at times, highlighting the racial tensions and injustice that existed in America in the period after the civil war and some would say, still divides the Country today.

I repeat myself but this was a superbly performed and brilliantly choreographed production directed by Wade and staged by this highly talented group.

Catherine Dixey. NODA East Representative District E12

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