Parade

Putting on this musical was clearly a passion project for director Jake and his choice of putting it on in Progress Theatre which has a relatively small stage, and an intimate feel was a good one. It enabled the story’s gritty reality to permeate the whole theatre. This feeling was enhanced by some excellent and realistic portrayals from many of the actors who clearly fully understand their characters and the story they were telling. The scenes flowed naturally, helped by the minimal set and the set pieces being moved by the cast. Although the musical is predominantly about bigotry and injustice and the corrupt trial of Leo Frank and his subsequent lynching, it is also a study of human nature and relationships and the development of Leo’s understanding of the situation that he was in and his growing appreciation for his wife Lucille and their genuine love for each other. 

The music was moving and evocative, with many different musical styles. Many of the songs were challenging for the singers due to atypical accompaniments and rhythm and tempo changes. Laurence, the musical director had clearly hard worked with the cast so that they mastered the complex music and singing with real and raw emotion. Interspersed in the tense and grittiness was music influenced by ragtime, blues and gospel which gave lighter moments for both the cast and the audience. 

This is not an easy production to watch as it is based on a real story which deals with injustice, corruption and coercion, it was however powerful moving and one which stays with you after you leave the theatre.

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