Parade is one of the most astounding shows I’ve ever seen. Parade shows that antisemitism dates back to a time before the Holocaust. The musical honors Leo Frank’s life by portraying him as someone who never gave into hate. The themes of hate, politics, and mob mentality are all themes that really stuck with me.
To begin with, Jason Robert Brown’s score is gorgeous between his expert lyricism and orchestrations. He always manages to encapsulate exactly how a character is feeling. It’s like the audience is inside the character’s brain and we’re hearing every thought that crosses their minds. But Brown is able to organize these thoughts in such a beautiful way with metaphors and rhymes. Every single melody he writes is beyond beautiful and complex.
The repetitive beat of the drums that Brown incorporates are reminiscent of a band playing in a parade, hinting of the one that occurred on the day of the crime. Brown’s music flowed seamlessly through the dialogue so well that one hardly notices the characters are breaking out into song. I truly believe that Brown is one of the best Broadway composers of our day.
Of course Ben Platt’s voice compliments the score perfectly. Platt has one of the most magical and unique voices out there. Every note that comes out of him is heavenly. Platt is an incredible Leo Frank, but this show is truly a ensemble piece. Every person apart of the cast has a purpose and adds to the show.
I loved how the song “It’s hard to speak my heart” is a testament to Frank’s love for his wife,Lucille. He isn’t trying to prove himself to anyone, but her. He cares most about what she thinks of him because he is deeply in love with her. Platt and Diamond pull off a love that is genuine and pure.
I also enjoyed the set and how the wooden piece in the middle of the stage was elevated (I appreciate this as a shorter person). This choice allows audience members to hone in on what is at the forefront during a scene, like during the trial or when Lucille has a “picnic” with Leo while he’s in jail. It was interesting that the creative team made use of some of the box seats for characters, like the governor. After all, the governor wouldn’t be watching the trial among the common folk. I felt that this made the production a bit more immersive and it’s not something typically done in American theatre.
I also appreciated the projections. Not only did the projections relay the setting and timeline for those who aren’t familiar with the history, but it was used to create several backgrounds. The projection for the jail was dark and shadowy with just a couple windows, while the projections for Georgia were beautiful hills and valleys.
Additionally, I think it’s important that Parade unpacks colorism. Leo Frank is a white man who experienced a significant deal of antisemitism. However, racism against people of color (especially in the south) was also prevalent as slavery had only officially ended about 50 years before Parade takes place. That being said, it’s prominent that songs such as, “A Rumblin’ and a Rollin’” dive into the thoughts of people of color. The characters who sing this song are frustrated that Frank is getting so much attention when their constant battle of racism has never been at the forefront of issues for most Americans.
Parade is certainly a commentary on politics and the flaws within the U.S. One scene that was particularly memorable was when Lucille was asking the governor to do something about Leo’s case, but he shuts her down, acting like he doesn’t have the power to do so. She stands up to him and tells him he does have the power because he is the governor. All too often in America elected officials ignore problems of the people and act like they cannot do anything to change an issue, when in fact they can.
Parade also pays so much attention to detail. At one point, the character Newt mentions that Leo does a sort of nervous tick with his hands. Platt does this movement throughout the show and he does it a significant amount when Newt testifies in court. Frank is seen in the way that the people testifying remember him.
Something I have been questioning is if Parade attempts to humanize the people involved with Frank’s conviction. And to be honest, I’m not sure. On one hand, everyone seemingly has a motive to persecute Frank. Many of them were more concerned with getting in trouble themselves, so they felt compelled to blame Frank. But at some points these people are portrayed as completely evil. It’s hard to say because each character is so deep. Every one of them has their own ideas and wants.
Parade is a meticulous show that left me shaking in my seat. It’s haunting, it’s beautiful, it’s powerful. The meaning of Parade will continue to hold up for centuries to come. If you see one revival this season, see Parade.
Ben Platt exiting the stage door of the Jacobs theatre.
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