Parade! The Broadway Revival

History and Broadway have been a growing theme in booming productions recently. Rather it lands on the idea of a historical time period or truly talks about a piece of the past. We see this in Hamilton, Hadestown, A Bronx Tale, and Miss Saigon. And Parade is simply the next star. Especially with the important information of it being a revival to help spread awareness and to keep you entertained with the power of love.

On March 16, Parade reopened on Broadway, headlined by Tony winner Ben Platt as Leo Frank and newcomer Micaela Diamond as his wife, Lucille

Leo Frank was charged with the murder of Mary Phageon in 1912. The case was reopened several years ago in an attempt to find out the truth from one of America's most sensational cases. The Frank case opened a deep vein of anti-Semitism within America. It unleashed furies that remain part of the national psyche. This is why there are books, stories, and a Broadway show to help bring awareness to this case and the anti-Semitism, racial divide, and sensationalized media in today's news.

Photo taken from Playbill

Frank's tragedy isn't an isolated incident, but rather another needle in the haystack of injustice that continues to prick us to this day that everyone tries to ignore. This is portrayed in the corrupt politicians within the show. First, we meet Governor Slaton. Then we meet prosecutor Hugh Dorsey with the following reporter trying to get all the dirt they can — that select Frank as their scapegoat despite only circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime… that he’s the factory manager. Leo was just a simple Jewish man trying to make a living in Georgia, he was not welcomed and this proves it undoubtedly.

Ben Platt once again is a star. As per usual. Back on stage in NYC definitely is where Platt belongs (in my strong opinion). He portrayed Leo just as the show wants us to see Leo - humorous, strong-whittled, and nonetheless, Jewish. Platt took pride in this role and can truly tell, especially in the intense scene ~ I won’t spoil it ~ where he spoke a strong Jewish prayer! Platt also did something that blew my mind during the show - he sat on stage during intermission. This I learned by reading some posts and following Platt during his time on the red carpet. He wanted to feel and really dig into his character who sat alone for years because he was Jewish- just as Ben is. The emotion was there, they succeeded with this small but loud act.

Micaela Diamond. Wow. Her voice was something that had been on the edge of my chair. Diamond was the perfect opposite and anchor for Frank’s lover. The young and new actress brought warmth to her role and the play as a whole and I can’t wait to see what amazing things she does. The choice of the two leads for this product simply would not be better as they molded right into their parts!

Now the set. The set had me in a headlock. I love seeing different ideas and different ways set designers decide on. It was a set stage, with a raised platform. It was very minimal and rustic and was very unique for the show. The middle stage did a lot you didn’t think would happen as well as the backdrop. The backdrop had real pictures and events in the back while the actors were singing which helped you feel more for the plot and understand more of the story. Having these photos from the case also truly gave the show more emotion that simply could not be topped. The set was perfect for the courthouse scene during The Factory Girls as they flew around singing in 'past tense' and it just AH you really got into it here. You really wanted to believe the girls. Their acting was phenomenal - Erin Rose Doyle, Sophia Manicone and Emily Rose DeMartino, and Ashlyn Maddox.

If you have the opportunity to see Parade, you most definitely should!