Parade

Based on a notorious miscarriage of justice motivated by prejudice, Parade is a gripping piece of musical drama which is presented by the Melbourne based Soundworks in an outstanding production.

Importing cast and creatives substantially from inter-state with a full ensemble and orchestra is extremely ambitious, and the reward for Sydney audiences is they can enjoy a very well settled performance from a strong cast and team of creatives.

In 1913 Leo Frank, the awkward superintendent of an Atlanta pencil factory, was charged with the murder of thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan.  Frank was the prime suspect as he was believed to be the last person to see her alive when he paid her wages.

In act one, none of the characters are very likable – Leo Frank’s gruff personality does him no favours, and his wife Lucy is initially reluctant to even turn up to the courthouse for the trial.

The second act is more endearing, as Frank focusses on dismantling the evidence against him and his wife works tirelessly to lobby for his release.

The musical gives context to the racism against Jews and people of colour in the south of the United States, explains the evidence that was laid against Frank and pulls apart the lies.

An irony of the court case is that this was a very rare instance of a jury at the time accepting the testimony of a person of colour over a white person.

In the part of Leo, Aaron Robuck gives tremendous authenticity to the role. Flourishes of Jewish prayer and music add an extra dimension. The audience feels his pain particularly during his song at the trial “It’s hard to speak my heart” and when his life is threatened.

Montana Sharp as his wife Lucille Frank lifted the first act with her tremendous rendition of the song “You Don’t Know This Man”.

Guillaume Gentil who portrayed Jim Conley (the man historians believe did commit the murder) was also charismatic - especially when giving evidence at the trial and later when questioned whilst a member of a chain gang.

The music of Jason Robert Brown which evokes the deep south and more traditional Broadway ballads was elegantly portrayed by the ensemble and band under the leadership of Mark Bradley.  Sound designer David Barrell made the audio feel like it was coming from all directions.

The lighting design of Sidney Younger was dark and brooding with piercing brightness when required. Likewise, the choreography from Freya List was crisp.

Parade, which swept the Tony Awards in 1999, is well worth revisiting. It reminds us that miscarriages of justice are always possible if we don’t exclude prejudice from our judgements.

An unlikely highlight is the speech from the Governor of Georgia. “If today another Jew were lying in his grave because I had failed to do my duty, I would all through my life have blood on my hands and would consider myself an assassin through cowardice.”

David Spicer

Photographer: Matthew Chen

Read David Spicer’s interview with Aaron Robuck. https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/authentic-parade