SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– Parade explores the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager, accused and convicted in 1913 of murdering thirteen-year-old girl in Atlanta, Georgia. Sensational journalism fanned the regional flames of bigotry and anti-Semitism, obscuring Leo’s innocence.
After his death sentence was commuted, Leo Frank was taken by vigilantes and lynched – a pivotal cultural event that sparked both the development of the Anti-Defamation League and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan. The heart of the story, however, involves the ever-evolving relationship between Leo and his wife Lucille. It is their relationship, shifting from cold to warm and deepening into true love in the midst of adversity, that is the core of the work.
Regarding his selection of Parade, Artistic Director Sean Murray stated, “The story of Leo Frank is a heartbreaking example of tragic injustice. However, it also illustrates, through its hauntingly beautiful music, the deep love that can bring two people together. Though the story takes place in 1913, the issues of racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism, nationalism and mob mentality are still relevant today. We cannot solve our social issues by presenting one play, but we can put this fascinating story out there, initiate conversation and remind people of the consequences of our choices.”
The Parade cast is headed by Brandon Joel Maier as Leo Frank and Cygnet Resident Artist Sandy Campbell as Lucille Frank, along with Geno Carr, Steve Gunderson, David Kirk Grant, Rick D. Meads and Resident Artists Jacob Caltrider and Tom Stephenson, among others. Parade was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on December 17, 1998 and directed by Harold Prince and won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score as well as six Drama Desk Awards.
Due to the show’s historical importance, Cygnet will be offering a wide range of Parade-focused Special Events. Cygnet hopes to aid its audience in processing the heartbreaking injustices of the story and to offer an opportunity to explore our societal development and challenges. Cygnet’s Special Events will include:
Post-Show Forum with composer Jason Robert Brown and Artistic Director Sean Murray on Friday March 23
Cygneture Book Club/Write Out Loud reading of And the Dead Shall Rise with author Steve Oney on Monday, March 26th
Three Wednesday night Post-Show Forums with special guests from The Anti-Defamation League, the Innocence Project and members of the media to speak on Media Responsibilities
Parade will begin previews Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 pm at Cygnet Theatre located at 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Opening Night is Saturday, March 17, and the show runs until Sunday, April 29. Cygnet’s performance schedule for Parade will be Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. Special Events are scheduled throughout the run. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet’s website at www.cygnettheatre.com or by calling the box office at 619-337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting Cygnet’s box office located at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
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Preceding provided by Cygnet Theatre