‘Parade’ Brings History to Life Through Powerful Performances
The national tour of Parade, the Tony Award-winning musical by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry, brings to life a deeply emotional and historically significant story. Under Michael Arden’s direction, the production highlights not just the tragic injustice at the center of Leo Frank’s trial but the deeply personal experiences of those caught in its wake. While Parade is known for its evocative score and sharp storytelling, this revival particularly shines due to its extraordinary cast, who imbue their roles with authenticity and raw emotional depth.
[Warning: Spoilers from the North American Tour of Parade are below!]
A brilliant cast brings life to Parade
Leading the cast is Max Chernin as Leo Frank, the Jewish factory manager wrongfully accused of murder in early 20th-century Georgia. Having previously graced Broadway in Bright Star and Sunday in the Park with George, Chernin delivers a performance that is both deeply introspective and devastatingly poignant. His portrayal of Leo captures the character’s initial discomfort in the South, his increasing desperation as he realizes his fate is sealed, and the quiet dignity with which he clings to his truth. Chernin’s rendition of “It’s Hard to Speak My Heart” is particularly powerful, delivering a moment of vulnerability that leaves the audience breathless.
Talia Suskauer, best known for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked, brings a fire and resilience to Lucille Frank. Where Lucille could be played as merely a dutiful wife, Suskauer turns her into a dynamic force of determination and love. Her journey from a woman who initially doubts her husband’s innocence to one who becomes his fiercest advocate is beautifully rendered. “You Don’t Know This Man” and “All the Wasted Time” showcase the undeniable chemistry between them, making the final moments of their story all the more heartbreaking.
Jim Conley is one of Parade’s most enigmatic characters, and Ramone Nelson embraces every complex layer of the role. Conley, a factory worker and key witness in Leo Frank’s trial, is portrayed with both charm and menace. Nelson’s “That’s What He Said” crackles with energy, a performance that walks the fine line between manipulation and entertainment. His voice soars in “Feel the Rain Fall,” creating a visceral moment that lingers long after the music stops.
As Tom Watson, Griffin Binnicker embodies the fervor and dangerous power of media influence in the early 1900s. Watson’s speeches stir the townspeople into a frenzy, and Binnicker leans into the role with a magnetic conviction. He never turns Watson into a caricature; rather, he gives him a zeal that is all the more terrifying because it feels so real. His moments opposite Ben Cherington’s Hugh Dorsey are charged with intensity, highlighting the machinery of corruption that sealed Leo Frank’s fate.
Jack Roden plays Frankie Epps with youthful fervor, representing the town’s blind rage and thirst for vengeance. Roden’s voice is full of emotion in “The Picture Show,” capturing both Frankie’s boyish charm and his growing anger. His transformation from a smitten teenager to a young man seeking blood is striking, making his presence one of the most emotionally impactful in the production.
A well-rounded ensemble makes this Tony-Award Winning musical something spectacular
Evan Harrington delivers a nuanced dual performance as Judge Roan and the Old Soldier. As Roan, he is weary but complicit, a man who understands the trial’s miscarriage of justice but lacks the will to stop it. In contrast, his Old Soldier opens the show with “The Old Red Hills of Home,” setting the tone for the entire production with a haunting nostalgia for the Confederacy that underscores the biases at play throughout the story.
As prosecuting attorney Hugh Dorsey, Ben Cherington plays a man who is as ambitious as he is ruthless. His interactions with Leo Frank are sharp and cutting, and in “Somethin’ Ain’t Right,” he embodies the deep-seated prejudices that drive the case forward. Cherington’s Dorsey is not merely a villain but a calculated politician who understands exactly how to manipulate public sentiment.
Benjamin Magnuson takes on the dual roles of Luther Rosser, Leo Frank’s determined defense attorney, and Mr. Peavy, a key witness. Magnuson’s performance as Rosser is measured and commanding, bringing a much-needed sense of justice to the proceedings. As Peavy, he shifts seamlessly into a character that adds complexity to the town’s collective judgment, making for a riveting performance.
Parade is an masterpiece of theaterical proportions
While Parade as a musical is renowned for its stunning score and devastating story, this particular production thrives on its cast’s ability to fully inhabit their roles. Michael Arden’s direction ensures that every character, from major figures to ensemble members, contributes to the immersive storytelling. The way the actors interact, from side glances in courtroom scenes to the smallest gestures of grief, adds layers of depth that make the story feel immediate and painfully real.
This national tour of Parade is not just a retelling of a historical tragedy—it is an emotional gut-punch, driven by a stellar cast that makes the characters feel hauntingly alive. For audiences experiencing Parade for the first time, this production will be unforgettable; for those returning to it, it offers new depths to explore. It is, in every sense, a triumph of musical theater storytelling.
Parade is playing now through March 9th at The Fisher Theatre in Detroit, MI. Don’t miss other upcoming shows from Broadway in Detroit’s 2024-2025 season, such as Kimberly Akimbo, Book of Morman, and The Wiz! Grab your tickets for these shows and more! And don’t miss Parade when it arrives in a city near you on it’s North American tour! Have you seen this musical before? Did it emotionally resonate with you? What did you enjoy about this show? Let us know your thoughts on social media @boxseatbabes!
Exclusive Interview: Griffin Binnicker from Parade
