Parade
Brisbane theatre-goers are currently being treated to a production of a little-known Broadway musical that has recently attracted a lot of interest with revivals both on Broadway and in London. Tracing the background, trial, conviction and aftermath of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank unjustifiably charged for murdering a thirteen-year-old employee, the musical is a creative interpretation of the complicated saga using a setting of predominantly song, with limited dialogue and stylistic choreography all, in this production, presented in a minimal stage environment enhanced by a very effective and busy lighting plot designed by Zephyr Burns.
Parade was Jason Robert Brown’s first Broadway musical and demonstrates his unique style of pop/rock/musical fusions, including in this instance cakewalk, effectively capturing the era of early 1900’s Georgia, USA whilst providing a vehicle for in-depth dramatic characterization through the use of demanding vocal ranges and progressive harmonies. He states he was inspired by Sondheim early in his career, which you can hear, but undeniably this score still resonates with his unique, creative contemporary style and inventiveness.
It’s not surprising, therefore, that choosing such a demanding work with well over thirty musical numbers is going to need a well-trained and talented cast. Interestingly the central characters of Leo, played by Michael Lewis, and his wife, played by Belinda Lewis, are a husband and wife team offstage, a most fitting combination, who both capture the essence of the characters with moving, dynamic and convincing performances. There is in fact a high standard of performance from each cast member, numbering seventeen in all, some playing more than one character, demonstrating how even a small venue can still create a professional environment, both from the cast point-of-view and with an orchestra of eight. This is a difficult score to learn and perform and the cast, musicians and production team have all encompassed the very heart and soul of the show with panache, vitality and conviction.
Great performances and vocals from Nicole Kaminski as Mrs Phagan, Casey Martin as Frankie Epps, the charismatic Jay Monck as Hugh Dorsey, Mabel Tamone as Mary Phagan, stage veteran David McLaughlin as both Governor John Staton and Mr Peavy, Chris White in dual roles whilst Matthew McKenzie’s (playing Jim Conley, historians’ conclusion he was most likely the guilty party) rendition of Feel the Rain Fall in the second act brought the house down. The list goes on …..
The emotions involved with this tragic set of circumstances, which incidentally are still being investigated, couldn’t be better expressed than through the genre of music. Being interspersed with minimal dialogue and an abundance of songs there is an element of ‘operetta’ form in this opus and being based on a true and controversial story what better a vehicle to expand on than voicing an attempt at the truth behind the remarkably long-standing and distressing set of events.
Director Johnny Peek’s experience and craftsmanship are on full display with this production, as with Choreographer Maureen Bowra, and Michael Keen’s mammoth demands as Musical Director and pianist with this particular show are to be commended and recognized.
It’s not often Brisbane can view a somewhat ‘off-beat’ Broadway show, certainly as ambitious as this opus, so full credit is due to all responsible for making it happen. This is, after all, a production of a ‘Parade’ Not-To-Be-Rained-On, apologies to Barbra Streisand!
Brian Adamson
Photography by Ken Santos
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