In a shocking chapter of American history, the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish-American pencil factory manager, serves as the backdrop for the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Parade.’
In 1913, Leo Frank was tried for the heinous murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, whose lifeless body was discovered in his factory. The circumstances were murky, with several other suspects emerging, yet a rush for a quick verdict led to Frank’s conviction in a climate laden with prejudice.
As the story unfolds, the then-Governor of Georgia, John M. Slaton, became a pivotal figure. Unconvinced that the evidence justified Frank’s conviction, he commuted Frank’s death sentence to life imprisonment. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Frank was later lynched in 1915 after being moved to a different prison.
The award-winning musical ‘Parade,’ which won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score in 1998 and secured two additional Tonys for its 2023 revival staging, draws inspiration from this tragic event. The production intricately explores Frank’s life, his wife, and the deeply flawed justice system of their time.
Christopher Shyer, who plays Governor Jack Slaton in the musical, emphasizes the character’s evolution throughout the story. ‘Initially, he’s hesitant and concerned about his reputation, hoping to run for president one day,’ Shyer explains.
As events unfold, Slaton is faced with the heavy burden of public pressure and a rising tide of letters demanding a re-examination of the trial, many of which highlight the lack of solid evidence against Frank.
In a pivotal second act, Lucille, Frank’s devoted wife, visits the governor, instigating critical action. ‘Her presence compels him to confront the reality of the situation,’ Shyer notes. ‘He begins to sift through thousands of case files, ultimately deciding to reopen the investigation.’
This decision comes at a significant personal and political cost for Slaton, as he faces threats to his own safety, demonstrating the precarious nature of justice in a deeply divided society.
Slaton believed commuting Frank’s sentence would allow him to survive long enough for his appeal to be successful, but public sentiment proved to be brutally unforgiving. The lynching orchestrated by a mob, incited by figures like Tom Watson, illustrates the dangerous power of media and public opinion at that time.
Reflecting on his return to theater after a decade-long hiatus, Shyer expresses his excitement about participating in ‘Parade.’ He describes Jason Robert Brown’s score as ‘his magnum opus,’ filled with soaring duets and compelling music that complements the beautifully crafted script by Alfred Uhry, who shared many of Frank’s experiences as a Jewish boy in Atlanta.
Shyer, who previously appeared in the ‘Book of Mormon,’ shares his enthusiasm for the production’s compelling and relevant themes. ‘I find it deeply sad that this story still resonates today,’ he remarks. ‘It speaks to the need for justice, awareness of prejudice, and the struggle against ignorance.’
While the historical context of ‘Parade’ is striking, Shyer emphasizes the enduring theme of love’s power, particularly through Lucille’s unwavering support. ‘The heart of this story is her resilience amid overwhelming injustice,’ he adds.
As the musical prepares for its upcoming performances, audience members are encouraged to engage with its themes of justice and love. Performances are scheduled from July 15-20, with showings at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday as well as 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Hobby Center.
Tickets are priced between $53.25 and $128, and interested attendees can find more information by calling 713-316-7625 or visiting thehobbycenter.org or broadwayatthehobbycenter.com.
image source from：houstonpress
