The acclaimed musical PARADE has made its way to Los Angeles, continuing its journey after a recent revival and a strong showing on Broadway.
Originally debuting in December 1998, PARADE won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, along with six Drama Desk Awards.
The 2023 revival garnered six Tony Award nominations and won two, showcasing its enduring relevance despite being set between 1913 and 1915.
As the plot unfolds, it focuses on a newly married Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille, who settle in Atlanta.
While Lucille finds peace in their new home, Leo yearns for the North.
The story spirals into a tragic event when a child is found raped and murdered in Leo’s workplace, leading to blame being directed at Leo and Newt Lee, a Black man.
The trial that follows is riddled with themes of racism, antisemitism, and public hysteria, reflecting societal tensions that resonate even today.
The historical context includes significant implications, such as the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the establishment of the Anti-Defamation League, intertwining past and present struggles.
Written by the esteemed Alfred Uhry, a Tony, Pulitzer Prize, and Academy Award winner, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, a three-time Tony winner, PARADE had all the elements for success.
However, the revival faces critique for its sprawling narrative and excessive cast, which complicates the relationship between characters and hinders audience engagement.
Many observers feel that streamlining the content would greatly enhance the production’s emotional impact and pacing, proving that less can sometimes be more.
The music, while plentiful, fails to create memorable moments that resonate with the audience, as it seems to lack distinctiveness amidst that abundance.
Consequently, characters struggle to stand out, hindered by thin development that leaves audiences feeling detached.
Director Michael Arden has managed to bring out extraordinary performances from the cast, suggesting that the actors thrive despite narrative challenges.
The performers come together under the keen musical supervision of Tom Murray, music direction by Charlie Alterman, and coordination by Kimberlee Wertz.
Set designer Dane Laffrey has implemented an inventive tri-level scenic design that, while creative, may contribute to the overcrowded feel of the stage, especially with the large ensemble cast.
Exquisite costumes designed by Susan Hilferty and Mark Koss enhance the visual experience, presenting a vivid portrayal of the era.
Choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant utilize the expansive stage effectively, despite the logistical challenges of accommodating a large group of performers.
As PARADE progresses through its Los Angeles run at the Ahmanson Theatre until July 12, it continues to tell a story that carries significant meaning.
Yet many concur that the musical would resonate stronger if it were more concise, inviting audiences to connect more deeply with its themes and characters.
Tickets for the show can be obtained through CenterTheatreGroup.org, by phone at (213) 628-2772, or at the box office, as viewers have the opportunity to witness this provocative revival firsthand.
image source from：broadwayworld
