Join the 'Parade'
Jessica Paugh
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: News
Jessica Paugh
Contributing Writer
For their first performance of the spring semester, the theater department at Florida Southern College is set to deliver a powerful and moving musical in its upcoming production of "Parade."
"Parade" was written by Alfred Uhry. The musical, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, is the retelling of the historical events surrounding the 1913 trial of a Jewish factory manager in Georgia, who is accused of raping and murdering a 13-year-old girl.
Popularized by the media, Leo Frank's trial creates controversy throughout the city of Atlanta. At the center of the struggle comes a captivating love story between Leo Frank, played by sophomore Carlos Leon, and his wife, Lucille, played by junior Sarah Orian.
"Being Leo Frank is very different from any other role I've ever played," Leon said. "It really strikes humility into you."
The dark music in the show indicates the continuing development of darker music in musical theatre, Jim Beck, the director of "Parade" said.
"The show takes you from Americana to Macabre and right into the heart of the story through scenes that flow quite transitionally. It's a human interest story and I like to talk about real things," he said.
A number of critics felt that the show was too dark for such a commercial audience and used too many racial slurs. However, most critics praised the show and the score.
The musical won Tony Awards for best book and best score, as well as six Drama Desk Awards in 1998, though it closed on Broadway after only 84 performances.
Opening night for "Parade" will be held on Feb. 12 in the Buckner Theatre. Additional performances will be held Feb. 13-15, Feb. 19-22. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m., except for weekend matinees, which will start at 2:30 p.m.
"Parade" also features Kyle Boisvert as Frankie, Daniel Hayes as Craig, Colleen Doherty as Iola, Mia Berardi as Mary and Danny Lott as Watson.
Tickets are free to students and faculty with a valid FSC ID, $7.50 for non-FSC students and $15 for the general public. Reservations are available through the Buckner Theatre Box Office at extension 4296.
"Being Leo Frank is very differnt from any other role I've ever played. It really strikes humility into you.
Carlos Leon
Sophomore
Contributing Writer
For their first performance of the spring semester, the theater department at Florida Southern College is set to deliver a powerful and moving musical in its upcoming production of "Parade."
"Parade" was written by Alfred Uhry. The musical, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, is the retelling of the historical events surrounding the 1913 trial of a Jewish factory manager in Georgia, who is accused of raping and murdering a 13-year-old girl.
Popularized by the media, Leo Frank's trial creates controversy throughout the city of Atlanta. At the center of the struggle comes a captivating love story between Leo Frank, played by sophomore Carlos Leon, and his wife, Lucille, played by junior Sarah Orian.
"Being Leo Frank is very different from any other role I've ever played," Leon said. "It really strikes humility into you."
The dark music in the show indicates the continuing development of darker music in musical theatre, Jim Beck, the director of "Parade" said.
"The show takes you from Americana to Macabre and right into the heart of the story through scenes that flow quite transitionally. It's a human interest story and I like to talk about real things," he said.
A number of critics felt that the show was too dark for such a commercial audience and used too many racial slurs. However, most critics praised the show and the score.
The musical won Tony Awards for best book and best score, as well as six Drama Desk Awards in 1998, though it closed on Broadway after only 84 performances.
Opening night for "Parade" will be held on Feb. 12 in the Buckner Theatre. Additional performances will be held Feb. 13-15, Feb. 19-22. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m., except for weekend matinees, which will start at 2:30 p.m.
"Parade" also features Kyle Boisvert as Frankie, Daniel Hayes as Craig, Colleen Doherty as Iola, Mia Berardi as Mary and Danny Lott as Watson.
Tickets are free to students and faculty with a valid FSC ID, $7.50 for non-FSC students and $15 for the general public. Reservations are available through the Buckner Theatre Box Office at extension 4296.
"Being Leo Frank is very differnt from any other role I've ever played. It really strikes humility into you.
Carlos Leon
Sophomore
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