Cast Set for Los Angeles Premiere of 'Parade'

Almost a full decade after its initial Broadway production, the powerful award winning musical PARADE by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry will receive its first fully staged professional production in Los Angeles at the Neighborhood Playhouse.  The production will open Thursday, 10 July and run through 27 July, 2008, under the direction of Playhouse Artistic Director, Brady Schwind, with choreography by Imara Quinonez and Musical Direction by David Sateren, leading a twelve piece orchestra. Tickets are $25-30 and will be available on the theatre's website (www.neighborhoodplayhouse.net) or by calling 1.800.595.4849.

Based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager, wrongly convicted of the murder of thirteen year old Mary Phagan in Atlanta, Georgia in 1913, PARADE recounts the press frenzy and public hatred surrounding the trial, and his wife's crusade for justice. In a time of religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, this important production marks not only a timely artistic re-examination of a landmark historical event, but the first time the Tony Award winning musical will receive an extended run in Los Angeles.

Penned by Composer Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Songs for a New World) and a book by Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) PARADE ran for a limited engagement at New York's Vivian Beaumont Theatre in the fall of 1998, in a production directed by Broadway legend, Harold Prince.  The show was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and won the awards for Best Score and Best Book of a Musical.  PARADE was also awarded six 1999 Drama Desk awards including Outstanding Musical.

Director, Brady Schwind speaks about the project: PARADE is a benchmark musical. A thrilling theatrical work composed by one of musical theatres most important new composers. It's almost shocking that the piece has never had a full length production in a melting pot like Los Angeles. There are few cities in the world where a musical dealing with racial tension and lawful justice could have more social impact. We are thrilled to have a chance to share this musical with audiences in Los Angeles, and hope it will become an event that can spark dialogue and examination through the powerful emotional experience only theatre can provide a captive room of people."

In keeping with that design, the Neighborhood Playhouse will be sponsoring a series of performances benefiting the Museum of Tolerance. The Museum of Tolerance provides a unique and provocative experience that challenges visitors to become witnesses to history, and to confront the dynamic of intolerance that is still embedded in society today. Dates of these performances will be announced at a later time.

Bringing PARADE to life for this premiere production will be a cast of 28 Actors Equity and Los Angeles based actors, headed by Broadway veteran Craig D'Amico in the pivotal role of Leo Frank.

Joining D'Amico will be: Emily Olson (Lucille Frank) Aileen Scott (Mrs. Phagan) David Fairchild (Old Soldier / Judge Roan) James Larsen (Britt Craig) Michael Hovance (Hugh Dorsey) Jessica Plotin (Sallie Grant Slaton) Tareek Lee Holmes (Jim Conley) Ryan Amador (Frankie Epps) Gordon Wells (Mr. Peavy) Loren Smith (Newt Lee) Tawny Dolly (Angela) Alissa Anderegg (Mary Phagan) Carly Menkin (Essie) Chris O'Connor (Tom Watson) Michael Tatlock (Governor Slaton) Marcy Agreen (Monteen) Michael Prohaska (Luther Rosser) Ross Love (Riley) Mike Tushaus (The Young Soldier / Fiddlin' John) Megan Dorn-Wallenstein (Iola Stover) and an ensemble featuring Allison Mattiza, Keith Barletta, Laura M. Hathaway, Leslie Morris, Lizzie Jester, Rachel Baumsten, and Rashel Mereness

The creative team includes: Assistant Director Christen Jackson,  Scenic Designer, Helen Fearon, Costume Designer, Karen Cornejo, Lighting Designer, David Fairchild, Sound Designer, Michael Juneau, and Hair Designer, Michael Aldapa.

Performances are held at the historic Neighborhood Church: 415 Paseo Del Mar Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, where the Neighborhood Playhouse is in residence.

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