Ford's Theatre is presenting the Washington premiere of the Tony-winning musical drama Parade, directed by Stephen Rayne. The production opened on September 23 and runs though October 30, 2011. The centerpiece of this year's programming for The Lincoln Legacy Project, Parade is based on the true story of Leo Frank's trial and lynching in early 20th-century Atlanta. Ostracized for his faith and Northern heritage, Jewish factory manager Leo Frank is accused of murdering a teenaged factory girl the day of the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade. Alfred Uhry's award-winning book and Jason Robert Brown's rousing, colorful and haunting score illuminate a circus of conflicting accounts, false testimony and mishandled evidence in a town reeling with social and racial tension. Isolated from the world, Leo develops a new and deeper love for his wife, who tirelessly crusades for his freedom. Tony-Award nominee Euan Morton stars as Leo Frank with Jenny Fellner as Lucille Frank in this compelling and provocative tale of justice miscarried.
Production photos have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a look below!
"Parade is a complex and thrilling piece to bring to the stage," said Director Stephen Rayne. "The musical's lyrical backdrop draws us into a calamitous Southern history, questions ‘who did it,' and challenges us to explore our own attitudes and prejudices. I'm thrilled to direct this fully original production at Ford's and to explore its dynamic story with an outstanding company of artists."
"Few issues have more national significance and an immediate need for attention than the issues of equality and acceptance. These are as much an issue today as they were in Abraham Lincoln's time, or in Leo Frank's America of 1913," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. "I have wanted an opportunity to produce Parade ever since I saw the original Broadway production and am delighted to offer it as the inaugural production for The Lincoln Legacy Project."
Parade is a co-production with Theater J, made possible by The Lincoln Legacy Project Founding Sponsor Ronald O. Perelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., Lead Sponsor Oshkosh Corporation and Sponsors LockheEd Martin Corporation and Qualcomm, and presented in association with the Lincoln Legacy partners. The Washington Post is the Official Media Partner of The Lincoln Legacy Project. Ford's Theatre's 2011-2012 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron.
