Student Blog: Cancel All Your Parties and Come See PARADE!

Ever since I saw the 2023 revival of Parade, Jason Robert Brown's piece has held a special place in my heart, and getting to perform as Mary Phagan in Cultural Arts Playhouse's production this summer has only further solidified Parade as my favorite musical. 

Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man falsely accused of murdering a young girl (that's me!) in the early 1900's. The musical is heartachingly beautiful, and it is exactly the story we all need to hear right now. 

Theatre has a way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what has happened through this production. I have never felt more honored to be part of a cast and more connected to a group of people. I've made some lifelong friends through this production, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Playing Mary Phagan, a thirteen-year old who was raped and murdered at the factory where she worked, has ignited such a powerful feeling within me. It has helped me heal from my own trauma and further helped develop my artistism as a whole. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life bringing this story to life.

If you're looking for something to do this August on Long Island, come see Parade at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Merrick. I'm performing all shows the first two weekends, and you don't want to miss this!