ART/WNY Presents PARADE

American Repertory Theater of WNY is halfway through the 2018-19 season, and what an exceptional season so far. From the highly acclaimed musical HEATHERS to the provocative production of FOOL FOR LOVE, this season is "one for the books". And it ain't over just yet. ART/WNY will be presenting the moving and timely music PARADE from March 21st to April 13th.

With book by Alfred Uhry and music by Jason Robert Brown, PARADE made it's first Broadway appearance in 1998 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, and subsequently won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score (out of nine nominations) and six Drama Desk Awards. The narrative is based on the true story of Leo Frank, who was of Jewish descent and the manger of a pencil factory in Atlanta. Frank was accused of raping and murdering an 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. The subsequent trial made national headlines and dredged up underlying antisemitic attitudes in 1900's Georgia. In PARADE, Uhry and Brown circulated this tension (mixed with a fair-share of diabolical plotters) throughout the musical yet they bring forward the mercurial relationship between Leo and his wife Lucille that fattens the tragedy which ultimately befalls Frank.

Returning back to the ART stage to direct, Matthew Refermat has assembled a strong ensemble featuring company alumni Jordan Levin (AMERICAN IDIOT) as 'Leo Max Frank' and Melissa Levin (AMERICAN IDIOT; HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS THEN KILL THEM) as his wife 'Lucille'. Tim Goehrig (CARRIE; RUST BELT GROTESQUE) also returns to ART/WNY's stage as 'Governor John Slaton' with Nick Lama (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR; BEHANDING IN SPOKANE) as the prosecuting attorney 'Hugh Dorsey'. Making their ART/WNY debut Marisa Caruso as 'Mrs. Frances Phagan' with Lucas DeNies, Christopher Cummings, Brittney Bassett. and Elise Vullo as 'Mary Phagan and Brandon Williamson as "Newt Lee' as well as Talia Mobley (HEATHERS) rounds out the ensemble. Donald Jenczka (HEATHERS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MEET ME IN ST LOUIS) returns to ART/WNY as the music director.

PARADE is set to open on March 21st and run until April 13t at the 545 Elmwood Avenue performance space. Tickets prices are $25 general admission, $15 for students & industry.

All Showdates times are at 8 pm and are currently scheduled for the following evenings:

March 21st, 22nd, 23rd
March 27th, 28th, 31st (no shows on the 29th & 30th)
April 4th, 5th, 6th
April 11th, 12th, 13th

For more information visit www.artofwny.org or call 716-697-0837