PARADE Extends Through July 9 at Writers Theatre
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 09, 2017
Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, adds a week of performances to the run of Parade, with book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, co-conceived by Harold Prince.
The Writers Theatre production of Parade is directed by Gary Griffin and features musical direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Ericka Mac. Parade now runs through July 9, 2017 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.
This stirring, Tony Award-winning musical explores the endurance of love and hope against seemingly insurmountable odds, telling the true story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jewish man falsely accused of murder in 1913 Atlanta. Innovative and daring, and filled with soaring music, Parade is a moving love story, a riveting murder mystery, a gripping courtroom drama and a powerful exploration of innocence and naïveté coming face-to-face with ignorance and prejudice.
Acclaimed director Gary Griffin, who directed the original Broadway production of Jason Robert Brown's Honeymoon in Vegas and the world premiere of his The Trumpet of the Swan at the Kennedy Center, stages an intimate revival of this celebrated musical. With a book by playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and a score by Brown (The Last Five Years, The Bridges of Madison County) that combines folk, rock, R&B and gospel, Parade ends WT's 25th Anniversary Season with spectacular impact.
The cast of Parade includes: Larry Adams (Old Soldier/Judge Roan/Ensemble), Patrick Andrews (Leo Frank), Brianna Borger (Lucille Frank), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Jim Conley), McKinley Carter (Mrs. Phagan/Sally Slaton), Devin DeSantis (Britt Craig/Young Soldier/Ensemble), Kevin Gudahl (Hugh Dorsey/Ensemble), Derek Hasenstab (Governor John Slaton/Ensemble), Nicole Michelle Haskins (Minola "Minnie" McKnight/Angela), Caroline Heffernan (Mary Phagan/Ensemble), Lindsay Maron (Essie/Ensemble), Zoe Nadal (Monteen/Ensemble), Jake Nicholson (Frankie Epps/Ensemble), Jeff Parker (Tom Watson/Ensemble), Leryn Turlington (Iola Stover/Ensemble), and Jonah D. Winston (Newt Lee/Riley).
The creative team includes: Matt Deitchman (Associate Music Director & Piano/Conductor), Scott Davis (Scenic Designer), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Designer), Christine Binder (Lighting Designer), Ray Nardelli (Sound Designer) and Scott Dickens (Properties Master). Bobby Kennedy is the Dramaturg, David Castellanos is the Production Stage Manager and Nick Moran is the CFM Contractor.
Single tickets for Parade, priced $35 - $80, are available online at www.writerstheatre.org, by phone at 847-242-6000, or in person at the box office at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:
Accessible Performances
ASL-Interpreted performance: Friday, June 30, 2017 at 7:30pm
Open-Captioned performance: Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 7:30pm
Sunday Spotlight-Sunday, June 18, 2017
Are you curious about the world that surrounds your favorite plays? Sunday Spotlight offers access to the finest speakers, scholars and cultural leaders. This one-hour event extends the conversation on our stages by featuring an expert in an area connected to the play. Seating is limited. RSVP is required. Save the date!
The Making of... Series-Monday, June 26, 2017 at 6:30pm
Writers Theatre will once again host its popular The Making of... Series, providing insight into a different aspect of creating the productions seen on our stages. Enjoy a short and lively presentation by our actors, designers or other experts who will walk you through the process of preparing for and executing a production. The Making of... events are FREE and open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP is required.
Post Show Conversation: The Word
Join us after every Tuesday evening performance (excluding previews and extensions) for a 15-minute discussion of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
Post Show Conversation: The Artist
Join us after every Wednesday evening performance (excluding previews and extensions) for a 15-minute talk-back featuring actors from the production, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
Pre-Show Conversation: Up Close
Join us at 6:45pm before every Thursday evening performance (excluding previews and extensions) for a 15-minute primer on the context and content of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.
For more information about Writers Theatre Audience Enrichment programs, visit writerstheatre.org/events.
From Page to Stage Series
Writers Theatre and select North Shore libraries are proud to present the twelfth annual From Page to Stage series. This comprehensive series of special events, lectures, workshops and performances are designed to enhance and enrich appreciation of Parade. All events are FREE of charge and open to the public. Reservations must be made per each event to secure seats and may be made online at writerstheatre.org/fpts or by calling 847-242-6000. The From Page to Stage series is generously sponsored by Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin. Upcoming From Page to Stage series events for Parade are as follows:
...FAIR TREATMENT TO ALL: The Anti-Defamation League
Sunday, June 11 at 2pm
Hosted by the Wilmette Public Library
1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
Featuring: Jessica Gall, Associate Regional Director of Anti-Defamation League Chicago
The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all," partially in response to Leo Frank's ordeal that same year. We are honored to host representatives of ADL and discuss their history, the inclusive work that they do and the resonance of Parade in today's society.
FILM SCREENING: The People v. Leo Frank
June 22, 2017 at 6:30pm
Hosted by the Glenview Public Library
1930 Glenview Rd., Glenview
Join us for a screening of this docudrama by Ben Loeterman, which uses transcripts of the actual words spoken by the participants in Leo Frank's trial to dramatize those events. Put yourself in the shoes of a jury member as we grapple with the question: guilty or not guilty?
WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS: From Leo Frank to Today
Wednesday, June 28 at 7pm
Hosted by the Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire
Featuring: Judy Royal, Staff Attorney for the Center on Wrongful Convictions
Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man falsely accused of murder in 1913 Atlanta. Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Convictions (CWC) aims to reform the criminal justice system so that the events leading up to Leo Frank's untimely end are not repeated. CWC attorney Judy Royal discusses common causes of wrongful convictions and the CWCs most significant victories, plus meet an exoneree who benefited from the CWCs work.
For more information about Writers Theatre Audience Enrichment programs visit writerstheatre.org/events
In an effort to promote taking public transit to the Theatre, Writers Theatre launched a new promotion in 2013. Any audience member who purchases a ticket to a Writers Theatre production and rides Metra's Union Pacific North Line to the Theatre may snap a photo of themselves on the train and post it to their Facebook or Instagram page or their Twitter feed with a tag of @WritersTheatre and #[the title of the show], and upon showing the post at the Writers Theatre Box Office, receive $5 in cash to put toward the cost of your fare as a thank you for going green.
This promotion is available for a limited time only, and may end without warning. Ticket must have been paid for in advance. Not valid on comp tickets. More information available at writerstheatre.org/metra.
For 25 years, Writers Theatre has captivated Chicagoland audiences with inventive interpretations of classic work, a bold approach to contemporary theatre and a dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible.
Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has grown to become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called the top regional theatre in the nation by The Wall Street Journal. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of more than 60,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry-providing the finest interpretations of both classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues.
In February 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility. This established the company's first permanent home-a new theatre center in downtown Glencoe, designed by the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, in collaboration with Theatre Consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to continue to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility resonates with and complements the Theatre's neighboring Glencoe community, adding tremendous value to Chicagoland and helping to establish the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.
Find Writers Theatre on Facebook at Facebook.com/WritersTheatre or follow @WritersTheatre on Twitter. For more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org.
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