Cygnet Theatre Announces PARADE, Opening 3/17

Preparations are already underway for Cygnet's upcoming musical event, PARADE, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Alfred Uhry. Artistic Director Sean Murray, Musical Director Billy Thompson and Choreographer David Brannen are tackling each artistic angle of the  true story of the trial of Leo Frank, while the Cygnet staff is hard at working putting together multiple exciting special events designed to aid audiences' reflections and explore the themes found in the play. 

The PARADE cast is headed by Brandon Joel Maier as Leo Frank and Cygnet Resident Artist Sandy Campbell as Lucille Frank, along withGeno Carr, Steve Gunderson, David Kirk Grant, Rick D. Meads and Resident Artists Jacob Caltrider and Tom Stephenson, among others.  Previews begin March 8th, 2012, and Press Opening is March 17th, 2012. 

PARADE explores the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager, accused and convicted in 1913 of murdering thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan in Atlanta, Georgia.  Sensational journalism fanned the regional flames of bigotry and anti-Semitism, obscuring Leo's innocence.  After his death sentence was commuted, Leo Frank was taken by vigilantes and lynched - a pivotal cultural event that sparked both the development of the Anti-Defamation League and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan.  The heart of the story, however, involves the ever-evolving relationship between Leo and his wife Lucille.  It is their relationship, shifting from cold to warm and deepening into true love in the midst of adversity, that is the core of the work. 

PARADE was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on December 17, 1998 and directed by Harold Prince.  Although it won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score as well as six Drama Desk Awards, it was not a commercial success.  The show closed after only 39 previews and 84 regular performances.  Some wondered whether the disturbing subject matter was too difficult for theatre audiences to handle.  However, in the years that have followed, the show has enjoyed a U.S. national tour and numerous professional and amateur productions in the U.S. and abroad.

Regarding his selection of PARADE for production in Cygnet's current season, Artistic Director Sean Murray stated, "The story of Leo Frank is a heartbreaking example of tragic injustice. However, it also illustrates, through its hauntingly beautiful music, the deep love that can bring two people together.  Though the story takes place in 1913, the issues of racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism, nationalism and mob mentality are still relevant today.  We cannot solve our social issues by presenting one play, but we can put this fascinating story out there, initiate conversation and remind people of the consequences of our choices."  

Cygnet's production stars Brandon Joel Maier (Little Shop of Horrors) as Leo Frank and Resident Artist Sandy Campbell as Lucille Frank.  The cast also boasts a talented range of musical theatre performers, including Bryan Barbarian (staged-reading of Passion), Geno Carr (Sweeney Todd),Gigi Coddington (staged-reading of Assassins), Briona Daughtry, David Kirk Grant, Steve Gunderson (Sweeney Todd), Kathryn Herbruck (staged-reading of Man of La Mancha), Dylan Hoffinger, Samantha Littleford, Rick D. Meads, Amy Perkins, Katie Whalley (Cabaret) and Resident Artists Jacob Caltrider (Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd) and Tom Stephenson(Our Town, History Boys, Little Foxes).  

Due to the show's historical importance, Cygnet will be offering a wide range ofPARADE-focused Special Events.  Cygnet hopes to aid its audience in processing the heartbreaking injustices of the story and to offer an opportunity to explore our societal development and challenges.  Cygnet's Special Events will include a Post-Show Forum with composer Jason Robert Brown and Artistic Director Sean Murray on Friday March 23rd; a Cygneture Book Club/Write Out Loud reading of And the Dead Shall Rise with author Steve Oney on Monday, March 26th; and three Wednesday night Post-Show Forums with special guests from The Anti-Defamation League, The Innocence Project and members of the media to speak on Media Responsibilities.  

Executive Director Bill Schmidt hopes that high school and college theatre teachers will take advantage of Cygnet's $10 Student Ticket Program during the run of PARADE. The program, which offers teachers the opportunity to expose their students to professional productions at an affordable price, provides an additional benefit during this particular production.  "There are incredible lessons to be learned from PARADE," stated Executive Director Bill Schmidt.  "The trial of Leo Frank changed the history of our country, and it's wonderful to have a chance to expose students to the importance of this story in such a beautiful and tangible way."         

Teachers who would like to arrange a student block of tickets should contact Group Sales Coordinator Taylor Wycoff at (619) 337-1525 x 113 or taylor@cygnettheatre.com.  Discounts are limited to one ticket per student, per performance date, and students must bring their student IDs to pick up their tickets.  (Tickets may be limited based on percent of house sold.  50% of payment due upon reservation of student block.  Teachers receive a FREE ticket with their student group booking of 10 or more.)  

PARADE will begin previews Thursday, March 8th, 2012 @ 7:30 pm at Cygnet Theatre located at 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Opening Night is Saturday, March 17th, and the show runs until Sunday, April 29th. Cygnet's performance schedule forPARADE will be Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.  Special Events are scheduled throughout the run.
  
Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet's website at www.cygnettheatre.com or by calling the box office at 619-337-1525.  Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting Cygnet's box office located at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

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