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The hanging scene means so much more from a cultural sense. As a Jew watching, when he recites the Shema it literally took my breath away. The prayer he says is one that is said daily by practicing Jews, and is only supposed to be said out loud on Yom Kippur and right before death. It was truly shocking and emotional, but I wish that other elements of staging (like the ones you discussed) emphasized that for those who don't understand.
I think the fact that he was calm, restrained and controlled made it even more of a gut punch as well. He was acting the opposite of how you'd expect him to. A choice I loved.
Clarifying a bit. We recite the Shema itself aloud many times outside of those two times. It's the center point of a prayer service. It's also part of the Torah service. Shema means "hear" it wouldn't make much sense to not speak it. It is supposed to be said right before death. And it is the climax of Yom Kippur. The translation is "Hear, Israel (the Jewish people, not the country), the Lord is our God, the Lord is one." It comes from Chapter 6 of Deuteronomy. The second line of the Shema, starting with "baruch shem" translates to "Blessed is the name of God's glorious kingdom forever and ever." THAT line is only said aloud on Yom Kippur and before death.
@@MickeyJoTheatre I second this! When I heard the first word, "Sh'ma," I literally couldn't breathe as a Jew myself. And to add onto it, sarcasm and "gallows humor," at least in my experience, are a part of Jewish culture. I guess after thousands of years of being oppressed, exiled, and killed, we kind of made it a coping mechanism. Needless to say, you hit the nail on the head when you said that Jewish people are going to have a different experience with this show than gentiles. It's been three days and I'm still struggling to emotionally process what I witnessed because it hits so close to home in so many ways. And I hope it can make it to the West End so more people can learn about Leo Frank's story.
I'm not Jewish but familiar with the prayer and yeah perhaps it is a cultural thing but I was trying to figure out how to cry in a way that didn't disturb my neighbor at that scene. Especially because it was entirely un scored. The silence in that moment, the stocicim of there's nothing he can do to change this. UGH gutwrenching.
I saw a production a few years ago, where Leo was left hanging. The cast took their bows. The actor playing Leo Frank didn't. It was incredible. The Audience was so lost and didn't know what to do. The final image was the actor playing Leo just hanging until the Audience left
That's a really sick and disturbing but powerful idea to do. Seriously imagine if another revival did something like that. Which playhouse production was it?
I actually live in the town where Leo Frank was lynched, and it was great to see this part of history put into a show. I hope it reaches more people, especially in these times.
I can't even imagine how haunting it must be to live in Marietta where Mary was born and leo was lynched. It's a really tragic case cause no justice to mary ever got served and leo unfortunately payed the price for it.
Holy crap this happened in Marietta??? That’s where I live. I’m originally from Michigan but I’ve lived here over 20 years now. I really need to look up the history on this.😢
This show hits incredibly different when you're from the South...I felt the emotions so deeply (more than expected) and there were literally moments when I was moved to tears. The score, the staging, the direction, the orchestrations--so masterfully done.
I saw the ORIGINAL Bway production with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello 25 years ago - it was the final preview and I almost literally ran into Stephen Sondheim in the lobby prior to the show. I was too tongue-tied to say a word!
Sondheim was supposed to write it. It was originally offered to him and he turned it down. That's when Harold Prince's daughter recommend JRB. (Who, BTW, was in his 20s when he wrote this show. That's incredible!)
Beautiful review - I haven’t seen the production so I can’t fully speak to what you say around 11:20, but I can say as a Jewish man that leaning on and leading with humor despite being the depths of something tragic is a very Jewish trait.
I saw it the other night and I believe he's referring to a point in the show where Leo is in jail and Lucille comes to visit, and she apologizes for being late and that the memorial day parade made it difficult to get there, to which Leo replies sarcastically "ah yes my favorite holiday" (as that was the day Mary phagan was killed and he was arrested). As a Jew I thought it was fitting, it felt true to life in the way we use humor in tough times
Not Jewish but read a lot of works by Jewish authors. I was going to say I didn’t think this criticism was fair; “woe is me” really isn’t fitting for the character or the culture. I’m glad someone who has real knowledge in this subject said something.
I ushered this show yesterday and got to see it for a second time! The talent in this cast’s acting but especially their vocal ability in the mains and supporting cast is incredible! So glad you got to see it for your visit!❤
At some point, maybe after the trip, will you talk a bit in general terms about the experience of going to the theatre in NY vs. London? I always like the "what is the experience like at this venue" part of your London reviews.
I saw Michael Arden’s Spring Awakening (also referred to as Deaf Awakening) in LA before the transfer to NYC and he is absolutely incredible. So glad he is behind this revival as well. I never saw his revival of Once On This Island, though I heard great things. It seems he profoundly understands the responsibility in revitalizing these works and he has such an incredible perspective.
Fun fact, Deaf Awakening inspired a Deaf/hearing production in my area! Olney Theatre outside of Washington DC did a version of The Music Man last summer that was both signed and sung, with James Caverly (from Only Murders in the Building) as Harold Hill. It was one of the most incredible shows I’ve ever seen-the ASL, choreography, and singing all meshed in a way I’ve never seen before as a theatergoer, and it was an absolutely joyful experience. All of this is to say that one of the greatest things about art is how it effects other artists!
micheal arden is a GENIUS! saw him in hunchback and saw his direction of once on this island (and spring awakening thru bootlegs shh) and he better get a tony for this. he deserves it!
In the funeral sequence during the 4/5/23 show Frankie instead of sung screamed with such intense anger and vitriol during the lyrics Let him quiver in his boots! Let him run until he bleeds! I won’t rest until I know He’s burning in the ragin’ fires of Hell forevermore! It was bone chilling and gave so much more meaning to when he says “god forgive me what I think/wish right now.”
Hey MickeyJo! I am glad you enjoyed this musical. It is and will always be one of my favourites. As you said, the music is just stunning. And the story is heartbreaking. I will just comment briefly on what you said at 8:30 about Leo's death. I was so very lucky to see the original at Lincoln Centre in 1998 with Brent Carver (RIP) and Carolee Carmello. Brent was a good friend and a brilliant Leo. Obviously this production was 25 years ago now. So, I could not recall the exact direction of the lynching. But I am fairly certain they would be very much alike in Leo's reactions to what is happening to him. Clearly, at first, he is shaken. He has no idea what is happening when they take him from the jail cell. But when they make it clear what they intend to do to him (keep in mind it is 1915), one of his biggest concerns is that he is not covered. He was a recluse. He was antisocial. He never enjoyed living in Georgia. After they question him and try to get him to confess, he makes a very clear statement that he is very sorry that little girl had to die, but he has no intention of ever admitting to a crime he did not commit. At this point, he has already come to terms with his impending end. And his only other concern is that Lucille will get his wedding band. Obviously, it is human nature in these sorts of situations to fight for our lives. Even in the last moment, as the noose would take hold, a person would really have had to have given up completely to just hang there and die without some fight. But Leo is also well aware there is no getting out of this. His end is near and he chooses to accept it with grace and pride in his knowledge that he left this earth in honesty. I am sure any one of us in the same situation would have either admitted to the crime just to get out of the noose (as it is offered at one point by one of the guys) or fought like crazy to try to get away. (This paragraph amended thanks to Ken Lasky) America still to this day has not gotten over the civil war 158 years ago. So even 48-50 years after the war (1913-1915), you can imagine the tensions when a Yank was in their neck of the woods. And not just a yankee, but also a jew.
Very well expressed description of Leo in the death scene. He was a rather brave man ultimately dying with integrity. His asking for the last things; giving his wife his ring and the Jewish prayer just made me and those around me in the theater to gasp and break down in tears. My theater neighbor quietly handed me a tissue from the wad she was holding and it took several min to stop the tears from flowing. I vote for Tony’s for both Ben and Mikaela.
I fully support your post, but I don’t follow the math…. I very much agree that we have open wounds left over from the civil war. What a horrible tragic period in our nations history! Our founding fathers admitted that this would be a big conflict in years to come. But, they turned their backs to the slave issue because they had a nation to start, and needed to do it with the southern colonies.
@@kenlasky3904 Thank you so much, Ken. I completely screwed up my math when I wrote this. I was thinking of the Revolutionary War dates when I calculated. Should have been thinking of the Civil War dates which were over 100 years later. Thanks for the correction...original post corrected, with thanks!
@@kenlasky3904 My pleasure. I always give credit where credit is due. And yup...I totally F'd up all those dates hahaha Thanks for that nudge in the right direction.
The acting was great, but Jake Pedersen as Frankie, the boy who like Mary, was simply amazing. His song, and the anger he showed had me tearing up. Micaela Diamond was also brilliant. Ben Platte was also great, but his role almost felt ancillary to the story, which was more about what was done to him, not what he experienced being done to him.
YES!!!!!! the second Jake started singing i was absolutely floored! he had a BEAUTIFUL voice that sent chills through my whole body Absolutely outstanding
I met him at the stagedoor and he signed my playbill! He also asked me how I was and told me he liked my shirt (it was white with a bunch of red and pink flowers)! He was really nice and I'm so happy that he gets to play boq in wicked right now!
Another few stand-outs for me are Eddie Cooper who plays Newt Lee the night watchman - he doesn’t get long in the spotlight but was one of the highlights of the night for me. Also loved Jake Pederson playing Frankie Epps - I believe he took over the role from Gaten Matarazzo which is a big name to follow. His character is probably the most broad and he gave me chills when we see him switch from playful and carefree in the beginning to this vengeful ball of rage at the funeral. Really blew me away. SO grateful that the cast recording was released the day I happened to see the show 🙌🏻
Yes to the shoutout for Jake Pedersen as Frankie! He was quite easily, a shockingly, my favorite performance in the entire show. "Vengeful ball of rage" is so accurate, and I cried and his call for vengeance song. He was so amazing and I hope will huge a huge role soon.
Also shoutout to Charlie Webb, the young soilder boy and an understudy for Frankie. He’s an Atlanta native, and has a gorgeous voice as well Jake was absolutely stunning as well
Saw it at NYCC and will again in April. Absolutely fantastic!! There is a place for juke-box musicals but it's a true treat to see a deep meaningful yet entertaining one. I think that Ben and Micaela's voices blend so well in strength, timbre, intent. Lucille was written with a lot more personal growth than Leo. Ben plays it true to Leo and is very nuanced and deliberate with his acting choices. The recording really shows that as well as his control of his instrument. I am not Jewish but I understand the significance of the final song, and his clear voice strongly resonates with his understanding and his courage with what is about to happen. When it's broken off abruptly as he falls, I was in tears and gasped along with everyone around me (even though I knew it was going to happen)! The supporting cast is really wonderful, too! I hope Ben and Micaela are both nominated (I'm rooting for Ben to win - I think it will be an uphill battle for Micaela against Annaleigh)! BTW, yes, Ben closes his eyes a lot when doing his own songs, etc. but there is no indication at all of that during the show. Thanks for this well-thought-out review, MickeyJo!
I saw this in New York a week ago….It was INCREDIBLE! The vocals are amazing and I loved the staging! Ben Platt is one of my favs and Micaela Diamond was a fantastic Lucille…….one of the great love stories in theatre❤Hope you had a grand time in New York….I am new to your channel and I LOVE your content!
I just saw the show today and just had to flip open the program to see WHO WAS THAT AMAZING PERFORMER! He is hugely talented and was a standout in the production!
I was lucky enough to see the show a few weeks ago, and being a theatre student (going with fellow theatre students) we picked up on a LOT of techniques that are really similar to theatre practitioner Brecht, everything down to the costumes was strikingly brechtian and as a practitioner Brecht strove for the theatre to carry a message (he even said he wanted the audience to "hang up their coats not their brains") so I think that slight lack of emotional energy you mentioned really works within that lens of a Brechtian style, which, I'd be surprised if it wasn't intentional Genuinely one of the absolute best shows I've ever seen (was actually my first BWay show) and the way it emotionally resonates and exposes this story is fantastic, would be very surprised if there weren't any Tony wins for Parade.
I agree. Parade and Bridges are JRB’s greatest scores. On any given day I’ll choose one or the other Were you aware that Uhry’s grandmother (Miss Daisy)was a friend of Lucille Frank?
Just rushed this today, absolutely loved it - wasn’t familiar with the material but it was so stunning and compelling end to end. I do find what you said about the emotional detachment interesting though because while I loved it I didn’t actually cry which I am usually prone to do, especially in the hanging scene I wanted to get there but didn’t quite. Loved it though, for me the highlights were the trial in particular Factory Girls/Come To My Office and That’s What He Said. The contrast of Ben’s performance with those lies and fake portrayals with his actual character just really floored me. Anyway loved it though and am even tempted to make a second trip.
Hello from San Francisco! My BFF Doug Gordy and I saw the original production of *Parade* at Lincoln Center in 1998 (must double check that year) with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello. Loved it then, and I've been a big fan of B. Platt since I was privileged to see him early in the run of DEH. I was very excited to see him and Michaela Diamond in *Parade* at City Center during its week-long run at the beginning of Nov. 2022. And... I guess I'm grateful I did; they and the entire cast were brilliant. But the set design was such that although I was in THE FRONT ROW I missed much of the action. I'm a *leetle* (sic) annoyed about that. MJ, you make a valid point about the lack of emo during the lynching. I'm a Jewish woman, and I've done some other reading about the Frank case. According to at least one report, on his way to what he knew would be his murder -- a seven hour drive through Georgia backwoods -- he said, "I think more of my wife and my mother than I do of my life." Finally (until the amphetamines kick in) (JK), *Bridges* is also brilliant score, but while *Parade* is raised up by the story, while *Bridges* comes with the baggage of the original novel.
Thank you for putting your videos in a Spotify format ! Also thank you for spoiling the show ending so I could be prepared on my time seeing it in May 2025. ! I was so curious on what happened! You are such inspiration I wish I could be as so thorough in reviews
I agree with you how powerful Parade is and truly recommend it to anyone who loves or is interested in dramatic musical theater. But even more, this is so important now even in New York where anti-Semitism is strangely on the rise again, a truly troubling devopment and one I did not think I would ever see in my lifetime but I suppose should have seen coming. I agree with your praise of Micaela Diamond and would even expand on that praise as she is the audience's window into the story over the somewhat detached Leo Frank (also brillantly played and sung by Ben Platt.) I think his detachement is deliberate in the script and th eproduction so that we react intellectually and not just emotionally to the injustice caused by prejudice. I was pleased with all the compliments you heaped on the supporting cast but disappointed you left out Jake Pedersen who plays Mickey Epps, Mary Phagen's boyfriend. During his solo in "Something's Not Right" I nearly lept out of my seat and at my first opportunity at intermission, searched for his name in the program. I look forward to a return visit to Parade and will also keep an eye on anything he does in the future. I am nnow a subscriber and look forward to your reviews of the other productions you saw on your visit.
Greetings from beautiful Atlanta - as a Georgia girl I knew the story forwards and backwards, and as soon as they announced this revival I bought my tickets! Next month in NYC :)
Wonderful review! My soul is still “in turmoil” from the outcome. So many times I felt like screaming, “why don’t you defend yourself.” But, that was the character of Leo Frank. I think that’s why you may have thought the lynching scene needed something more. I think it was staged exactly as it happened. By that time Leo knew his fate and there was no way out of it. So, he was concerned about how he was covered and his wedding ring. Anyway, I’ve been watching documentaries and tv movies about the story. He has been pardoned, but the reason is because the state of Georgia admits they were lax in protecting him from the lynch mob, and also because no one from the lynch mob was prosecuted. So, he really hasn’t been exonerated.
I saw this show way back in ‘98 or ‘99. I hear it’s changed quite a bit, some songs I really love have been removed, but as long as the factory girls song is still there I’m onboard. That scene and that song still give me goosebumps all these years later, just gorgeously chilling. Not a particular Ben Platt fan, and the snippets I’ve heard haven’t done anything to change that, so I might skip the new cast recording (saving my cast album budget for the Josh Groban Sweeney Todd), but I hope the show sticks around for a while.
About the new cast recording. I have my opinions about the many cuts they made for the recording. I personally prefer the Donmar Warehouse cast recording which, though the production had a smaller orchestra, it does have the entire score on it. (Factory Girls for example works so much better in its completely form.) But I will say this about Ben Platt on the new cast recording: He seems to have chosen a much calmer path of vocally portraying this role in comparison to his previous roles. His voice sounds a lot more mature and his technique sounds more solid and evened out. I was positively surprised by his approach to this score vocally en enjoyed his performance on the recording. I have not seen the current production itself, unfortunately.
Factory Girls is also my favorite song in the show and hearing and seeing it live in this production just sent chills up my spine. I will always say that I think that Factory Girls/Come Up To My Office is probably the best thing JRB ever wrote (the transition OUT of Come Up To My Office and back into Factory Girls is a piece of musical genius). Out of curiosity, which songs that you love were cut? I know most productions follow the edits of the Donmar 2007 production, which cut "Big News", "It Goes On and On", "People of Atlanta", "Letter to the Governor", and "Newt Lee's Testimony", which are all very short songs except for "Big News". Otherwise, the rest of the score is still there.
Also desperate for this to get back to the UK - the 2007 Donmar Warehouse Cast Recording has been a regular listen for me since I was a teenager, I have always wanted to see the show!
My mom and I saw the show when it was in previews. We got tickets because we saw one of our favorite actors, Howard McGillin, was in the production. We went in knowing absolutely nothing about the show--we even were expecting it to be light-hearted with a title like "Parade". Needless to say, we were very much surprised, and deeply moved. Everything about the production was spectacular, although since we saw it in previews, I think they were still working on the sound levels because the orchestra was sometimes so loud we couldn't quite hear the actors. The evening we saw it was our last night in New York and we spent our flight home to San Diego researching the case. I truly hope that Leo's name is cleared one day and that, wherever his and Mary's souls are now, they're at peace.
I’m so glad you got to see this!! I’ve seen this production twice on Broadway, once in previews and then the day after opening (and all the reviews) I have VERY fond memories of the original Broadway prod, and I’ll agree with you the 1st time I saw it I did feel emotionally distanced, I remembered how simply and powerfully staged some of the key moments were in the original, and was feeling like maybe this one was overly staged a bit, specially the opening number that I remembered as this powerful anthem sung straight at my soul by a soldier simply standing in front of me. But I will say, by the 2nd time seeing this prod the whole thing had gelled and become this living breathing entity, all moving together - you can almost see it’s heart beating, and it took my breath away.
I completely agree. Ben has a gorgeous voice but it was definitely a lot more modern than the rest of the cast which I felt had a timeless quality to it.
I have never seen Parade, and always regretted not seeing the Donmar production. It is one of my most listened to cast recordings because, as you say, the score is absolutely stunning and one of Jason Robert Brown's best. It would be amazing if it could come to the UK.
Honestly a dream of mine would be to watch any show that Michael Arden has directed. Would be even better if he directed something on west end so I don’t have to travel.
I love this show. Please, please, please, go see it if you can. It’s so poignant to today’s society. Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond are breathtakingly amazing.
Someone once said that Howard McGillin is good in everything and every role but Phantom. (For those who don't know, he is the longest running Phantom on Broadway with more than 2500 performances) I guess that comment continues to be true.
I have been a fan of this musical since it debuted in 1998. I was too poor to get to NYC to see it then, but I was able to see it last week. I absolutely loved this interpretation, just brilliant.
I had the privilege to see both the NYCC production as well as the Broadway transfer. I think your comments are mostly on target, although I do disagree a bit with the emotional resonance of the lynching scene. When Leo sings the Shema, it is so, so powerful...esp combined with the overall history of racial violence, Lynch mobs, and the like in the South. As someone from the Southern US, the scene was incredibly powerful.
Saw Parade last Sunday and I thought the staging and performance of the lynching scene was the power capstone of the show. When Platt began to quietly sing the Sh'ma to the tune of Red Hills of Home I choked up. His demeanor reminded me of all the innocent people who went like lambs to the slaughter in the Nazi camps. To have overplayed it would have undervalued the emotional punch it packed. An absolutely perfect ending to a near perfect evening in the theatre. My only complaint would be the sporadically maintained southern accents. As outstanding as this cast was, they should never be hired for a Tennessee Williams revival.
I had the same visions of the photos I’ve seen over my life of Jews being forced into a line and one by one shot and dumped into a giant hole/mass grave. Just beyond powerful and excruciating.
Haven't watched the video yet, but I saw the thumbnail. "Did it make me cry?" Boy, if it didn't, you should get checked out by a therapist or something! LOL How could it not make you cry? Although, I'm seeing it (again) in a few weeks with my mom, and she doesn't cry at anything, so I'm fully prepared to call her a "weirdo." But I've seen it three times now, once at NYCC, once in previews, and once after it opened, and I think I cried harder with each viewing. The song "All the Wasted Time" especially when you know what's going to happen next? Ugh! 😭 EDIT: I should point out that I'm the granddaughter of a Brooklyn Jew who was the same age as Leo. I think that definitely had an impact on how I reacted to the show.
Even more excited to see this now, it's the second of 5 shows I currently have booked for June-July (going to get on the day tickets for the remainder of the trip)
I saw productions of Parade in October 2009 in Los Angeles and June 2018 in Cerritos, California, and wept both times. I'd love to see this production anywhere in Southern California, possibly on tour in 2024. This is theatre that says something, means something, and celebrates human character.
I am interested in this show, and glad to get your opinion on it. What a rich Tonys season this is going to be. So glad that you were able to get to New York.
Everybody cast in this show is fantastic, but because I don’t see his name a ton I want to shout out Alex Grayson, who gives an absolutely unreal performance as Jim Conley (the guy who probably actually committed the murder). He’s very young, and we’re going to see lots more of him very soon I’m sure.
I was supposed to see this a few weeks ago, but they canceled the performance shortly after seating everyone. Hope I get to catch it before the end of its run.
I was there too! I rescheduled for this Sunday... I caught the City Center production and loved it so much I had to see it again. I hope you get to see it!!
I actually got to see the show 4 days after it opened with Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond and I cannot tell you how much I cried listening and watching it.
Saw a production of this in Sydney this week which was very good - actress in the Lucille role stole the show. Would have loved to have seen Ben Platt and this production as the Sydney staging was not as adventurous by overall a very solid, enjoyable production.
This is a great review. I implore you to remember where you might just be experiencing being a cultural outsider. There is a long history of comedy and tragedy being side by side in Jewish humor. Sometimes things don’t need to be catered to you. I would also consider why you had a harder time feeling the gravity of the hanging without performing it to the extreme for you.
Thanks for the review which was fascinating this - I’m directing a production of Parade in the UK in September so really interested in your commentary. (Woking in September if anyone is interested) the score and the stories are just outstanding can’t wait to get started !
I was able to see the second preview. Going in knowing nothing about the show. I was absolutely captivated by the production as a whole. It was the best show I saw while I was there. This included Sweeney Todd. Brilliant night at the theater. I will never forget it.
I'm going to try and see PARADE either at the end of June or July, I appreciate you fleshing it out for me as well as telling me about the rush tickets.
As someone who has played JRB's music in front of paying audiences, I have some bones to pick, first and foremost with whomsoever formatted "Songs For A New World", which drastically changes staff size with more than half of its page turns. And that isn't hyperbole. Still, the entire time you talked about the quality of Parade's score, I kept repeating "Bridges!" in my mind, so I'm glad you ultimately mentioned it too. I think Parade is the better show, while Bridges contains the best music. This is all down to Kelly O'Hara, who was absolutely *robbed* of what should have been her third or fourth Tony, but I digress. From what I gather, he originally intended to write in a brighter, more 'pop' genre, but with O'Hara's casting -- and her fearless commitments to both the Italian and the more 'legit' classical tone -- Brown reconceived the piece. And improved upon it, clearly, since Francesca's tarantella, and her soaring Puccini-esque melodic lines *evoke* the Old Country, and help to make her seem out of place in Iowa, yet *completely* in her element once her passion is ignited. Parade benefits from Hal Prince's superb skill as an editor, and the consequent focus on its themes and characters. Bridges suffers from its diversions into irrelevance -- but then, how else to change the costumes? But only Bridges has "Falling Into You".
You nailed it. I really liked the production, the stage design,and the cast, but was missing, as you point out, the punch in the gut at the end. Leopoldstadt is more successful in this manner.
I'm not sure much can top the Donmar production. Something about the setting made you feel that you were also part of judge and jury on the events. I saw it twice and loved Bertie Carvel and Lara Pulver, but Shaun Escoffery was the real standout.
Thank you for give us such an incredible review for those of us who can't make it to see the show but want to so badly. Shout out to my buddy Jay Armstrong Johnson who steals the show as the very nasty reporter Britt Craig.
Saw it last night, so emotional. I have loved this show since its early inception. Also found the projections to be very powerful. I thought the vocals of the two reporters were weak. I found that having Ben act out the actions of which Leo is accused during the trial, was a bit confusing and took me out of the moment.
Micaela Diamond's accent really took me out of it. Maybe I didn't understand the high concept of it all but being someone from the south I found it jarring and unusual. I wish her cadence was a bit more like the governor's wife. Her vocal performance speaks for itself, she is absolutely stunning.
Given that you've got glistening eyes throughout this video, and a stream of praise, I am sure that many will now be interested to see Parade. I admit I hadn't heard of it. I'll look out for a cast recording now. Keep up your very credible and honest reviews of musical theatre, Micky Jo! They mean a lot to those of us far from London and New York.
I've had a vague fascination for Parade ever since the BBC long ago broadcast a live performance of "That's What He Said" on Friday Night Is Music Night (which made me go and look up the musical). A great piece but one you can't really ever sing out of context or you'd look very odd...
To quote JRB, "I will never understand why all the world misjudged" the song"All the Wasted Time", which is handsdown the best writing in the show. All the advertising in the US on the radio and television focused on "This is not over yet". Perhaps just because it moved from City Center to Broadway, that it wasn't over? I mean, that's a nice song, but not nearly the equal of "All the Wasted Time." Neither melodically, nor for it's imortance to the couple.
what time did you line up for to get the tickets? which day of the week was it? I'm going to NYC for a weekend in May and not sure if I should buy ticket before or try this 'rush' ticket thing.
Saturday, and 7:30am - the 1st person in line got there at 7. A fuller guide to how the line developed over time will be in my upcoming New York trip vlogs!
Short correction for you: In the US, there is a difference between dress circle and mezzanine. No, one is not just another name for its UK counterpart.
The differences in the syntax. The dress circle is usually more expensive. And the dress circle will be just below the lower balcony. Whereas the mezzanine level will be directly above the orchestra level (and below dress circle). Sometimes, this mezzanine level will also have its own set of stairs but they will be a half level… So only about 5 to 8 steps to enter this level above the main floor, but not all theaters have a mezzanine level… It’s really in the design of the theater, and most of the ones that have them, are generally older buildings.
I could explain the masterclass of this show until the day I die, and gladly would, but I don't need to. The only proof we need of the importance of this show is the fact that antisemitic protesters tried to get people not to see it. What more is there to say?
I dunno, Mickey Jo, I felt that it was deeply emotionally impactful. I'm not Jewish, but I was raised in the American South, and there is a stoicism that pervades the overarching prejudices embedded in the culture. I have seen other productions of this show that I found to be rather lackluster, but this time I was deeply moved (especially by the evolution of the relationship between Lucille and Leo-- which was acted masterfully.) I didn't feel particularly alienated from the narrative at any point.
I haven't seen this show but loved the 1988 tv film 'The Murder of Mary Phagen' fascinating story! Im not quite so sure that it was a miscarriage of justice! Although I definitely dont agree with lynching!x
Yeah. You kinda touched on it but by far the worst part of the show for me was Michaela Diamonds ATROCIOUS accent. It was such a caricature accent for a character who is possibly the most grounded in the whole show. Nothing took me out more
1. It’s actually the first time the show has been staged in a major production with Jewish actors playing both Leo and Lucille, which is remarkable. 2. To the point of the crafted character, it makes perfect sense since Lucille is such a unique blend of cultures: both Jewish but also very southern and Georgian. The show obviously comments on this quote a lot, and that dual identity makes it such a unique role. Michaela played that so well.
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I loved this show at The Atlantic Theatre in NY - so glad to see it getting a second life in the UK!
The hanging scene means so much more from a cultural sense. As a Jew watching, when he recites the Shema it literally took my breath away. The prayer he says is one that is said daily by practicing Jews, and is only supposed to be said out loud on Yom Kippur and right before death. It was truly shocking and emotional, but I wish that other elements of staging (like the ones you discussed) emphasized that for those who don't understand.
This is very interesting to hear, thank you for sharing this insight!
I think the fact that he was calm, restrained and controlled made it even more of a gut punch as well. He was acting the opposite of how you'd expect him to. A choice I loved.
Clarifying a bit. We recite the Shema itself aloud many times outside of those two times. It's the center point of a prayer service. It's also part of the Torah service. Shema means "hear" it wouldn't make much sense to not speak it. It is supposed to be said right before death. And it is the climax of Yom Kippur. The translation is "Hear, Israel (the Jewish people, not the country), the Lord is our God, the Lord is one." It comes from Chapter 6 of Deuteronomy. The second line of the Shema, starting with "baruch shem" translates to "Blessed is the name of God's glorious kingdom forever and ever." THAT line is only said aloud on Yom Kippur and before death.
@@MickeyJoTheatre I second this! When I heard the first word, "Sh'ma," I literally couldn't breathe as a Jew myself. And to add onto it, sarcasm and "gallows humor," at least in my experience, are a part of Jewish culture. I guess after thousands of years of being oppressed, exiled, and killed, we kind of made it a coping mechanism. Needless to say, you hit the nail on the head when you said that Jewish people are going to have a different experience with this show than gentiles. It's been three days and I'm still struggling to emotionally process what I witnessed because it hits so close to home in so many ways. And I hope it can make it to the West End so more people can learn about Leo Frank's story.
I'm not Jewish but familiar with the prayer and yeah perhaps it is a cultural thing but I was trying to figure out how to cry in a way that didn't disturb my neighbor at that scene. Especially because it was entirely un scored. The silence in that moment, the stocicim of there's nothing he can do to change this. UGH gutwrenching.
I saw a production a few years ago, where Leo was left hanging. The cast took their bows. The actor playing Leo Frank didn't. It was incredible. The Audience was so lost and didn't know what to do. The final image was the actor playing Leo just hanging until the Audience left
That's a really sick and disturbing but powerful idea to do. Seriously imagine if another revival did something like that. Which playhouse production was it?
I actually live in the town where Leo Frank was lynched, and it was great to see this part of history put into a show. I hope it reaches more people, especially in these times.
I can't even imagine how haunting it must be to live in Marietta where Mary was born and leo was lynched. It's a really tragic case cause no justice to mary ever got served and leo unfortunately payed the price for it.
Holy crap this happened in Marietta??? That’s where I live. I’m originally from Michigan but I’ve lived here over 20 years now. I really need to look up the history on this.😢
he literally raped and murdered that girl.. it was so bad they actually believed the black guy in 1910s GA!
@@chazofalsa I thought he died in milledgeville ga
@@ilovequeenathena6956 no he died in Marietta but Milledgeville was where he stayed in prison.
This show hits incredibly different when you're from the South...I felt the emotions so deeply (more than expected) and there were literally moments when I was moved to tears. The score, the staging, the direction, the orchestrations--so masterfully done.
I saw the ORIGINAL Bway production with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello 25 years ago - it was the final preview and I almost literally ran into Stephen Sondheim in the lobby prior to the show. I was too tongue-tied to say a word!
Sondheim was supposed to write it. It was originally offered to him and he turned it down. That's when Harold Prince's daughter recommend JRB. (Who, BTW, was in his 20s when he wrote this show. That's incredible!)
Beautiful review - I haven’t seen the production so I can’t fully speak to what you say around 11:20, but I can say as a Jewish man that leaning on and leading with humor despite being the depths of something tragic is a very Jewish trait.
I saw it the other night and I believe he's referring to a point in the show where Leo is in jail and Lucille comes to visit, and she apologizes for being late and that the memorial day parade made it difficult to get there, to which Leo replies sarcastically "ah yes my favorite holiday" (as that was the day Mary phagan was killed and he was arrested). As a Jew I thought it was fitting, it felt true to life in the way we use humor in tough times
Not Jewish but read a lot of works by Jewish authors. I was going to say I didn’t think this criticism was fair; “woe is me” really isn’t fitting for the character or the culture. I’m glad someone who has real knowledge in this subject said something.
I ushered this show yesterday and got to see it for a second time! The talent in this cast’s acting but especially their vocal ability in the mains and supporting cast is incredible! So glad you got to see it for your visit!❤
I NEED Michaela Diamond to break through the big names and land a lead actress Tony nod. She more than deserves!
THIS!
She gave a spectacular vocal performance!!‼️‼️❣️
yes! She was so, SO great! Her quiet rage was so amazing.
At some point, maybe after the trip, will you talk a bit in general terms about the experience of going to the theatre in NY vs. London? I always like the "what is the experience like at this venue" part of your London reviews.
That is very much covered in the vlog content that is on its way 👀
I saw Michael Arden’s Spring Awakening (also referred to as Deaf Awakening) in LA before the transfer to NYC and he is absolutely incredible. So glad he is behind this revival as well. I never saw his revival of Once On This Island, though I heard great things. It seems he profoundly understands the responsibility in revitalizing these works and he has such an incredible perspective.
Fun fact, Deaf Awakening inspired a Deaf/hearing production in my area! Olney Theatre outside of Washington DC did a version of The Music Man last summer that was both signed and sung, with James Caverly (from Only Murders in the Building) as Harold Hill. It was one of the most incredible shows I’ve ever seen-the ASL, choreography, and singing all meshed in a way I’ve never seen before as a theatergoer, and it was an absolutely joyful experience. All of this is to say that one of the greatest things about art is how it effects other artists!
micheal arden is a GENIUS! saw him in hunchback and saw his direction of once on this island (and spring awakening thru bootlegs shh) and he better get a tony for this. he deserves it!
In the funeral sequence during the 4/5/23 show Frankie instead of sung screamed with such intense anger and vitriol during the lyrics
Let him quiver in his boots!
Let him run until he bleeds!
I won’t rest until I know
He’s burning in the ragin’ fires of Hell forevermore!
It was bone chilling and gave so much more meaning to when he says “god forgive me what I think/wish right now.”
One of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard!
Hey MickeyJo! I am glad you enjoyed this musical. It is and will always be one of my favourites. As you said, the music is just stunning. And the story is heartbreaking.
I will just comment briefly on what you said at 8:30 about Leo's death. I was so very lucky to see the original at Lincoln Centre in 1998 with Brent Carver (RIP) and Carolee Carmello. Brent was a good friend and a brilliant Leo. Obviously this production was 25 years ago now. So, I could not recall the exact direction of the lynching. But I am fairly certain they would be very much alike in Leo's reactions to what is happening to him.
Clearly, at first, he is shaken. He has no idea what is happening when they take him from the jail cell. But when they make it clear what they intend to do to him (keep in mind it is 1915), one of his biggest concerns is that he is not covered. He was a recluse. He was antisocial. He never enjoyed living in Georgia. After they question him and try to get him to confess, he makes a very clear statement that he is very sorry that little girl had to die, but he has no intention of ever admitting to a crime he did not commit. At this point, he has already come to terms with his impending end. And his only other concern is that Lucille will get his wedding band. Obviously, it is human nature in these sorts of situations to fight for our lives. Even in the last moment, as the noose would take hold, a person would really have had to have given up completely to just hang there and die without some fight. But Leo is also well aware there is no getting out of this. His end is near and he chooses to accept it with grace and pride in his knowledge that he left this earth in honesty. I am sure any one of us in the same situation would have either admitted to the crime just to get out of the noose (as it is offered at one point by one of the guys) or fought like crazy to try to get away.
(This paragraph amended thanks to Ken Lasky)
America still to this day has not gotten over the civil war 158 years ago. So even 48-50 years after the war (1913-1915), you can imagine the tensions when a Yank was in their neck of the woods. And not just a yankee, but also a jew.
Very well expressed description of Leo in the death scene. He was a rather brave man ultimately dying with integrity. His asking for the last things; giving his wife his ring and the Jewish prayer just made me and those around me in the theater to gasp and break down in tears. My theater neighbor quietly handed me a tissue from the wad she was holding and it took several min to stop the tears from flowing. I vote for Tony’s for both Ben and Mikaela.
I fully support your post, but I don’t follow the math…. I very much agree that we have open wounds left over from the civil war. What a horrible tragic period in our nations history! Our founding fathers admitted that this would be a big conflict in years to come. But, they turned their backs to the slave issue because they had a nation to start, and needed to do it with the southern colonies.
@@kenlasky3904 Thank you so much, Ken. I completely screwed up my math when I wrote this. I was thinking of the Revolutionary War dates when I calculated. Should have been thinking of the Civil War dates which were over 100 years later. Thanks for the correction...original post corrected, with thanks!
@@darrenhales6094 Darren, you are too kind! I was going to edit my response, but you gave me credit in YOUR response! Love that! Thanks!
@@kenlasky3904 My pleasure. I always give credit where credit is due. And yup...I totally F'd up all those dates hahaha Thanks for that nudge in the right direction.
The acting was great, but Jake Pedersen as Frankie, the boy who like Mary, was simply amazing. His song, and the anger he showed had me tearing up. Micaela Diamond was also brilliant. Ben Platte was also great, but his role almost felt ancillary to the story, which was more about what was done to him, not what he experienced being done to him.
Jake was incredible! Such a good show!
Great point about the Leo Frank character.
YES!!!!!! the second Jake started singing i was absolutely floored! he had a BEAUTIFUL voice that sent chills through my whole body Absolutely outstanding
@@mp3holder94 one of the highlights of the whole show for me
I met him at the stagedoor and he signed my playbill! He also asked me how I was and told me he liked my shirt (it was white with a bunch of red and pink flowers)! He was really nice and I'm so happy that he gets to play boq in wicked right now!
Another few stand-outs for me are Eddie Cooper who plays Newt Lee the night watchman - he doesn’t get long in the spotlight but was one of the highlights of the night for me.
Also loved Jake Pederson playing Frankie Epps - I believe he took over the role from Gaten Matarazzo which is a big name to follow. His character is probably the most broad and he gave me chills when we see him switch from playful and carefree in the beginning to this vengeful ball of rage at the funeral. Really blew me away.
SO grateful that the cast recording was released the day I happened to see the show 🙌🏻
Yes to the shoutout for Jake Pedersen as Frankie! He was quite easily, a shockingly, my favorite performance in the entire show. "Vengeful ball of rage" is so accurate, and I cried and his call for vengeance song. He was so amazing and I hope will huge a huge role soon.
Also shoutout to Charlie Webb, the young soilder boy and an understudy for Frankie. He’s an Atlanta native, and has a gorgeous voice as well
Jake was absolutely stunning as well
@@Omeg1776 Yes!! He has a big task basically opening the show alone and he’s phenomenal. Gorgeous voice, easy to pick out on the cast recording 👏🏻
I LOVED IT!!!! I can’t stop listening to the soundtrack. I enjoyed the historical slides and information projected onto the back stage.
Saw it at NYCC and will again in April. Absolutely fantastic!! There is a place for juke-box musicals but it's a true treat to see a deep meaningful yet entertaining one. I think that Ben and Micaela's voices blend so well in strength, timbre, intent. Lucille was written with a lot more personal growth than Leo. Ben plays it true to Leo and is very nuanced and deliberate with his acting choices. The recording really shows that as well as his control of his instrument. I am not Jewish but I understand the significance of the final song, and his clear voice strongly resonates with his understanding and his courage with what is about to happen. When it's broken off abruptly as he falls, I was in tears and gasped along with everyone around me (even though I knew it was going to happen)! The supporting cast is really wonderful, too! I hope Ben and Micaela are both nominated (I'm rooting for Ben to win - I think it will be an uphill battle for Micaela against Annaleigh)! BTW, yes, Ben closes his eyes a lot when doing his own songs, etc. but there is no indication at all of that during the show. Thanks for this well-thought-out review, MickeyJo!
I saw this in New York a week ago….It was INCREDIBLE! The vocals are amazing and I loved the staging! Ben Platt is one of my favs and Micaela Diamond was a fantastic Lucille…….one of the great love stories in theatre❤Hope you had a grand time in New York….I am new to your channel and I LOVE your content!
I’m friends with Alex Joseph Greyson, he CRUSHES it in this show! I’d love to see him get a Tony nomination
I just saw the show today and just had to flip open the program to see WHO WAS THAT AMAZING PERFORMER! He is hugely talented and was a standout in the production!
I was lucky enough to see the show a few weeks ago, and being a theatre student (going with fellow theatre students) we picked up on a LOT of techniques that are really similar to theatre practitioner Brecht, everything down to the costumes was strikingly brechtian and as a practitioner Brecht strove for the theatre to carry a message (he even said he wanted the audience to "hang up their coats not their brains") so I think that slight lack of emotional energy you mentioned really works within that lens of a Brechtian style, which, I'd be surprised if it wasn't intentional
Genuinely one of the absolute best shows I've ever seen (was actually my first BWay show) and the way it emotionally resonates and exposes this story is fantastic, would be very surprised if there weren't any Tony wins for Parade.
Thank you for covering this! I saw it the night before opening and its truly one of the most emotionally charged shows on Broadway right now.
I agree. Parade and Bridges are JRB’s greatest scores. On any given day I’ll choose one or the other Were you aware that Uhry’s grandmother (Miss Daisy)was a friend of Lucille Frank?
wholeheartedly agree. i hope bridges can be revived and received in the same positive manner that parade was.
Just rushed this today, absolutely loved it - wasn’t familiar with the material but it was so stunning and compelling end to end. I do find what you said about the emotional detachment interesting though because while I loved it I didn’t actually cry which I am usually prone to do, especially in the hanging scene I wanted to get there but didn’t quite. Loved it though, for me the highlights were the trial in particular Factory Girls/Come To My Office and That’s What He Said. The contrast of Ben’s performance with those lies and fake portrayals with his actual character just really floored me. Anyway loved it though and am even tempted to make a second trip.
Floored is absolutely the word! Glad you loved it!
I am dying to go again!
Hello from San Francisco! My BFF Doug Gordy and I saw the original production of *Parade* at Lincoln Center in 1998 (must double check that year) with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello. Loved it then, and I've been a big fan of B. Platt since I was privileged to see him early in the run of DEH.
I was very excited to see him and Michaela Diamond in *Parade* at City Center during its week-long run at the beginning of Nov. 2022. And... I guess I'm grateful I did; they and the entire cast were brilliant. But the set design was such that although I was in THE FRONT ROW I missed much of the action. I'm a *leetle* (sic) annoyed about that.
MJ, you make a valid point about the lack of emo during the lynching. I'm a Jewish woman, and I've done some other reading about the Frank case. According to at least one report, on his way to what he knew would be his murder -- a seven hour drive through Georgia backwoods -- he said, "I think more of my wife and my mother than I do of my life."
Finally (until the amphetamines kick in) (JK), *Bridges* is also brilliant score, but while *Parade* is raised up by the story, while *Bridges* comes with the baggage of the original novel.
Thank you for putting your videos in a Spotify format ! Also thank you for spoiling the show ending so I could be prepared on my time seeing it in May 2025. ! I was so curious on what happened! You are such inspiration I wish I could be as so thorough in reviews
I agree with you how powerful Parade is and truly recommend it to anyone who loves or is interested in dramatic musical theater. But even more, this is so important now even in New York where anti-Semitism is strangely on the rise again, a truly troubling devopment and one I did not think I would ever see in my lifetime but I suppose should have seen coming. I agree with your praise of Micaela Diamond and would even expand on that praise as she is the audience's window into the story over the somewhat detached Leo Frank (also brillantly played and sung by Ben Platt.) I think his detachement is deliberate in the script and th eproduction so that we react intellectually and not just emotionally to the injustice caused by prejudice. I was pleased with all the compliments you heaped on the supporting cast but disappointed you left out Jake Pedersen who plays Mickey Epps, Mary Phagen's boyfriend. During his solo in "Something's Not Right" I nearly lept out of my seat and at my first opportunity at intermission, searched for his name in the program. I look forward to a return visit to Parade and will also keep an eye on anything he does in the future. I am nnow a subscriber and look forward to your reviews of the other productions you saw on your visit.
Greetings from beautiful Atlanta - as a Georgia girl I knew the story forwards and backwards, and as soon as they announced this revival I bought my tickets! Next month in NYC :)
It's BEYOND.
Wonderful review! My soul is still “in turmoil” from the outcome. So many times I felt like screaming, “why don’t you defend yourself.” But, that was the character of Leo Frank. I think that’s why you may have thought the lynching scene needed something more. I think it was staged exactly as it happened. By that time Leo knew his fate and there was no way out of it. So, he was concerned about how he was covered and his wedding ring. Anyway, I’ve been watching documentaries and tv movies about the story. He has been pardoned, but the reason is because the state of Georgia admits they were lax in protecting him from the lynch mob, and also because no one from the lynch mob was prosecuted. So, he really hasn’t been exonerated.
The Most Heartbreakingly Beautiful Show.
I saw this show way back in ‘98 or ‘99. I hear it’s changed quite a bit, some songs I really love have been removed, but as long as the factory girls song is still there I’m onboard. That scene and that song still give me goosebumps all these years later, just gorgeously chilling.
Not a particular Ben Platt fan, and the snippets I’ve heard haven’t done anything to change that, so I might skip the new cast recording (saving my cast album budget for the Josh Groban Sweeney Todd), but I hope the show sticks around for a while.
I do not like Ben Platt....but I will say I am enjoying the new recording.
The factory girl’s song is indeed still there, in all it’s glory, it’s almost hypnotizing when it happens in the show
About the new cast recording. I have my opinions about the many cuts they made for the recording. I personally prefer the Donmar Warehouse cast recording which, though the production had a smaller orchestra, it does have the entire score on it. (Factory Girls for example works so much better in its completely form.) But I will say this about Ben Platt on the new cast recording: He seems to have chosen a much calmer path of vocally portraying this role in comparison to his previous roles. His voice sounds a lot more mature and his technique sounds more solid and evened out. I was positively surprised by his approach to this score vocally en enjoyed his performance on the recording. I have not seen the current production itself, unfortunately.
@@MarkvanBeelen Well at least is is not a disaster like "13" the movie.
Factory Girls is also my favorite song in the show and hearing and seeing it live in this production just sent chills up my spine. I will always say that I think that Factory Girls/Come Up To My Office is probably the best thing JRB ever wrote (the transition OUT of Come Up To My Office and back into Factory Girls is a piece of musical genius).
Out of curiosity, which songs that you love were cut? I know most productions follow the edits of the Donmar 2007 production, which cut "Big News", "It Goes On and On", "People of Atlanta", "Letter to the Governor", and "Newt Lee's Testimony", which are all very short songs except for "Big News". Otherwise, the rest of the score is still there.
Also desperate for this to get back to the UK - the 2007 Donmar Warehouse Cast Recording has been a regular listen for me since I was a teenager, I have always wanted to see the show!
My mom and I saw the show when it was in previews. We got tickets because we saw one of our favorite actors, Howard McGillin, was in the production. We went in knowing absolutely nothing about the show--we even were expecting it to be light-hearted with a title like "Parade". Needless to say, we were very much surprised, and deeply moved. Everything about the production was spectacular, although since we saw it in previews, I think they were still working on the sound levels because the orchestra was sometimes so loud we couldn't quite hear the actors. The evening we saw it was our last night in New York and we spent our flight home to San Diego researching the case. I truly hope that Leo's name is cleared one day and that, wherever his and Mary's souls are now, they're at peace.
I’m so glad you got to see this!! I’ve seen this production twice on Broadway, once in previews and then the day after opening (and all the reviews) I have VERY fond memories of the original Broadway prod, and I’ll agree with you the 1st time I saw it I did feel emotionally distanced, I remembered how simply and powerfully staged some of the key moments were in the original, and was feeling like maybe this one was overly staged a bit, specially the opening number that I remembered as this powerful anthem sung straight at my soul by a soldier simply standing in front of me. But I will say, by the 2nd time seeing this prod the whole thing had gelled and become this living breathing entity, all moving together - you can almost see it’s heart beating, and it took my breath away.
Saw this on Sunday. It made me so mad but it was done so well. It's sad it is even more relevant today than it was 25 years ago.
I completely agree. Ben has a gorgeous voice but it was definitely a lot more modern than the rest of the cast which I felt had a timeless quality to it.
I have never seen Parade, and always regretted not seeing the Donmar production. It is one of my most listened to cast recordings because, as you say, the score is absolutely stunning and one of Jason Robert Brown's best. It would be amazing if it could come to the UK.
I love that recording!
Honestly a dream of mine would be to watch any show that Michael Arden has directed. Would be even better if he directed something on west end so I don’t have to travel.
I love this show. Please, please, please, go see it if you can. It’s so poignant to today’s society. Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond are breathtakingly amazing.
Looking forward to your review of DEAR WORLD!
Someone once said that Howard McGillin is good in everything and every role but Phantom. (For those who don't know, he is the longest running Phantom on Broadway with more than 2500 performances) I guess that comment continues to be true.
I have been a fan of this musical since it debuted in 1998. I was too poor to get to NYC to see it then, but I was able to see it last week. I absolutely loved this interpretation, just brilliant.
Oh wow, so jealous! This show is incredible ❤
I had the privilege to see both the NYCC production as well as the Broadway transfer. I think your comments are mostly on target, although I do disagree a bit with the emotional resonance of the lynching scene. When Leo sings the Shema, it is so, so powerful...esp combined with the overall history of racial violence, Lynch mobs, and the like in the South. As someone from the Southern US, the scene was incredibly powerful.
Saw Parade last Sunday and I thought the staging and performance of the lynching scene was the power capstone of the show. When Platt began to quietly sing the Sh'ma to the tune of Red Hills of Home I choked up. His demeanor reminded me of all the innocent people who went like lambs to the slaughter in the Nazi camps. To have overplayed it would have undervalued the emotional punch it packed. An absolutely perfect ending to a near perfect evening in the theatre. My only complaint would be the sporadically maintained southern accents. As outstanding as this cast was, they should never be hired for a Tennessee Williams revival.
I had the same visions of the photos I’ve seen over my life of Jews being forced into a line and one by one shot and dumped into a giant hole/mass grave. Just beyond powerful and excruciating.
A review of your review...wonderful! Thismay be your best review yet. I will now be booking tickets.
Haven't watched the video yet, but I saw the thumbnail. "Did it make me cry?" Boy, if it didn't, you should get checked out by a therapist or something! LOL How could it not make you cry? Although, I'm seeing it (again) in a few weeks with my mom, and she doesn't cry at anything, so I'm fully prepared to call her a "weirdo." But I've seen it three times now, once at NYCC, once in previews, and once after it opened, and I think I cried harder with each viewing. The song "All the Wasted Time" especially when you know what's going to happen next? Ugh! 😭
EDIT: I should point out that I'm the granddaughter of a Brooklyn Jew who was the same age as Leo. I think that definitely had an impact on how I reacted to the show.
I saw this yesterday for my birthday and am so happy I did. It instantly became an all time favorite.
great review 😊
Even more excited to see this now, it's the second of 5 shows I currently have booked for June-July (going to get on the day tickets for the remainder of the trip)
I saw productions of Parade in October 2009 in Los Angeles and June 2018 in Cerritos, California, and wept both times. I'd love to see this production anywhere in Southern California, possibly on tour in 2024. This is theatre that says something, means something, and celebrates human character.
I am interested in this show, and glad to get your opinion on it. What a rich Tonys season this is going to be. So glad that you were able to get to New York.
Everybody cast in this show is fantastic, but because I don’t see his name a ton I want to shout out Alex Grayson, who gives an absolutely unreal performance as Jim Conley (the guy who probably actually committed the murder). He’s very young, and we’re going to see lots more of him very soon I’m sure.
One of my college professors was the lighting designer for this!
And get over to 54 Below....ALWAYS broadway performers there. JRB plays there regularly with his band....it is a must visit.
I felt exactly the same about the hanging scene.
I was supposed to see this a few weeks ago, but they canceled the performance shortly after seating everyone. Hope I get to catch it before the end of its run.
@twinqle I can request a refund or exchange. I definitely plan on seeing it this summer.
I was there too! I rescheduled for this Sunday... I caught the City Center production and loved it so much I had to see it again. I hope you get to see it!!
I actually got to see the show 4 days after it opened with Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond and I cannot tell you how much I cried listening and watching it.
I would love to see a production of this in the UK. Not only would it be topical but I'd love to see some british jewish talent in the spotlight!
Saw a production of this in Sydney this week which was very good - actress in the Lucille role stole the show. Would have loved to have seen Ben Platt and this production as the Sydney staging was not as adventurous by overall a very solid, enjoyable production.
Thanks for this review. Did you see A Doll’s House while you were in NYC? It’s an amazing production.
This is a great review. I implore you to remember where you might just be experiencing being a cultural outsider. There is a long history of comedy and tragedy being side by side in Jewish humor. Sometimes things don’t need to be catered to you. I would also consider why you had a harder time feeling the gravity of the hanging without performing it to the extreme for you.
Did I not acknowledge that this would likely be more meaningful given a cultural connection? Apologies - very much intended to do so!
Thanks for the review which was fascinating this - I’m directing a production of Parade in the UK in September so really interested in your commentary. (Woking in September if anyone is interested) the score and the stories are just outstanding can’t wait to get started !
I was able to see the second preview. Going in knowing nothing about the show. I was absolutely captivated by the production as a whole. It was the best show I saw while I was there. This included Sweeney Todd. Brilliant night at the theater. I will never forget it.
The Old Red Hills of Home is such a pretty song, I would love to see it in person sometime.
I'm going to try and see PARADE either at the end of June or July, I appreciate you fleshing it out for me as well as telling me about the rush tickets.
cant wait to see it
Sounds like a great production, I’ve seen one amateur production a while back so don’t remember too much but pretty sure I enjoyed it
I am from Thomson, Georgia (Hometown of “Parade” villain Tom Watson). Micaela’s accent is spot on. 100% accurate.
I was a supporter. We might disagree disagree on certain things.
But I love your reviews your opinions. Thank you for this channel ❤
Been in my top 3 musicals for a while. Really hope to see this one in the UK in some form.
I really hope parade comes to Londen. I'm dutch but it's much easier for me to get to England than to America.
If Ben Platt ever comes to London starring in a show I will be faster in a plane than you can say: "All the wasted time"
As someone who has played JRB's music in front of paying audiences, I have some bones to pick, first and foremost with whomsoever formatted "Songs For A New World", which drastically changes staff size with more than half of its page turns. And that isn't hyperbole.
Still, the entire time you talked about the quality of Parade's score, I kept repeating "Bridges!" in my mind, so I'm glad you ultimately mentioned it too.
I think Parade is the better show, while Bridges contains the best music. This is all down to Kelly O'Hara, who was absolutely *robbed* of what should have been her third or fourth Tony, but I digress. From what I gather, he originally intended to write in a brighter, more 'pop' genre, but with O'Hara's casting -- and her fearless commitments to both the Italian and the more 'legit' classical tone -- Brown reconceived the piece. And improved upon it, clearly, since Francesca's tarantella, and her soaring Puccini-esque melodic lines *evoke* the Old Country, and help to make her seem out of place in Iowa, yet *completely* in her element once her passion is ignited.
Parade benefits from Hal Prince's superb skill as an editor, and the consequent focus on its themes and characters. Bridges suffers from its diversions into irrelevance -- but then, how else to change the costumes? But only Bridges has "Falling Into You".
I’m intrigued…did you train in MT yourself? ☺️
Where can I purchase your Parade jumper/sweatshirt?? Thanks for this video!
You nailed it. I really liked the production, the stage design,and the cast, but was missing, as you point out, the punch in the gut at the end. Leopoldstadt is more successful in this manner.
I'm not sure much can top the Donmar production. Something about the setting made you feel that you were also part of judge and jury on the events.
I saw it twice and loved Bertie Carvel and Lara Pulver, but Shaun Escoffery was the real standout.
Thank you for give us such an incredible review for those of us who can't make it to see the show but want to so badly. Shout out to my buddy Jay Armstrong Johnson who steals the show as the very nasty reporter Britt Craig.
Did you get past Evan Henson, good review
Saw it last night, so emotional. I have loved this show since its early inception. Also found the projections to be very powerful. I thought the vocals of the two reporters were weak. I found that having Ben act out the actions of which Leo is accused during the trial, was a bit confusing and took me out of the moment.
Wish you talked more on the female members of this company. So many great performances I wish you touched on.
Micaela Diamond's accent really took me out of it. Maybe I didn't understand the high concept of it all but being someone from the south I found it jarring and unusual. I wish her cadence was a bit more like the governor's wife. Her vocal performance speaks for itself, she is absolutely stunning.
Given that you've got glistening eyes throughout this video, and a stream of praise, I am sure that many will now be interested to see Parade. I admit I hadn't heard of it. I'll look out for a cast recording now. Keep up your very credible and honest reviews of musical theatre, Micky Jo! They mean a lot to those of us far from London and New York.
I've had a vague fascination for Parade ever since the BBC long ago broadcast a live performance of "That's What He Said" on Friday Night Is Music Night (which made me go and look up the musical). A great piece but one you can't really ever sing out of context or you'd look very odd...
To quote JRB, "I will never understand why all the world misjudged" the song"All the Wasted Time", which is handsdown the best writing in the show. All the advertising in the US on the radio and television focused on "This is not over yet". Perhaps just because it moved from City Center to Broadway, that it wasn't over? I mean, that's a nice song, but not nearly the equal of "All the Wasted Time." Neither melodically, nor for it's imortance to the couple.
what time did you line up for to get the tickets? which day of the week was it? I'm going to NYC for a weekend in May and not sure if I should buy ticket before or try this 'rush' ticket thing.
Saturday, and 7:30am - the 1st person in line got there at 7. A fuller guide to how the line developed over time will be in my upcoming New York trip vlogs!
@@MickeyJoTheatre Ohh nice! Thank you!!!
If you don't want to stand in line, I got 40% off tickets with tkts. Got them at the Lincoln tkts on Friday for Saturday matinee.
Short correction for you: In the US, there is a difference between dress circle and mezzanine. No, one is not just another name for its UK counterpart.
Oh okay - what's the difference? 👀
The differences in the syntax. The dress circle is usually more expensive. And the dress circle will be just below the lower balcony. Whereas the mezzanine level will be directly above the orchestra level (and below dress circle). Sometimes, this mezzanine level will also have its own set of stairs but they will be a half level… So only about 5 to 8 steps to enter this level above the main floor, but not all theaters have a mezzanine level… It’s really in the design of the theater, and most of the ones that have them, are generally older buildings.
Also I am a massive theatre person … 95% of people wouldn’t know the differences … it really is semantics for most. I see everything single show.
Please do a cast recording reaction video!
It’s going to Extend and with Jeremy Jordan when Ben exits
I could explain the masterclass of this show until the day I die, and gladly would, but I don't need to. The only proof we need of the importance of this show is the fact that antisemitic protesters tried to get people not to see it. What more is there to say?
Did you catch Kimberly Akimbo?
I dunno, Mickey Jo, I felt that it was deeply emotionally impactful. I'm not Jewish, but I was raised in the American South, and there is a stoicism that pervades the overarching prejudices embedded in the culture. I have seen other productions of this show that I found to be rather lackluster, but this time I was deeply moved (especially by the evolution of the relationship between Lucille and Leo-- which was acted masterfully.) I didn't feel particularly alienated from the narrative at any point.
I haven't seen this show but loved the 1988 tv film 'The Murder of Mary Phagen' fascinating story! Im not quite so sure that it was a miscarriage of justice! Although I definitely dont agree with lynching!x
I have always wanted 2 c this 4 a very long time! I used 2 think he was innocent but now I am not quite so sure??x
Have you seen Eugenius yet in London? 😊❤
Charlie Webb and Jake Pedersen were also standouts for me.
Yeah. You kinda touched on it but by far the worst part of the show for me was Michaela Diamonds ATROCIOUS accent. It was such a caricature accent for a character who is possibly the most grounded in the whole show. Nothing took me out more
I loved Paul Nolan as Jesus Christ in the 2012 BWay Revival of Jesus Christ Superstar
But Micaela Diamond is Jewish. She and Platt talk about how this show has helped them connect with their judaism.
I know! But her performance still feels more like a crafted character, if that makes sense!
1. It’s actually the first time the show has been staged in a major production with Jewish actors playing both Leo and Lucille, which is remarkable.
2. To the point of the crafted character, it makes perfect sense since Lucille is such a unique blend of cultures: both Jewish but also very southern and Georgian. The show obviously comments on this quote a lot, and that dual identity makes it such a unique role. Michaela played that so well.
Ben Platt needs to stop rocking his head back and closing his eyes when he sings. It's more annoying than people who say "um."