Theatre Raleigh Presents PARADE, Now thru 7/27

Parade is the tragic, true story of the trial and lynching of a man wrongly accused of murder. This story is brought to an emotional and theatrical life by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, one of Broadway's most promising young composers. Daring, innovative and bold, Parade won well-earned Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in 1999. Its subject matter offers a moral lesson about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance that should not be forgotten. Appropriate for ages 16+ (due to adult subject matter, but no harsh language).

Single tickets are $22-$30 and are available at http://www.theatreraleigh.com.

"Parade has been at the top of directing "dream list." I'm grateful to Lauren Kennedy and Theatre Raleigh for the opportunity to bring this glorious musical to life in the intimate Kennedy Theatre. Though it is set in 1913, this Southern story is current, contemporary and timeless," said Eric Woodall, Director of Parade.

In 1913, Leo Frank (Zachary Prince*), a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan (Carly Grissom), a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher, Britt Craig (Sean Powell) and the janitor, Jim Conley's (Maurice Johnson*) false testimony seal Leo's fate. His only defenders are a man with a conscience Governor Slaton (Ken Griggs), and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife, Lucille (Lauren Kennedy*) who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.

Rounding out the amazing cast are Jason Sharp (Hugh Dorsey), Josh Parrott (Young Confederate/Frankie Epps/Guard), David McClutchey (Luther Rosser/Officer Ivy/Guard) , David Bartlett (Judge Roan/Mr. Peavy/Guard), Bill Saunders (Officer Starnes/Tom Watson), Phylicia Mpasi (Minne McKnight/Angela), Austenne Grey (Mrs. Phagan/Sally Slaton), Mary Katherine Fuller (Iola Stover), Maigan Kennedy (Monteen) and Lydia Tart (Essie) .

Eric Woodall (Director) weaves together this tragic tale with the help of Julie Bradley (Music Director), Sherry Lee Allen (Choreographer), Chris Bernier (Scenic/Lighting Designs), Liz Ray (Stage Manager), Eric Collins (Sound Design), LeGrande Smith (Costume Design), Denise Schumaker (Properties Mistress), and Stevan Dupor (Sound Board Op).

Liam Yates (Assistant to the Director), Jessica Becker (Assistant Stage Manager), Ashleigh Curry (2nd Assistant Stage Manager), Katy Koop (Props Assistant) Kat Froehlich and Sophie Raymer (Wardrobe), Austin Keefe (A2), Wendy Brown and Garret Canna (Spot Operator), Lauren Kennedy (Artistic Director), Michele Weathers (Managing Director), Morgan Parpan (Development Coordinator), Maigan Kennedy (Management Associate) complete the stellar crew.

*Member of Actor's Equity Association

For more information please go to http://www.theatreraleigh.com.