Playhouse Merced Opens PARADE, 3/9

"Parade," a musical that dramatizes the historic trial of Leo Frank, who was accused of murdering his young employee, begins a three-weekend run on The Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday, March 9, 2012 at 7:30 pm.

"Parade," based on a true story, is set in 1913 Atlanta, Georgia where Frank, a Jewish man from New York City, is convicted of the murder of his young employee, Mary Phagan. The horrific crime sets off one of America's first media frenzied court cases. Sides are quickly taken and issues of bigotry, prejudice and hatred come to the forefront. With music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown ("The Last Five Years," "Songs for a New World") "Parade" opened on Broadway in 1998 and won a Tony award for Best Original Score.

Playhouse Merced's production is directed by Rob Hypes, musically directed by Joel Scott Shade and features Dusty Guthier as Leo Frank, Jilliann Giacalone as Mary Phagan and a cast of over 25 singers and performers. Costumes for "Parade" are designed by Cindy Strauss with sets designed by Corey Strauss.

This show is rated M = Mature Themes, Situations and / or Language

"Parade" opens Friday, March 9, 2012 and plays three weekends through March 25, 2012. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:00. Tickets prices: Adults: $20.00; Seniors: $18.00; Students: $10.00; Children: $8.00. Purchase tickets by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 – 5:00.

Playhouse Merced is a community-based, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences.