Thursday, November 12, 2009
Mark Taper Forum's Powerful PARADE
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| T.R Knight, Lara Pulver and the cast of Parade. Photos by Craig Schwartz |
I’m so glad I had the chance to experience the Donmar Warehouse production of Parade at Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum last night. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is one show you really should see before it ends its run this weekend. It is a powerful production written by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, with a cast led by T.R. Knight and Lara Pulver.
Much has been written about the Leo Frank Case. The tragic death of 13-year old factory worker, Mary Phagan, and the accusations that led to Frank’s conviction and eventual lynching are disturbing. The seduction of mob mentality, sensationalism of the press, fear instilled by the religious right, and the desire to lay blame at the most useful person’s doorstep to feed political aspirations is not so different in the world in which we live today. That in itself is disturbing.
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| Lara Pulver and T.R. Knight |
T.R. Knight’s richly textured performance as Leo Frank is remarkable. The way a complex thought moves across his face, his body language, his complete commitment to his character is reason enough to see this show. The layers of his work reach deep and he is successful in portraying the humanity of a man who finds himself in an unimaginable situation.
Pulver recreates her London Donmar Warehouse role and beautifully embodies the spirit of the steadfast, determined Lucille Frank, proving that a woman’s inner strength knows no bounds where love is involved.
Talent runs deep throughout the cast, with Christian Hoff as prosecutor Hugh Dorsey, Michael Berresse as Governor Slaton, Charlotte d’Amboise as Mrs. Phagan and Sally Slaton, Davis Gaines as Judge Roan and the Old Soldier, P.J. Griffith as Tom Watson and many others.
Another amazing dual performance is David St. Louis as Newt Lee and Jim Conley. One character is as downtrodden as the other is corrupt and I had to keep reminding myself they were the same actor. In addition to his powerful presence onstage, he adds an element of danger and intensity to the message within the musical.
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| The cast of Parade |
This is an important musical that says much about society’s flaws. Jason Robert Brown’s score rises and falls with a passionate frenzy – lyrical, beautiful, challenging. If you’re not sure what to feel, listen to the music and it will tell you.
Nothing is black and white in a situation like the Frank Case, and this was thoughtfully carried out in the set and costumes as well. Christopher Oram uses shades of brown and gray to play upon the subtext. Neil Austin’s lighting artfully creates a sense of time and space while evoking the tension of the period. All of the elements combine to make a theatrical experience that is not to be missed.
You only have until Sunday November 15 to get your tickets. www.centertheatregroup.com/.
Photos by Craig Schwartz
