The latest offering from the Buck Creek Players takes its name from the procession that celebrates Confederate Memorial Day – a day that celebrates the South’s losing the Civil War. “Parade,” focuses on the bigotry and political corruption that the South was known for decades after the Civil War. And, it does so by spotlighting a historical murder trial. The word “parade” comes from the French word, “parer,” to prepare. And, with a run time of nearly two hours and 45 minutes (including curtain speech), you need to be prepared to sit in an uncomfortable pool of murder, lies and racism for a long stretch. Thank the stars this production is completely worth the trouble.
If you want to see the show unspoiled, here’s your warning: Stop reading this and DO NOT gaze through the program before the show. You’ll learn too much about the plot. Of course, if you’re familiar enough with history, you already know what happens.
Director D. Scott Robinson transports the audience to Atlanta, GA, circa 1913, where the South has yet to get over the Civil War. The story is based on the true events surrounding sweet, little Mary Phagen’s murder and the attempt to bring justice to her killer. Leo Frank is an accountant at the factory Mary works at and is one of the last people to see her alive when she comes to his office to collect her pay. He is quickly accused and arrested of the murder, though the only crime Frank is really guilty of is being a Jewish Yankee in the South on Confederate Memorial Day. From here, corrupt Southern politics, bigotry, lies and mob mentality take over to convict Frank. Later, his loving wife, Lucille, tirelessly works to prove his innocence in hopes of gaining his freedom.
Under Robinson’s direction, the cast does a great job of keeping the story moving along. Though, a handful of times the flow between scenes and scene changes got a tad clunky and made the story seem more like related vignettes than plot points. There are a few moments in the book that seem unnecessary and don’t move the story along. The opening number, while performed well, didn’t pull me into the show. Also, Frank’s part in the song, “The Factory Girl/Come Up to My Office,” seemed completely out of character for a supposedly innocent man. The trial’s staging effectively makes the audience his jury and I was ready to hang him after this song. If the intention was plant doubt about Frank’s innocent, then it achieves its purpose; I just disagree that the intention was necessary. Otherwise, the staging is marvelous.
Scot Greenwell completely disappears into the character of Leo Frank. His portrayal is spot on. Claire Wilcher, as his wife, Lucille, is equally as strong. In the finale, I was completely caught up watching Wilcher grieve for her husband and practically didn’t notice the ensemble was finishing the show. Together, they create a very sweet, personal, loving relationship that is simply divine to watch and hear. With the amount of musical numbers, nearly everyone in the ensemble gets their moment to shine. Standouts include Michael Davis’ drunken reporter during “Big News,” and John O’Brien’s solo in “It Don’t Make Sense.” Particularly haunting was Jim Washington’s “Interrogation: I Am Trying to Remember.” It’s a very chilling moment. All in all, there’s not really a bad vocal performance in the show thanks to Vocal Director John D. Phillips.
You might think creating a set for a show that has over 25 scenes a daunting task, but Tech Director/Set Designer Aaron B. Bailey makes it look easy as well as beautiful. As cluttered as five or six different sets on one stage might sound, it works for the show. Special kudos must be given the transforming red set that breaks apart to become Frank’s office, a judge’s bench, and a grandstand. Joanne M. Johnson’s lighting design effectively enhances the mood of each scene. The “fans” in the courtroom was a nice touch, but the odd lighting changes during the trial’s testimony was distracting and took away from the scene. Soundwise, there were a few pops and crackles from microphones and one or two sounded “tinny.” Occasionally, the orchestra fought with the ensemble. Still, Don Drennen’s overall sound design was appropriate. Costumes by Linda Rowland were well-done.
BCP’s “Parade” is a highly entertaining show despite the uncomfortable subject matter. At times, it seems as if there are maybe only two good guys to root for. While some musicals are just pure good fun, this production will stir up emotions in the audience and linger with them well past the curtain call. This piece of theatre is well-worth the price of admission. Thank you the BCP for staging an important piece of history.
Buck Creek Players present “Parade
Remaining Performances:
June 8-9-10, 15-16-17, 2007
8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
2:30 p.m. Sundays
Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior citizens (62+).
For more information and reservations, please call 317-862-2270. www.buckcreekplayers.com
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