Deep South testimonies: “Parade” brings a story of murder and social tension to the Tower Theater

The Alluvion Stage Company has partnered with the Liberty Theater and Arts Department to bring the innovative and daring story of “Parade” to life on the stage. 

“Parade” tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in southern Georgia in 1913. When 13-year-old Mary Phagan is found dead in the basement of a factory in Marietta, Georgia, Frank is believed to be the culprit. Although little evidence supports the claims of the Marietta townspeople, Frank’s fate was sealed in their eyes long before the young girl’s death. 

“Parade” shows the increase of anti-Semitism, prejudice toward Northerners in the deep South and racism against freed slaves in Marietta, all of which are heavily showcased during Frank’s trial. Faulty testimonies and gossip consume the publicized trial, as Lucille Frank, Leo’s faithful wife, remains his sole companion and greatest strength. Inspired by the true events of the famous unsolved murder, “Parade” is a daring, thought-provoking musical that presents dark themes through tragic melodies and compelling actions.  

“‘Parade’ is about the Deep South, and how the people of Marietta are very ingrained in their ways of life,” director Linda Cooper said. “It’s pretty amazing to think of certain ideas that had not changed, even 40 years after the Civil War. Prejudice towards Jews, Northerners, African-Americans and the lower class are all coming into play. … Throughout the show, prejudice really changes people’s perspectives on what truth is.”

Cooper discussed how certain characters in the show begin to question whether a person is guilty or not based on their own personal bias. 

“When someone starts stripping that prejudice away, the perspective begins to change,” Cooper said.

Cooper also discussed what makes directing “Parade” unique. 

“This is the largest cast we’ve ever had on stage, and the challenge comes with engaging all 45 members in the story. That’s the fascination of this play, that it was a community, not only a few, that had so many differing points of view. As a director, making sure all of the individual storylines come through is so important,” she said. 

Many of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the play are delivered so strongly because of the stirring soundtrack. 

“The music is very powerful and drives the show,” Cooper said. “And you really feel all of the different emotions brought out in the lyrics.” 

Much of the musical’s strong appeal comes from the fact that the murder of Mary Phagan remains unsolved. 

“The audience will walk out not knowing who was the murderer,” Cooper said. “It will be interesting to see what peoples’ opinions are.”

“Parade” is showing at the Liberty University Tower Theater Feb. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee performances the afternoons of Feb. 8 and 15. 

Alley is a feature reporter.