Parade (musical)

Parade is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The musical dramatizes the 1913 trial and conviction of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old employee, in Atlanta, Georgia. It also explores the subsequent appeal, commutation of his sentence, and eventual lynching in 1915.

Parade explores themes of anti-Semitism, racial prejudice, injustice, and the power of love and redemption. It portrays the societal tensions and prejudices of the early 20th-century South, questioning the fairness of the justice system and the consequences of mob mentality.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1998, directed by Harold Prince, and won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score. Although initially unsuccessful commercially, Parade has gained recognition and a cult following over time, often being praised for its complex themes, powerful score, and historical significance. It has seen numerous revivals and regional productions, including a successful Broadway revival in 2023.