Must-See Show For The Times At Broward Center For The Performing Arts.
BY: NATE COLTON | Theater Critic | BROWARD COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Slow Burn Theatre Company’s Parade demands to be seen. It runs now through February 23rd at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater. The artistry of Slow Burn shines in this incredible production that delves into antisemitism and racial inequality. The musical is based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank in Atlanta in the early 1900s. The music was written by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, The Bridges of Madison County), and the libretto was penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy, The Last Night of Ballyhoo).
The show follows newlywed Jewish couple, Georgia native, Lucille, played by Mikayla Cohen (Slow Burn’s Anastasia) and Leo Frank, played by Justin Albinder (Jersey Boys off-broadway and national tour), who has just moved from New York to Georgia. After Leo is accused of a horrible crime, the couple must face the hardships of living in a time where everyone seems to be against them. Parade also stars Jessica Balton as Mary Phagan, Joel Hunt as Frankie Epps, Ana Marie Calise as Mrs. Phagan, and Chaz Rose as Jim Conley. This marks Slow Burn’s second production of the musical, the first of which opened in January of 2014 at West Boca Performing Arts Theatre.
Patrick Fitzwater’s direction is truly incredible. The staging utilizes every aspect of the outstanding set, and the choreography creates a gut wrenching atmosphere during the most tense scenes of the show. As Leo Frank, Justin Albinder delivers a captivating performance with incredible vocals. Mikayla Cohen encapsulates the character of Lucille, showing power and emotional depth. The dynamic between the two is deeply moving and creates a grounding point during the 2 hour and 30 minute show.
Jessica Balton’s Mary Phagan is playful, while still maintaining a touch of drama. Joel Hunt delivers an excellent performance as Frankie Epps. Chaz Rose as Jim Conley delivers a performance with incredible emotion and vocal power.
The rest of the cast features Ana Marie Calise, Steven Ross-Dybash, Austin Gladstone, dance captain Erica Kaylee Gouldthorpe, Sam Hoffman, Michael Hunsaker, Eli Jacobson, Kareema Khouri, Kevin Patrick Martin, Michael Matterdomini, Nolan Montgomery, Sarah Sun Park, Bridget Rose Perrotta, Sofie Poliakoff, Allyson Rosenblum, Elizabeth Sackett, Erik Schark, and Landon Summers.
Technical standouts include the outstanding scenic design by Nikolas Serrano, who created a multi-purpose set that was used in shocking ways throughout the show. Additionally, the lighting design done by Eric Norbury shines bright, both literally and figuratively. It creates an element of suspense during the show, keeping the audience on their toes.
The creative team features Director, Choreographer, Wig & Prop Designer Patrick Fitzwater; Musical Director Travis Smith; Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano; Technical Director Timothy S. Dickey; Costume Designer Rick Peña; Lighting Designer Eric Norbury; Sound Designer Dan Donato; Production Stage Manager Jeffry George; Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik. The show’s crew also includes wardrobe assistant Liz Ortega.
Parade opened on Broadway in 1998 as a limited run and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning two (Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score). The production starred Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello, and was directed by Harold Prince. A national tour, also directed by Prince, opened in Atlanta, Georgia, and ran from June to October of 2000. In November of 2022, New York City Center staged Parade as their yearly gala concert presentation. Starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, it opened to rave reviews and transferred to Broadway in 2023, where it won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The cast recording was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Slow Burn recommends this production for ages 13 and up. Purchase tickets for the hit show right here.
