Parade at Broadway in Chicago: Justice, Music, and the Weight of MemoryRating: 3.75 out of 4 stars.
Broadway in Chicago’s powerful revival of Parade at the CIBC Theatre is as much an act of remembrance as it is a theatrical triumph. Based on the real-life trial and lynching of Leo Frank in 1913 Atlanta, this production pairs the musical brilliance of Jason Robert Brown with the piercing storytelling of Alfred Uhry to create a show that feels both urgent and timeless.
Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, this Parade does not lean on spectacle for impact. Instead, it draws its power from intimacy, truth, and unflinching honesty. It asks the audience not just to watch, but to bear witness.
--- A Stage That Speaks Volumes
Dane Laffrey’s scenic design may appear minimal at first, but with Sven Ortel’s historical projections, the CIBC Theatre stage transforms into a living scrapbook. Black-and-white photographs, courthouse records, and newspaper headlines drift across the backdrop, immersing the audience in the era’s tension and injustice.
The technical artistry continues with Susan Hilferty’s costumes, which are rich in detail and authenticity, and Heather Gilbert’s lighting, which moves effortlessly from warm sepia tones to stark, cold interrogation light. Every design choice is intentional, guiding the audience’s emotional focus.
--- Standout Performances from a Talented Cast
Max Chernin as Leo Frank captures the character’s quiet vulnerability and sharp intellect, creating a layered portrayal that lingers in the mind. Talia Suskauer as Lucille Frank is the show’s emotional anchor, transforming from reserved Southern charm to unwavering resolve as she fights for her husband’s life.
The supporting cast, including Michael Tacconi, Griffin Binnicker, Andrew Samonsky, and Chris Shyer, brings depth and energy to every scene. Ensemble numbers such as “The Old Red Hills of Home” and “This Is Not Over Yet” deliver some of the most stirring vocal performances currently on a Chicago stage.
--- Music That Demands to Be Heard
Brown’s Tony Award winning score is sweeping, layered, and haunting. The music acts as a secondary narrator, pulling the audience deeper into the emotional landscape of the story. The orchestra balances beautifully with the cast’s vocals, ensuring every lyric’s meaning is felt as much as it is heard.
--- Room for Refinement
While this Parade earns a strong 3.75 out of 4 stars, a few elements keep it from perfection. Sound mixing occasionally softens the emotional impact of pivotal lines, and certain sightlines in the CIBC Theatre limit visibility of subtle performances for some audience members.
These issues are minor, but given the show’s emotional depth, technical precision would only enhance its impact.
--- Why Parade Resonates in 2025
In an era where questions of truth, justice, and prejudice remain deeply relevant, Parade is more than a historical retelling, it is a mirror to our own time. Arden’s direction refuses to offer neat resolutions, instead leaving audiences with both heartbreak and a renewed determination to remember.
--- My Final Word:
Broadway in Chicago’s Parade is a masterclass in storytelling, design, and performance. It provokes thought, stirs emotion, and proves why live theatre remains one of the most powerful art forms. With only slight adjustments in sound and sightlines, this production could easily reach perfection.
3.75 out of 4 stars — a must see for anyone seeking Chicago theatre that not only entertains but also challenges and enlightens.
