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Parade, a musical by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, first premiered on Broadway in 1998, capturing audiences with its poignant storytelling and evocative music. The musical, which went on to win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, is based on the real-life events surrounding the 1913 trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Georgia. Frank was charged with the rape and murder of a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan, and was later convicted in a trial that remains one of the most controversial and historically significant events in American legal history.
At the heart of Parade is the exploration of deep social and racial injustices. The trial of Leo Frank is framed not only as a miscarriage of justice but also as a poignant reflection of the pervasive anti-Semitism and prejudice that plagued the American South during the early 20th century. The musical delves into Frank’s desperate fight to clear his name, highlighting the deep racial divides and the manipulation of public sentiment, which ultimately led to his wrongful conviction. Through this lens, Parade raises vital questions about the complexities of justice, bias, and the human desire for vengeance.
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