The Regis Rep's Stunning Production of Parade

The reviews are in, and they are spectacular! The Regis Repertory's performance of Parade enjoyed a stellar four-night run in the Regis auditorium. Playing to a packed house each night, the cast and crew handled the subtleties and difficult subject matter of the play with a strong dramatic and musical acumen.

The musical's synopsis reads: "Amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the stirring Tony Award-winning Parade explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. Parade is a moving examination of the darkest corners of America's history, offering a moral lesson about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance.

In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor's false testimony seal Leo's fate. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion."

When reached for comment about the production, Vince Peterson, Musical Director, was incredibly proud of the work the students put into the production. "The cast and crew of the Regis Rep production of Parade this year was a group of students we knew would embrace and elevate the importance and beauty of this story in deep ways," he said. "What they did instead was truly develop an empathy so powerful that, for me, it evoked the spirit of Leo Frank himself, and countless others in the fabric of America who suffered dearly from the negative effects of religious and racial segregation. I couldn’t be prouder that this work of art was brought to our community as a true and divinely given way to ignite the fire of justice in all of our hearts."

"Parade was a tremendous success," said Regis Rep moderator, Gena Reisig. "We saw record numbers in attendance and sold out the last two shows completely. More importantly, we have received incredible feedback from parents and students, who have told us how moved they were by Leo Frank’s story and how our performance encouraged them to read more about the history of anti-Semitism in America."

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! See photos from the production below!

Musical Director Mr. Vince Peterson and Associate Musical Director Mr. Robbie Cowan warm up with the orchestra before the production. Accordionist PJ Doran, Violinists Marcus Schubert, Joe Bannon, Chan Lee, and Chris Chan, Violists Mr. Brian Lindgren and Mr. Brian Thompson, Cellists Avery Rosado, Matt Potter, and Andrew Shin, Bassist Duncan Barcelona, Clarinetist Adam DeAngelo, Horn Player Zac Decurtis, Guitarist Robbie Schier, Drummer Chris Tronolone, Percussionist Thomas Lawton, and Keyboardists Mr. Robbie Cowan and Samuel Ngiam all contributed to a fantastic musical performance.

Regis Rep Moderator Ms. Gena Reisig takes the stage to introduce the opening night performance before a packed house.

The ensemble cast provided wonderful singing and dancing. The choreography was done by Ms. Katharine Pettit, who also directed the musical. Ms. Aimee Van dam, Associate Director and Choreographer, was also heavily involved.

In addition to the wonderful singing, dancing, and music, the play also looked and sounded incredible thanks to Costume Designer Dr. Allison Tyndall, Stage Crew Moderator & Technical Director Mr. Jim Langan, Prop Designer Ms. Kathleen Harris,  Assistant Crew Moderator Mr. Michaelangelo Allocca, Assistant Director Nicolas Fernandez, Production Stage manager Jason Remy, Sound Designer Nolan Morgan, Lighting Designer Matthew Gomez, Projection and Program Designer Avery Trinidad, Props Master Josh Antony, Set Manager John D'Cruz, Costume & Makeup Specialist Jake Lillis, and all the crew and business staff.

Nathan LoPinto (Leo Frank) and Lea Frawley (Lucille Frank) delivered stunning performances as co-leads.

Caroline Gerety delighted as Mary Phagan.

Owen Ryan brought menace and charm as Hugh Dorsey. Austin LoPinto and Timothy Nguyen gave fantastic performances as Officer Ivey and Detective Starnes.

Brendan Tuite played Luther Rosser, Frank's lawyer, with aplomb aplenty.

Dan Tully (Governor John Slaton) and Sarah Sullivan (Sally Slaton) captivated the audience with their portrayal of the gubernatorial couple.

Andrew Cartano played a magnificent Tom Watson.

Antonio Martinez sings "Big News" as Britt Craig, a newspaper man looking for a scoop.

Miguel Sutedjo doubled as Judge Roan and the Old Soldier.

John Colie delivered the musical's first number as the young soldier.

Alain-Claude Compas captivated the audience with his portrayal of Jim Conley.

Blake Sheridan delighted the audience as a phenomenal Frankie Epps. Eushin Vitale, Olivia Robins, and Gianna Altamura likewise kept the audience rapt with their portrayals of Iola, Essie, and Monteen.

Obinna Nwako captivated as Newt Lee. Other outstanding performances included Brendan Wiseman as Mr. Peavy, Sophia LoPinto as Mrs. Phagan, Jacqueline Colmenares as Lizzie Phagan, Arijana Lukosevicius as Minnie McKnight, Andrew Chin as Riley, Tula Tremblay as Angela, and Molly Hudson, Graham Johnson, Aidan McMahon, Xavier Rousseau, and Daniel Spiezio as townspeople.