Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized The University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s PARADE with 4 LCT nominations, for Ensemble Acting, Music Direction (Steve Goers), Featured Actor (Noah Ricketts) and Lighting Design (Alan Hanson/Wes Richter), as well as distinguishing it as a recommended production.
In the sweltering intolerance of 1913 Atlanta, northerner and Jewish factory manager Leo Frank is wrongfully accused of murdering of a 13-year-old girl under his employment. As press frenzy and public outrage whip his trial into a referendum, Frank’s only hope lies in a brave crusade by the southern wife he never understood, among a people that never understood him. The 2000 Tony Award winner for “Best Book” and “Best Score”, Parade is a transformational story of a country at odds with its declarations of equality.
Panelists praised the ensemble, who “covered a variety of roles while always maintaining the atmosphere of the performance…their execution and full sound of the music carried the show from beginning to end.” Of Steve Goer’s music direction, the panelists noted, “the highlight of this show is Jason Robert Brown’s layered, beautiful, and complicated music, and Steve Goers did an excellent job of directing the entire cast to execute the challenging score very well…the dense harmonies were blended beautifully.” Featured actor Noah Ricketts, as Jim Conley, was “the whole explosive package…he commanded the stage.” Of Hanson and Richter’s lighting design, the panelists reported, “Both designers created a world that supported the story being told. …good use of color and atmosphere.” The production as a whole was “powerful” and “superb”; “an emotionally engaging, musically complex production that was staged and performed with great heart and talent.”
PARADE continues through April 21st. Tickets can be purchased at www.thecarnegie.com.
Final LCT awards will be determined at the end of the season and announced at the LCT gala in the spring.
The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.com.
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