Beyond Parade: Additional Historical Resources

Parade is a musical based on true events. That fact alone makes the production instantly more intriguing, however, it may leave audience members wondering, "what historical aspects were left out?"

If you've already seen Parade and are desperate to learn more or you want some preliminary information before the show, there are plenty of sources to consume.

Leo Frank's Wikipedia Page

For a quick, ground level understanding of Leo Frank and the trial, start here.

The People vs. Leo Frank

This PBS documentary from 2009 combines interviews and actor portrayals using dialogue pulled directly from historical records. The film in its entirety can be found here.

The Murder of Mary Phagan

This two part mini series from 1988 stars Jack Lemmon as Governor Slaton and Peter Gallagher as Leo Frank. Parade director Jeff Horger called it "more of a heightened dramatization than a historical portrayal," but said it was a helpful reference regarding the group scenes that take place within this world.

Books Recommended by the Director

For those looking to take a deep dive into all the gritty details that didn't make it to screen or stage.

And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank

An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank

Parade Costumes: From Sketches to the Stage

Costume designer Lindsay Pape officially join the Omaha Community Playhouse staff as resident costume designer in the Fall of 2017 and hit the ground running with Stupid F@#%ing Bird. She now takes on a completely different production, the historical musical Parade. Set in Georgia in 1913, Parade dramatizes the real trial of Jewish businessman Leo Frank for the alleged murder of young Mary Phagan.

The most important thing to remember when working on costumes for a show like this? Lindsay says they will be inspired by the time period, but not exact historical recreations. They must suggest the time of the show but be flexible for the needs of performers.

Lindsay was kind enough to offer some additional commentary on the designing process for this show: 

Timeline

November 2017

• Director Jeff Horger begins research and creates a costume plot detailing all characters, what scenes they’re in and what costumes they require
• Lindsay tests out various patterns for items to be built.

December 2017

• Lindsay and Jeff meet to discuss costume concepts. Lindsay creates small, general renderings (sketches).
• Casting is finalized on December 13th, allowing Lindsay to create more specific renderings for each character.
• Actors come in to have measurements taken.
• Shoes, suits, dress shirts, etc. are pulled from OCP costume storage.
• Construction begins on pieces built in-house.

January 2018

• Specialty fabric and uniforms ordered online.
• Actors come in for fittings.
• Construction continues on built pieces as pulled/purchased pieces are altered.
• Costumes finalized for actors involved in the promotional photo shoot.

February 2018

• Final touches and alterations on all costumes.
• Costumes integrated into production during tech week.
• Parade opens February 9th.

Highlights

• Actors: 24
• Total costumes: 39 + a contemporary outfit for each actor
• Uniforms for guards and civil war soldiers were ordered from C&C Sutlery out of Idaho.
• Though authentic, vintage clothing exists from the early 1900's, theatrical productions rarely use these items because they are too fragile to survive multiple weeks of performances.
• The exception in this production is the robe Judge Roan wears that is from 1911.
• Lindsay’s favorite piece in the show that was purchased is Luther Rosser’s seer sucker suit.
• She could not pick a favorite piece that was constructed for this show, but adores all of Lucille Frank's pieces.
• Biggest challenge with the costumes for Parade: Getting the uniforms from the manufacturer. Thank goodness for rush ordering and great customer service!

See these phenomenal costumes in person at Parade playing February 9-March 11 in OCP's Howard Drew Theatre. Ticket information here. 

Cast of Parade

Cast

Mary Phagan - Chloe Irwin
Lucille Frank - Megan Kelly
Mrs. Phagan - Melissa King
Hugh Dorsey - Michael Markey
John Slaton - Mike Palmreuter
Jim Conley - Jonathan Smith
Leo Frank - James Verderamo
Newt Lee - L James Wright
Riley - Brendan Brown
Minnie - Breanna Carodine
Essie - Brooke Fencl
Brit Craig - Adam Hogston
Judge Roan - Nelson Lampe
Frankie Epps - Grant Mannschreck
Sally Slaton - Rebecca Noble
Ivey - Joshua Lloyd Parker
Tom Watson - Brian Priesman
Mr. Turner - Tony Schneider
Luther Rosser - Christopher Scott
Lizzie Phagan - Jill Solano
Iola - Grace Titus
Starnes - Scott Vandentop
Monteen - Catherine Vazquez
Mr. Peavey - Randy Wallace

Production

Jeff Horger - Director
Suzanne Withem - Assistant Director
Stephanie Shattuck - Stage Manager
Jim Othuse - Scenic and Lighting Designer
Jim Boggess - Music Director
Lindsay Pape - Costume Designer