Opera House Players, Broad Brook, CT
through May 20, 2018
by Shera Cohen
“Parade” is going to be a tough show for Opera House Players
to sell. First, the title is a misnomer. Second, virtually no one has ever
heard of it. Third, the story is very difficult to watch. Rape, murder,
feigned-justice, and bigotry do not make for a fun evening at the theatre.
However, in the Opera House’s 15 years of performances, “Parade” can be singled
out as its finest, skillfully-executed production.
Based on the true drama of Leo Frank, a New York Jew living
in Georgia at the turn of the last century, the story is gritty, dramatic, and
oftentimes embarrassing to watch. Set 50 years after the Civil War, the
characters are bitter and cruel. For them, the Confederate flag, which is
situated squarely in the center of the stage, is paramount in their minds,
their hearts, and their words. Enter, newcomer Frank, married to a Southern
Jewess, into this hostile world. The outcast Franks become victims of their
times. Unfortunately, this is no surprise to the audience.
Sharon FitzHenry directs her large cast on a minimalistic
stage with moveable platforms that create multiple indoor and outdoor settings.
Credit to set designer Francisco Aguas who constructs slight but important
visuals with dual purposes; shadows on the flag become jail cell walls.
Arguably, “Parade” boasts the most talented community
theatre voices in the Valley. Both Michael King (news reporter) and Tim Reilly
(district attorney) are given a good deal of stage time. Both are excellent in
their roles. Kings’ “Real Big News” offers some of the few light moments in the
play. Reilly’s solos are exquisite, at the same time portraying evil
personified. Carl Cannella (Leo Frank) is an unsympathetic protagonist.
Basically, he’s not a nice guy, and an awful husband. Cannella effectively
gives Frank an air of entitlement and selfishness. The audience wants to like
Leo. He is not a mensch.
The full ensemble, with some voices singled out on occasion,
prove that Director FitzHenry and Producer Moonyean Field selected their cast
carefully. Bill Martin, one of the most employed Music Directors within a 60-
mile radius, is as talented as ever.
The star of “Parade” is Lindsay Botticello (Lucille Frank).
Oftentimes, musicals are populated with singer who can act, or the reverse,
actors who can sing. Botticello gets an A+ at both. She portrays a woman whose
love for her husband is minimal, yet her efforts to save him are unrelenting.
Where did Opera House find this gem? Hopefully, she will return.
“Parade” is the final production of the Opera House Players
before locating to Enfield in the fall.
