The Musical "Parade" on Stage at CenterStage During Jewish American Heritage Month

In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, join host Robert Hammond and his guest, Ralph Meranto, the Jewish Community Center’s artistic director of CenterStage, as they discuss its upcoming musical, Parade.

Ralph Meranto

As Parade begins its run at CenterStage, Hammond and Meranto will discuss the term musical theatre, and how it often makes people think of musical comedies, even though some of the most enduring musicals are those with dramatic stories. From South Pacific to Spring Awakening, they’ll explore the history of musical drama, and how sometimes emotions are so strong, only songs can capture the stories.

Parade

Directed by the Jewish Community Center’s CenterStage artistic director, Ralph Meranto, Parade is the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager accused of murdering 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Atlanta. With a beautiful, evocative score by Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, 13, Songs for a New World) and a powerful book by Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy), this highly acclaimed musical is a riveting murder mystery, a gripping courtroom drama, a moving love story, a profile in courage, and a searing social commentary. Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for best musical score and best book, Parade is on stage at CenterStage May 5th through May 29th.

Is an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements in and contributions to the United States of America. It is observed annually in the U.S. during the month of May. It was set into law by President George W. Bush in 2006, according to the Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition. This is the achievement of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), as well as the Jewish Museum of South Florida and the South Florida Jewish Community.

The Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition states that, "JAHM also enables the exploration of the meaning of religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and participation in American civic culture." According to Library of Congress hosted website, JewishHeritageMonth.gov, May was chosen as the month of Jewish American Heritage Month because of the successful 350th Anniversary Celebration of Jews in America.