Theres something sweet and simple and wonderful about Jason Robert Browns music written for Parade, a kind of melodic honesty that hearkens back to early Gershwin or the efficacious elegance of Lerner and Loewe. And when you consider that its written for such hefty subject matter as the tragic story of Lucille and Leo Frank and its bitter mark on American history, the cotton-candy lightness of Browns score suddenly lands with a dark, reverberating thud. You can imagine that a musical set in 1913 Georgia isnt going to be a lively romp in the sun for a New York Jew transplanted to Hotlanta. But history shows that Leo Frank was falsely accused of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan, one of the young workers in the same pencil factory where Frank was superintendent. From the absurd spectacle and sensationalist drama of the courtroom to Lucille Franks desperate attempts to prove her husband innocent, Parade serves as an ugly reminder of the power wielded by public opinion alone.

Its a long evening at Fords Theatre, and in their co-production with Theater J, director Stephen Rayne milks every opportunity to showcase his strong ensemble cast.

Theres that infectious pop and ragtime score with the soaring melodies of Brown, and here, Steven Landaus musical direction takes front and center stage. Its all brought together by the couple of Franks Euan Mortons brainy, bumbling Leo and Jenny Fellners timid but tough-minded Lucille who carry the evening from bouncy brass to harrowing horns and finally, toward a most foreboding drum cadence.

Morton is expertly cast as a man braving a terrible destiny with courage and character, and Mortons voice is as clean and pure as Franks conscience. Whether hes cutting a rug to Come Up to My Office or serenading his sweetheart in All the Wasted Time, Morton makes it all look and sound effortless. Together, Fellner and Morton journey through arguably the shows best duet, This is Not Over Yet, with reserved, yet skillful, precision.

Of the noteworthy ensemble, Kevin McAllister delivers more than one show-stopping number, and alongside Kellee Knighten Houghs sweet and spicy vocals, the two nearly bring the house down with A Rumblin and a Rollin at the top of the second act. Its moments like these that make this a Parade that shouldnt pass you by.

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Ugly slice of history unveiled in Parade - Washington Examiner