Strong cast announced for Australian professional premiere of Parade

It seems 2014 is the year for Independent Theatre – and that’s certainly something to celebrate.

With an incredible amount of companies across the country producing non-commercial works (read: not sure fire, money making blockbusters like WICKED and GREASE) in both the music theatre and straight theatre genres, it is most certainly an exciting time for the arts here in Oz.

It was announced today that Melbourne based company – The Collective – will present the first ever Australian professional production of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade at 45 downstairs in September with an impressive cast.

The Melbourne production, starring Laura Fitzpatrick (Flowerchildren) and Rob Guest Endowment finalist Luigi Lucente, will be the London Donmar Warehouse version of the show which premiered in 2007 and features additional songs.

Parade is based on the tragic true story of a man accused of murder. It explores the endurance of love and hope against all odds amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension.

The cast of 14 also features with Cameron MacDonald (Godspell), Tod Strike (Love Never Dies), Amelia Christo (Motherhood The Musical), as well as Andrew Doyle, Timothy Springs, David Price, Paul Dawber, Cle Morgan, Jemma Plunkett, Michelle Smitheram, Bonnie Page and Emma Jones.

James Cutler comes on board as director, with musical direction by Cameron Thomas and choreography by David Harford.

Parade will play at 45 Downstairs from September 17 to 28, 2014.

Book yourself a ticket to this production as soon as you can and help our thriving independent theatre scene to grow! Australian Theatre thanks you in advance.

Bookings: (03) 9662 9966 or www.fortyfivedownstairs.com