
This summer, Chicago audiences will have the chance to witness a musical that is as deeply moving as it is historically significant. From August 5 to 17, Parade will take the stage at CIBC Theatre for a strictly limited two-week run - a stop on its much-anticipated national tour that has been electrifying audiences across the country.
Parade at CIBC Theatre in Chicago
Set against the charged backdrop of early 20th-century Georgia, Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager wrongfully accused of murdering a young girl. His trial and the ensuing public outrage reveal the dangerous power of prejudice and the destructive forces of mob mentality. At its heart, though, Parade is a love story - a portrait of Leo and his wife Lucille as they confront an overwhelming wave of hatred and fight for truth and justice together.The musical, originally premiered in 1998, has gained renewed relevance and urgency in today's climate, shining a light on themes of antisemitism, systemic injustice, and the cost of standing up for what is right. This current revival, directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, has been widely celebrated for its emotional depth, modern resonance, and stunning staging. Audiences across the country have been struck by its powerful storytelling and unforgettable score, which blends sweeping ballads with stirring ensemble numbers.
Chicago's engagement will feature a powerhouse cast, including Max Chernin as Leo Frank and Talia Suskauer as Lucille Frank. Both actors have earned acclaim for their layered, heartfelt performances. They are joined by a talented ensemble featuring many performers who were part of the acclaimed Broadway revival, ensuring the tour retains the same exceptional quality and emotional impact that made it a standout in New York.
The show's creative team reads like a Broadway hall of fame: a book by two-time Tony Award winner, Pulitzer Prize winner, and Academy Award winner Alfred Uhry; music and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown; and co-conception by the legendary Harold Prince. Their combined artistry brings to life not just a story from the past, but a narrative that feels immediate and vital today.
In addition to its critical acclaim, Parade has found an enthusiastic and deeply moved audience wherever it has played. Theatergoers have praised its ability to blend historical detail with deeply personal storytelling, creating an experience that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally wrenching. Each performance invites the audience to reflect on the ways injustice continues to shape society, and the importance of empathy and courage in the face of collective fear and hatred.
For Chicago, Parade is more than a touring Broadway show - it is a chance to see a masterfully crafted, deeply affecting work that challenges, moves, and ultimately uplifts. This is musical theater at its most powerful: a production that entertains while prompting vital conversations and leaving a lasting impact on the heart.
With only two weeks to catch this extraordinary production, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Chicago audiences are urged to secure their seats early to experience a show that has been hailed as one of the most important and beautifully realized musicals of our time.
For a list of all Broadway Shows in Chicago, visit our Broadway Shows In Chicago page.