Tragic and true
Small Town Theatrics to present Parade
This weekend, Small Town Theatrics presents Parade, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells a powerful and deeply moving true story of justice, prejudice, and resilience. Described as daring, innovative, and bold, Parade transports audiences to the red hills of Georgia during one of the most significant and troubling chapters in American history.
Based on true events, the musical follows the 1913 trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish man raised in New York now living and working in the Deep South. As manager of a local pencil factory, Frank, portrayed in this production by Matthew Felbein, is accused of the murder of 13-year-old employee Mary Phagan, played by Emma Schiffbauer. Though he is not initially the only suspect, public opinion quickly turns against him. Fueled by false testimony, sensationalized journalism, and deeply rooted prejudice, Frank finds himself facing a death sentence. Until the most powerful man in Georgia gets involved. Standing beside him are only his devoted wife, Lucille, and Georgia Governor John Slaton, who risks his own future in pursuit of justice. Payton Frazer takes the stage as Lucille Frank and Collin Dames as the governor.
In the end, the governor loses his position, and Leo his life.
Parade, with book by Alfred Uhry and score by Jason Robert Brown, examines the devastating consequences of fear, intolerance, and injustice while celebrating the power of love, courage, and hope.
“I’m honored to have been entrusted with the ability to help spread the story of this jaw dropping piece of history,” said Dames, of Diamond.
Summer 2026 marks Small Town Theatrics’ 16th season. Since its inception, the theatre company has provided opportunities for more than 400 cast and crew members to showcase their talents both on stage and behind the scenes. This season’s cast is composed of nearly 50 individuals representing more than 20 communities across seven counties—Grundy, Will, Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, LaSalle, and Livingston.
Small Town Theatrics was established by Jack Micetich to provide individuals in small communities with meaningful opportunities to explore the arts and grow as performers.
“The greatest stage isn’t measured by its size. Every person deserves the opportunity to step into the spotlight, explore history at its best and worst, tell stories that matter, and discover the power they have to create change,” said Micetich, who serves as the show’s producer/director.
As a note to audiences, this production contains themes of racism, antisemitism, prejudice, and historical connections to white supremacy. These elements are presented solely to tell the story accurately and do not reflect the views or values of this organization, its cast, crew or creative team. As the director said, “we do not condone or support hatred or discrimination in any form.”
Cast members say this show tells an important story, one that deserves to be heard in all of its tragic, beautiful aspects.
Along with Felbein, Frazer, Schiffbauer and Dames—the cast features: Marcus McGhee, Derek Carlson, Aidan Kostbade, Declan Kenny, Liam Eber, Mason Natyshok, Hanna Samawi, Bryce Stewart, Charlotte Banks, Molly Czechanski, Madeline Ranieri, Olivia Sage, Jase Heavens, Logan Arroyo, Elisha Kline, Jacob Schindler, Ali Kosteck, Russell Skibinski, Mason Hamilton, Noah Lehmann, and Theo Fritz.
Also—Adaline Dowling,Aubrey Gunwald, Caroline Childers, Catheryn Kuhar, Cora Armstrong, Dane Noffsinger, Elsa Bunton, Emanuel Rios, Evalyn Mateski, Gage Richey, Isabella Byers, Izzy Kostbade, Jackson Page, Jordan Olson, Julia Alexander, Kameron Cole, Kamryn Nelson, Madison Fuhr, Malik Ebenezer, Maxx Kramer, May Frank, McKenna Patten, Melanie Vargas, Morgan Reibenstein, Nathan Pera, Payton Kohl, Penny D’Arcy, Ryan Bean, Sam Vota, Sawyer Horcher, Taylor Hedemark, Taylor Ossowski, and Ty Christopher.
The members of the company come from various walks of life— college and high school students, teachers, theater professionals, and community leaders—sharing their time, talents, and resources to bring a story to life.
Parade is being presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International [MTI], and the generous support of the community.
“Small Town Theatrics continues to grow because of the support this community, and surrounding communities continue to show,” Micetich said.
Micetich and the company of Parade invite the community to join them in the Coal City Performing Arts Center to see this poignant story come to life on stage.
Tickets are available in advance by visiting smalltowntheatrics.org for all performances—Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour prior to each scheduled show time [$18 per person, cash only].
SMALL TOWN THEATRICS will present the Tony Award winning musical Parade this weekend—July 17-19— in the Coal City Performing Arts Center. The musical tells the true story of the wrongful conviction and lyncing of Leo Frank. Dwight resident Ryan Bean [center] is featured in the cast.
