Small Town Theatrics to present Parade, the musical

Coal City’s Small Town Theatrics will present Parade, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells a powerful and deeply moving true story of justice, prejudice and resilience, this weekend.
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. 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.
While 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 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 including Grundy, Will, Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, LaSalle and Livingston.
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, all sharing their time, talents and resources to bring a story to life.
Parade will be performed in the Coal City High School's Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are available in advance by visiting smalltowntheatrics.org for all performances including Friday and Saturday, July 17-18 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].