Page to Stage: Parade – A Night of Music, History, and Reflection
Encore’s Page to Stage series took another unforgettable turn last night as nearly 30 students, families, and guests gathered at The Smith Center in Las Vegas to experience the acclaimed Broadway musical Parade. Though the story was unfamiliar to many in the group, the experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Our journey began the day before with a dynamic two-part workshop led by Artistic Director Rhett Guter. Students explored the historical backdrop of Parade—the real-life trial and tragic story of Leo Frank—and took a deep dive into the show’s musical language and themes. What began as curiosity quickly turned into engaged dialogue and thoughtful discovery. As the melodies and motifs of Jason Robert Brown’s score unfolded, our young artists found themselves more and more drawn into the complexities of this powerful piece.
Before the performance, we were honored to participate in a special pre-show event featuring speakers from the Anti-Defamation League and members of the cast—including Encore’s longtime friend and professional actor Brian Vaughn. The insights shared added depth and urgency to the story we were about to witness, reminding us all of the importance of art that challenges and educates.
Then came the performance.
Parade is not a light-hearted musical. It’s an emotionally charged exploration of justice, prejudice, and humanity—and the impact was clear. Our audience of students and guests left the theater reflective, moved, and inspired. We gathered afterward for a short debrief, offering students a chance to process the experience and share their thoughts. Their insights were heartfelt, articulate, and full of empathy—a reminder of just how deeply theater can shape the hearts and minds of young people.
To close the night, we made a stop at the stage door—a new Encore tradition—and were thrilled to be greeted by cast members Brian Vaughn and Ramone Nelson. They generously shared words of encouragement and answered questions, reinforcing the idea that professional theater is not a distant dream, but a reachable goal for dedicated young artists.
We love this program. Page to Stage continues to be a cornerstone of what makes Encore special: connecting students to powerful stories, professional artists, and transformative experiences that go far beyond the stage.
Stay tuned for our next Page to Stage event, and thank you to everyone who made this one possible.
