April 28, 2015 | Theatre,

Everyone Loves A Parade

Sometimes a season is planned with themes in mind.

 

Sometimes you look for those themes after the season has been planned.

 

And then sometimes, once in awhile, you are given the gift of ending the season with a show that perfectly encapsulates everything that came before it. That’s the situation we find ourselves in by closing out the 2014/15 Season with The Grand Parade (of the 20th Century). Here’s a play that takes audiences on a 100-year surreal journey through a century we spent much of our season exploring and looking back on.  Recall, in Breath & Imagination, we witnessed classical vocalist Roland Hayes rail against racism in the 1900’s to establish himself as the first world-renowned African-American classical vocalist. With Muse & Morros we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the legendary Latino comedy troupe Culture Clash, who cut their teeth on the politically correct taboos of the second half of the 20th Century. And with Needles and Opium we watched history unfold through the eyes of Miles Davis and Jean Cocteau, two giants of art in the 20th century. In other words, one could almost consider looking at The Grand Parade (of the 20th Century) as a victory lap in, around, and through everything we witnessed this season.

 

As satisfying as that framing device is, The Grand Parade also stands completely on its own as an incredible spectacle and fascinating piece of art. Amongst the show’s many inspirations, the paintings of Marc Chagall are in the forefront here, and we’ve prepared some titillating side-by-side comparisons of paintings and scenes from the show to give you a glimpse of what you’re in for here. The Washington Post called it a “phantasmagoric wonderland” and that couldn’t be more on the mark. If you like your previews to be scored by David Bowie, make sure to check out the video trailer over here. Starting Thursday, it’s only here for a few days, so make plans to join the parade post haste!

 

Meanwhile, we’ll quickly turn our attention to the 2015/16 Season shortly, and we’d like to once again extend an invitation for you to join us at our free season preview event. The night will be split between an official presentation and a celebratory party. We’re talking sneak-peek performances, in-person appearances from the artists, a DJ, a photobooth, and signature 15/16 Season cocktails— seriously, this will be lots of fun!

 

 

Best,

 

Ryan Walsh
Marketing & Communications Manager