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This Is Not Over Yet
By Ken Mandelbaum

The talk of the day is naturally about "Parade," the Lincoln Center Theater/Livent musical that opened last night to a negative review from Ben Brantley in the New York Times, but also to a rave in the Daily News, rave-to-favorable in Newsday, USA Today, and Associated Press, and mixed in the Post. As one who loves "Parade," I was disheartened to see that Brantley still has yet to enjoy a new Broadway musical that isn't "Side Show." And I do feel that if one doesn't respond to Jason Robert Brown's "Parade" score, as Brantley did not, then one can't possibly like the show, which is very much akin to a contemporary American opera. Even if business falters somewhat for this serious, somber show, it's very likely to remain at the Vivian Beaumont through the season and the Tonys, as the field of new musicals is very slim this season, and "Parade" still has a strong shot at Best Musical (any number of winners in that category received reviews less good than "Parade"). If it wins Best Musical, "Parade" is likely to remain at the Beaumont until "Marie Christine" arrives. Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello are guaranteed nominations, and librettist Alfred Uhry and composer-lyricist Brown could be winners by default. Then too, the cast recording which should be available in February (well in advance of award nominations) should serve to demonstrate the power and beauty of the score......Early, potential scenario for "Martin Guerre" in the U.S.: The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, then the Kennedy Center in D.C., then maybe Broadway.

By Ken Mandelbaum

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