MSJC musical 'Parade' coming to Temecula Theater

News release from Mt. San Jacinto College:

When Shezwae Powell returned to the Inland Empire where she was born and raised, she came armed with many years of experience on both the Broadway stage and London’s West End. This actress, singer, director, producer and recording artist has always been interested in helping others reach their goals and is now doing just that as the Chair of the Theater Arts Department at Mt San Jacinto College, Menifee Campus.

She has directed many shows for the college, but when she saw a production of "Parade", starring Allen Everman, she was moved to tears.

"I’m embarrassed to say that I wasn’t familiar with this musical," she said.

When "Parade" was winning its Tony Awards for best musical and best score, Powell was opening in the British premier of Neil Simon’s play "Proposals" and had her hands full. But she fell in love with "Parade" and Everman’s performance. And she wasn’t the only one impressed by Everman.

He received an Ovation Award Nomination for his performance. The musical tells the true story of the trial of Leo Frank, accused of murder in Atlanta in 1913 - an epic American story about one of the most famous and first tabloid exploited trials in American history. With hauntingly beautiful music by Jason Robert Brown ("The Bridges of Madison County"; "The Last Five Years") and a compelling book by Oscar winner Alfred Uhry ("Driving Miss Daisy"), "Parade" explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. It is a riveting murder mystery, a gripping courtroom drama, a moving love story, and certainly one of the most powerful new musical theatre works of our time.

"Apart from being entertaining, like the musical Hamilton, Parade tells us important things about American history that have so much resonance for our lives today," Powell said.

Powell decided she had to bring that story to her college and she wanted Everman to play the lead. That took some doing, as Everman is a singer, actor, musical director and teacher in high demand. But their shared love of this show gave them the push to work it out.

To play the lead character’s wife, Powell is bringing in Kelsie Piini, who grew up in Temecula and has been performing since she was 8 years old in local theater productions. Piini went on to get a BA from Cal Baptist in Theater Performance and has been living and working in Los Angeles. She is thrilled to be able to come back to her home town to perform in her dream role.

Performance dates: Oct. 26 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. (A Saturday Matinee will likely be added).

Buy Tickets online at TemeculaTheater.org or by phone at 866-653-8696.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590