Ben Platt slams anti-Semitic protesters at ‘Parade’ on Broadway
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Ben Platt speaks out against anti-Semitism at the first preview performance of the Broadway revival of “Parade,” a 1915 musical about the true story of the false conviction and murder of a Jewish man.
“For those who don’t know, there were some neo-Nazi protesters from a really disgusting group outside the theater, harassing some of our patrons on their way in and saying anti-Semitic things about Leo Frank, who the show was about, and just spewing anti-Semitic rhetoric that was this whole thing. led to the incident in the first place,” Platt said on Instagram.
In a video circulated on Twitter, people gathered outside Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theater and called Frank a “Jewish pedophile.” One man, a member of the neo-Nazi group The National Socialist Movement, can be seen asking patrons, “You want to know the truth about who you’re going to see tonight? You’re paying $300 to worship a pedophile, you might know what you’re talking about.” saying.”
Platt thanked theater staff for keeping audiences and show members “very safe and secure.” He went on to say that “meanness in display” signifies the importance of revival. “Parade” dramatizes the life and death of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory owner who is falsely convicted of the rape and murder of his 13-year-old employee Mary Fagan. He was sentenced to life in prison before an angry mob abducted and beat him to death. The national attention and prosecution of the case led to increased anti-Semitism, fueling the birth of the Anti-Defamation League and the revival of the defunct KKK.
Platt continued, “It was definitely very ugly and scary, but it’s a great reminder of why we’re telling this particular story, and specifically and how powerful art and, in particular, theater can be. It just made me feel extra, extra grateful to whoever gets to tell this particular story.” Can and continue this legacy of Leo.”
Producers of “Parade” issued a statement condemning the protesters and “supporting the heroic Broadway cast that brings this important story to life every night.”
“If there is any remaining doubt about the urgency of telling this story at this moment in history, the filth that unfolded in front of our theaters last night should stop,” the producers said.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt also shared a statement Wednesday morning, condemning the “vile anti-Semitism on full display.”
“The irony should not be lost on anyone that these anti-Semitic extremists have decided to protest a play that tells the true story of an innocent Jewish man being beaten to death by a anti-Semitic mob and use it as an opportunity to spread conspiracy theories and hate.” Dr. Greenblatt. “The ADL expresses its solidarity with the entire cast and especially wishes to thank the drama’s producers and Ben Platt for their hate speech. Despite the presence of half a dozen neo-Nazis, New York City will have no place for hate.”
The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds, the group representing workers both on and off the stage in New York State and beyond, similarly condemned the actions of the National Socialist Movement.
“Hate, vile hate speech and censorship have no place on Broadway—or in American culture or society—for that matter,” said Laura Penn, co-president and executive director of COBUG.
“Parade” is returning to Broadway for the first time since it premiered in 1998 The revival, starring Platt and Michaela Diamond, began previews on February 21 before opening night on March 16.
