Ben Platt, ‘Parade’ stars converse out in opposition to antisemitic protests

The forged and creatives of the Broadway musical “Parade” are talking out in opposition to antisemitism after protesters heckled viewers members Tuesday.

After wrapping the present’s first preview efficiency, star Ben Platt denounced “neo-Nazi protesters” in an Instagram publish shared Tuesday night.

“For those who don’t know, there were a few neo-Nazi protesters from a really disgusting group outside of the theater, bothering some of our patrons on their way in and saying antisemitic things about Leo Frank, who the show is about, and just spreading antisemitic rhetoric that led to this whole story in the first place,” the Tony winner stated in his video.

“Parade” is a musical adaptation of the story of Frank, a Jewish man who was falsely accused of murdering a 13-year-old woman named Mary Phagan in Atlanta. Frank, portrayed by Platt within the musical, was convicted and lynched.

As “Parade” viewers members lined up on the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York on Monday, members of the National Socialist Movement claimed patrons had been paying to “worship a pedophile” and that the play was “romanticizing” pedophilia. Protesters additionally displayed indicators bearing related messages.

In his video, Platt stated he discovered concerning the protests when he went on social media after the present.

“It was definitely very ugly and scary but a wonderful reminder of why we’re telling this particular story and how special and powerful art and, particularly, theater can be,” he continued.

Platt’s fellow “Parade” stars Douglas Lyons and Micaela Diamond additionally shared related sentiments on their social media profiles.

Lyons addressed the protesters, writing “fear don’t work here baby.

“We gon tell the story and we gon tell it with conviction,” he stated in his Instagram publish.

In her Instagram story, Diamond shared a screenshot of a information article concerning the protesters outdoors the theater.

“We learned of this at half hour and in the same breath went on to celebrate our beautiful members making broadway debuts,” she wrote. “Somehow, our company was able to hold both. Massive celebration and raging disappointment. What a reminder of how important this story is. I can’t wait to tell it again and again.”

On Wednesday, “Parade” producers shared an announcement on social media additionally condemning the “display of Neo Nazi members protesting outside” the theater.

“If there is any remaining doubt out there about the urgency of telling this story in this moment in history, the vileness on display in front of our theater last night should put it to rest,” the assertion stated. “We stand by the valiant Broadway cast that brings this vital story to life each night.”

“Parade” stars and creatives weren’t the one ones talking out in opposition to the antisemitic protesters. On Wednesday, the Anti-Defamation League Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt condemned the “vile antisemitism” in an announcement.

“The irony should not be lost on anyone that these antisemitic extremists decided to protest a play that details the true story of the lynching of an innocent Jewish man by an antisemitic mob, and used it as an opportunity to spread conspiracy theories and hate,” Greenblatt stated. “ADL locks arms in solidarity with the entire cast and wants to especially thank the producers of the play and Ben Platt for their poignant statements speaking out in the face of hate.

“Despite the presence of a half-dozen neo-Nazis, New York City will continue to remain no place for hate.”

Toward the top of his Instagram video Tuesday, Platt shifted his consideration from the “ugly actions” of individuals “spreading evil” to the “gorgeous work” of your entire “Parade” staff. He spotlighted his castmates, the present’s crew and the staff that stored gamers and audiences secure amid the protests.

“Now is really the moment for this particular piece,” he stated.

Times employees author Ashley Lee contributed to this report.