Daniel Franzese Hails Parade at CTGLA as ‘Gut-Punch’
Mean Girls star applauds Center Theatre Group’s staging of the Tony-winning show moved him
Image: Instagram
Actor Daniel Franzese, best known for his breakout role as Damian in Mean Girls, lit up Instagram this week after attending Center Theatre Group’s production of Parade at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Posting snapshots of the evening alongside friend and TV host Matthew Hoffman, Franzese described the Tony Award–winning musical as “a powerful, gut-punch of a production that feels more vital now than ever.” He congratulated the cast and crew for bringing this story to life with “such urgency and grace,” and urged fans to experience the show in person.
A Powerful, Gut-punch Production
Franzese’s Instagram carousel opens with a shot of the theatre lobby, where he and Hoffman stand under the glow of the marquee. “Theater that makes you feel something… that rattles you, opens your heart, and sparks conversation… that’s what I live for,” he wrote. In subsequent images, the two are seated among a full house, visibly moved by the performance. Franzese’s call to action was unambiguous: “If you haven’t yet then you should go. Feel it. Talk about it. Let it sit with you.”
Modern Resonance
Parade, with book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, debuted on Broadway in 1998. The show dramatizes the 1915 trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Atlanta who was wrongfully convicted of murder amid a backdrop of antisemitism and mob fervor. Despite its short initial run—84 performances—the musical won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score and has since become a touchstone for reflecting on prejudice and justice. CTGLA’s current revival highlights the production’s timeless themes, underscoring how narratives from a century ago still resonate in conversations about civil rights and communal responsibility.
Center Theatre Group’s Commitment
Center Theatre Group is celebrated for its bold repertoire at the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre. Drawing more than 600,000 patrons each season, CTGLA champions regional premieres and high-profile revivals alike. This staging of Parade features a full orchestra, minimalist design that shifts focus to character performances, and a cast that critics have praised. LA Times reviewer Charles McNulty called it “an urgent reminder of our shared history,” while Variety commended its “raw emotional power.” Ticket options include rush seats, student discounts, and audio-described performances. Reservations are available at CTGLA.com.
About Daniel Franzese
Franzese made his major film debut in the 2001 cult hit Bully before achieving mainstream fame as Damian in the 2004 comedy Mean Girls. His television credits include guest roles on NCIS and Raising Hope, and he has appeared as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Off-screen, Franzese is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness, frequently lending his voice to causes that promote understanding and inclusion. His love for live theatre is longstanding; he often shares reviews of emotionally charged productions, whether on Broadway or Los Angeles stages.
Why You Should See It
Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or new to musicals, Parade at CTGLA offers a deeply affecting evening. Its blend of historical narrative, soaring score, and intimate staging invites reflection and dialogue long after the curtain falls. As Franzese reminds us, “theater that rattles you” can shape our perspectives and encourage meaningful conversation. Run your next night out past a simple dinner or movie—immerse yourself in a story that challenges and moves you.
Attending Parade this season not only rewards you with top-tier performances but also supports one of Los Angeles’s premier arts organizations. For access to tickets, showtimes, and accessibility options, visit the Center Theatre Group website. Don’t miss a production that, according to Daniel Franzese, “feels more vital now than ever.”
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