Results: Protestors Outside Broadway Musical Prove Exactly Why This Story Needs To Be Told

The opening night of what many feel is an important story to get out there, was overshadowed by protestors who apparently did not do their research, and jumped to the wrong conclusion. Theatergoers attending the first preview of "Parade" on Broadway were met with a small group outside the theatre who picketed the show. The protesters held anti-Semitic placards calling the musical's subject, Leo Frank, a "pedophile" and yelled at ticketholders as they walked into the theater. Do you know the story of Leo Frank?

Frank was a Jewish factory superintendent who was convicted in 1913 of the murder of a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan, in Atlanta. Two years after his sentencing, the 31-year-old was lynched. The degree of anti-Semitism involved in Frank's conviction and subsequent lynching was enough of a factor to have inspired Jews, and others, throughout the country to protest the conviction of an innocent man. Editorials and commentaries in newspapers all over the United States supporting a new trial for Frank and/or claiming his innocence reinforced the beliefs of many outraged Georgians, who saw in them the attempt of Jews to use their money and influence to undermine justice. Researchers later concluded that Frank had been wrongly convicted and another man was likely the murderer. Does this sound like a clear case of anti-Semitism?

The message of the musical was definitely lost on the handful of protestors, many of which are known to be members of neo-Nazi organizations. The producers of "Parade" shared a statement in support of "the valiant Broadway cast that brings this vital story to life each night." "If there is any remaining doubt out there about the urgency of telling this story in this moment in history, the vileness on display last night should put it to rest," producers said. Do you agree that stories like the one of Frank need to be told, so they do not get repeated?

Have you seen any cases of anti-Semitism recently in the area you live?