Alex Grayson, who studied Musical Theatre at SUNY Fredonia in the early 2010s, will reprise his lead role as Jim Conley in “Parade” when the Tony Award-winning musical that stars Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond makes the jump from New York City Center to the Broadway stage.
“Phenomenally voiced” is how a New York Times reviewer described Mr. Grayson’s performance in the City Center production. Jason Robert Brown, the composer of the show, conducted City Center performances.
Grayson’s theatrical ascent comes as no surprise to the Department of Theatre and Dance.
“We knew Alex was a star from the second he got here. He came in with loads of natural ability, and we're proud to think we contributed to honing or focusing his natural gifts and letting him continue to grow,” said Professor of Theatre Jessica Hillman-McCord, who directed Grayson in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in 2011.
Also, part of Grayson’s theatrical credits at SUNY Fredonia are August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” and “Rent.”
The New York Times showered “Parade” with high praise: “This revival recalls an era of big casts, big stories and big talent – a time when musicals actually felt like events.” Previews of “Parade” at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre begin on Feb. 21. Its limited Broadway engagement will run through Aug. 6.
Grayson has compiled a significant career on Broadway, as a swing and ensemble performer in “Into the Woods,” “Girl from North Country” and “A Bronx Tale.” He will serve as a Visiting Artist at Fredonia this semester, conducting a remote question/answer session with students, with the support of the Department of Theatre and Dance’s Visiting Artist program, supported by a Faculty Student Association grant.
