Murder, anti-Semitism and a mob lynching aren't topics usually associated with musical theater. Yet, such deeply emotional issues are at the very core of "Parade," a musical production being presented Thursday through Saturday by area high school students at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive.

Based on the true story of Leo Frank - a Jewish factory manager who was lynched by an angry mob in Atlanta in 1915 for a murder he probably didn't commit - "Parade" tells a powerful tale through its Tony Award-winning score by composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown. It is a story that this production's directors feel is especially important to tell in light of the June shooting at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

"There are so many issues in this show that relate to what is being portrayed in the media today," said Amber Lamers, a Horlick theater teacher who leads the Musical Theater Workshop putting on the show. "It is an amazing story."

The summer school workshop - which involves about 40 students from Racine and Kenosha counties - is a great place for young people to be able to explore such issues, because it is a safe environment, said Braxton Molinaro, the show's guest director. Molinaro, who graduated from Kenosha's Bradford High School in 2007 and was recently invited to participate in a four-week intensive summer program with the Steppenwolf Theatre in California, spent a few weeks in Racine working with students on the show.

In addition to its story line, what makes "Parade" powerful is its music, says Stan Krifka, music director.

"This is one of the most exciting pieces of musical theater ever written," said Krifka. "There is just something about this music that goes into your soul."

It is also an incredibly challenging score that requires lots of control and concentration on the part of the students performing it, he said. He and the other directors are thrilled with how the young performers have met the challenge.

"This show is not only intense emotionally, but musically and these kids have really had to step up like professionals," Lamers said.

"The feelings that go into this show are so much stronger than any other show I've done," said Chelsie Haney, 17, who plays the role of Essie. The fact that the story is real has made the experience a more personal one for both Haney and Matt Sawalski, 14, who plays Frankie.

"To know that people actually went through these things makes you realize what it might feel like to do them," Sawalski said.

"It has made me give more of myself and has taught me not only how we used to be as a society, but that we are still dealing with these types of things, on a different level, today," said Haney. "I hope it will open everyone up to what is going on in the world as it has us."

If You Go

WHAT: "Parade" a musical presented by Horlick Summer School Theater.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

WHERE: Joseph L. Mooney Theater at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Enter through the doors by the tennis courts.

COST: $10 general admission at the door.

INFO: For general info about "Parade" go to

http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/parade.htm

NOTE: This show is recommended for ages 14 and older.