Theater
Micaela Diamond stars opposite Ben Platt in a stunningrevival ofParade.
Micaela Diamond loves a dinner party.
(Shekeeps an Instagramdedicated to her efforts, which heavily features Mediterranean cuisine.)
Theres a theme, and everybody makes a toast to the theme.
Its a big part of my life now.
I love being able to learn from her and put so much of myself in her.
It just feels like such a beautiful, worthy story to tell.
Below, Diamond talks about working with Platt, her pre-show ritual, andParades lasting resonance.
How familiar were you withParadebefore signing on for this production?
I was in love with the score and cast album in high school.
Jason Robert Brown has a gift for writing these complex and nuanced Jewish voices.
The day afterThe Cher Showopened, I got a call from my agent about a reading [forParade].
I remember loving being in the room and feeling chemistry between me and Ben.
We both just loved the material so much.
Im so thrilled about the timing of it all; we are literally Lucille and Leos ages now.
It feels like everything worked out the way it should have.
The dynamic you and Ben have on stage is so beautiful.
Did you know each other before this?
We did the same community theater program when I was little, [but] never the same show.
The first time we officially met was [at] the workshop.
Were cut from the same cloth.
Were both Jewish musical theater nerds and loved the piece.
Theres no performing of our Judaism.
This is who we are.
Can you talk a bit about what being Jewish means to you?
Its brought up this connection to our ancestors and the honoring of Leo and Lucille.
I grew up in a conservative temple.
As you mentioned, there were protests outsideParades first Broadway preview.
Im curious how you felt that night, if you were aware it was happening?
It was our first preview, which meant that we were celebrating 18 Broadway debuts.
We found out at half-hour to places [while celebrating those] Broadway debuts.
It really reaffirms why this story is still so relevant.
Youre like, I cant believe were still there.
You still have months of performances to go.
Do you have a sense of what youll take away from this experience?
Im on my way to figuring out that balance.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onMarch 22, 2023
