FPAC Announces Cast for Mel Brooks’ The Producers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce the cast of Mel Brooks’ The Producers running March 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. The production is directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with choreography by Associate Director Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Matilda, Newsies), and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

The Producers is a Mel Brooks comedy full of adult humor and innuendo. Audience discretion is advised.

(L-R) Nick Paone, Paul Rescigno, Katie Mariko Murray

Leading the cast are FPAC’s Nick Paone as Max Bialystock and NYC’s Paul Rescigno as Leo Bloom. They are joined by NYC’s Katie Mariko Murray (Disney’s Frozen on tour) as Ulla, Anthony Fett (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on tour) as Roger DeBris, Robert Mintz as Carmen Ghia, and Franklin favorite Timothy Ayres-Kerr as Franz Liebkind.

The ensemble is made up of artists from NYC, the Boston-Providence-Franklin area, and Musical Theater students from Dean College: Andrew Scott Holmes, Casey Harkness Andrade, Melissa Baratta, Elijah Bondar, Marissa J. Browning, Nya Dekrines, Heather Dorler, Shaina Dunn, Charley Eastman, Kim Frigon, Julia Lavoie, Alex LeBlanc, David Livingston, Conor Meehan, Caroline Merten, Anissa Perona, Myranda Rose Silva, Kellie Stamp, Jason Robert Warner, and Isis Wilson.

Joining the ensemble on stage at THE BLACK BOX are FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Elena Baker, Ani Corkran, Helena Cornwell, Devin Curley, Brodie DeAngelis, Devin DeAngelis, Baree Frigon, Kayla Hoben, Hailey Hulbig, Madeleine Jacomme, Katherine LeBlanc, Matthew Packard, Kate Settle, Angelina Willey, and Michael Wirkus.

The plot of The Producers is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts.

Tickets for The Producers are available at FPAConline.com/tickets or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 18, 2025 ???

Saturday, January 18

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Short Franklin-related films (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Martin Luther King Day of Service (Franklin Federated Church)

1:00pm Adult Paint Party with Miss Lily  (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Winter Carnival  (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm KoC Basketball Free Throw Contest (YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Rd, Franklin)

7:00pm Disney Stars of Broadway in Concert (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm Rowboat (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

--------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Disney Stars of Broadway In Concert at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX will present three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland on January 18th, 2025 at 7:00pm to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The renowned trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. 

(L-R) Ashley Brown, Michael James Scott, and Josh Strickland

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway, for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include star turns as Belle in Beauty and The Beast, The Sound Of Music, and Disney's On The Record. Ms. Brown has also performed with all of the top orchestras in North America, including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and more.

Ms. Brown’s PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown is the voice of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebrations, singing the newly-penned Richard Sherman song, “A Kiss Goodnight.” 

Michael James Scott has played the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin internationally including Broadway, London, the North American Tour and originating the role in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. 

Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf and Hair. On the West End he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Scott was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Théâtre du Châtelet. 

In 2006, Josh Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor," which skyrocketed to the top-five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance.” 

In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Strickland has also appeared internationally with the all-star cast of Disney’s Broadway Hits, including the Emmy®-winning concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He reprised his role as Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan in Oberhausen, Germany at the Stage Metronom Theatre and most recently in Franklin in FPAC’s immersive, reimagined production last spring. 

To purchase tickets for this special concert, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

FPAC to close out their season with performance of Violet - Jun 8, 9, & 10 at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will close out their star-studded 2022-23 season with the musical Violet, June 8-10 at THE BLACK BOX starring Broadway’s Emily Koch and Tyrick Wiltez Jones. 

Emily Koch, currently on Broadway in Kimberly Akimbo, will lead the cast as Violet. Koch also appeared on Broadway as Elphaba in WICKED and Waitress as Jenna.

 

Tyrick Wiltez Jones will appear as Flick. Jones has been seen on Broadway in Hairspray and Finian’s Rainbow as well as the off-Broadway cast of Bat Out of Hell. NYC’s Robbie Rescigno will round out the principal cast as Monty.

Set to Jeanine Tesori’s stunning score, Violet tells a gripping story. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she travels across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful.

Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical “imperfections.” 

The production’s opening night sponsor is Physician One Urgent Care and FPAC’s Broadway sponsor is Dean College. 

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater  producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. The 2022-23 season featured performances by Sara Jean Ford (The Phantom of the Opera, CATS, and more), Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Hairspray, Finian’s Rainbow), Michael Barra (A Bronx Tale), and Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman), new choreography by Broadway dance legend Tyler Hanes, and direction by FPAC resident artists and New York guests.

For Violet tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at (508) 528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA.

FPAC to close out their season with performance of Violet - Jun 8, 9, & 10 at THE BLACK BOX

FPAC scheduled to perform at The Green Room in NYC - Feb 19

FPAC is headed to NYC! 

Join FPAC performers, alums, and guests including Broadway stars Tyler Hanes (CATS), Sara Jean Ford (Phantom of the Opera), Emily Koch (Kimberly Akimbo), Jim Hogan (Kimberly Akimbo), Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge), Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton), Liz Byrne (Baby It's You!), and Nick Rehberger (Fiddler on the Roof) as they celebrate the Franklin Performing Arts Company at The Green Room 42 in NYC on Sunday, February 19 at 9:30 PM! 

Hosted by Your Broadway Buddy Ben Cameron! Directed by FPAC Artistic/Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Mark Ceppetelli. 

Tickets available at thegreenroom42.venuetix.com.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXXhswLxu5/

FPAC performing at The Green Room in NYC - Feb 19

The Rescignos are scheduled to perform "Franklincense" - Dec 10 at THE BLACK BOX

Take a walk in a twin-ter wonderland! 

The Rescignos

For over a decade the Rescigno brothers have performed a brand new holiday show in NYC, and this year they are bringing it to Franklin! Critic Roy Sander writes of the show, "F**king brilliant...I would be hard put to think of anyone I would rather be entertained by for an hour than The Rescignos." Cabaret Scenes' Rob Lester says, "The Rescigno twins raise sibling squabbling to an art form." Paul and Robbie add, "We also look pretty good in our sweater vests." So join The Rescigno boys for the latest installment of their annual holiday show--it'll sugar your plums!

Opener: Ali Funkhouser with Raye Lynn Mercer (piano) and Irina Fainkichen (violin). An actress and singer with a love for all things silly, Ali's solo cabaret shows combining musical theatre, comedy, and jazz have been described as, "still going on."

Ali Funkhouser with Raye Lynn Mercer (piano)
and Irina Fainkichen (violin)

Tickets can be purchased by call the Box office or online ->

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1637

FSPA Re-Opens Broadway

Alumni and Broadway Faculty from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) have been on stage in the reopening casts of many Broadway shows. This September marked the return of the Great White Way since the shutdown in March 2020. FSPA is currently represented in the Broadway companies of WICKED and Waitress and the North American Tour of Hamilton.

FSPA musical theater alum Dan Gleason returned to the Broadway cast of WICKED when it re-opened on Tuesday, September 14. Gleason appears in the ensemble and understudies the lead role of Fiyero. His other credits include the national tours of American Idiot and Miss Saigon. Of his years growing up at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Gleason says, "I owe a lot of my consistent vocal health and technique throughout the rigorous run to my years at FSPA.  Healthy singing habits were ingrained in my body and now have become second nature. FSPA set me up for success in life and I am so thankful for my years of training in my hometown." 

Joining Dan in the reopening cast of WICKED, is FSPA Broadway Faculty Member Kevin Massey. Massey’s Broadway credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, Tarzan, and Big River (Deaf West). He is a UNC-Chapel Hill Morehead-Cain Scholar. As a member of the FSPA Broadway Faculty, Massey is available to the musical theater students for one-on-one vocal and acting coaching. “I have an amazing time working with FSPA,” notes Massey. “The students are so talented and responsive to coaching. It is so exciting to see immediate improvement and their confidence build. No matter the level, there is always so much to work with.”

Christopher Rice-Thomson, a member of FSPA’s Broadway Faculty for singing, acting, dancing, and marketing for performers, is currently on the road with the hit musical Hamilton. Rice-Thomson’s Broadway credits include Pretty Woman and The Book of Mormon and the tours of West Side Story (Baby John, Tony understudy) and White Christmas. His viral #Tappy YouTube videos have received over 10 million views and been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, The Meredith Vieira Show, On Air with a Ryan Seacrest, and more. Rice-Thomson has appeared with Franklin Performing Arts Company as Jack Kelly in Newsies and in his own creation: Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE!

FSPA Broadway Faculty Member for Voice and Acting Emily Koch returns to Waitress on Broadway understudying the show’s star and composer Sara Bareilles. Koch’s credits include WICKED (Elphaba) and Godspell with the Berkshire Theatre Group.  In Franklin, Koch has headlined FPAC’s Broadway In Franklin Weekend, THE BLACK BOX Sings… WICKED, and appeared as a guest with viral A Cappella sensation T.3 at THE BLACK BOX. 

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is still enrolling for the 21-22 school year. FSPA is a home for performing artists of all ages, abilities, and interests. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA is a unique place where students can participate in an array of music, dance, and drama programs with professional instruction and extraordinary performing opportunities. FSPA offers programming for students as young as 18 months. Students are able to “discover their FSPA” and take class from one day a week to six. For more information about FSPA and its programs, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by 38 Main St. in Franklin. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram (@fspaonline), and YouTube. 

 

FSPA Re-Opens Broadway

Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel Returns to THE BLACK BOX for Concert - Sep 25

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, is thrilled to welcome back Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel for a one-night only concert on September 25 at 8:00 pm as part of their ongoing Broadway Series.

Leading lady Beth Leavel is a Tony Award-winning legend who has starred on Broadway in The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone, Bandstand, Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein, 42nd Street, Crazy For You, The Civil War, Show Boat, Baby It's You, and Elf. Her film and TV credits include ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Unusuals.

Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel 

“It’s Not About Me” is a celebration of Leavel’s long and storied career as one of Broadway’s biggest, belting-est divas. Audiences are in for a night of story and song, taking you through her favorite roles she’s played, the ones that got away, and the ones she’s still chasing after. Filled with laughs and surprises, this is one show audiences don’t want to miss.

The concert is music directed and accompanied by Phil Reno, another Broadway name. Reno is a musician, musical director, and conductor best known for his work in Broadway’s ever-popular The Producers and most recently in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises. He began his Off-Broadway career with A Little Night Music (1985) and The Baker’s Wife (1986), for both of which he served as musical director. In 1998, he performed as a musician in the award-winning Off-Broadway musical, A New Brain. In 2001, Reno made his Broadway debut as Associate Conductor and keyboardist in the renowned Broadway hit, The Producers. He remained with the twelve-time Tony Award®-winning show for a total of 1,383 performances. In 2006, Reno became musical director, vocal music arranger, and conductor for Broadway’s The Drowsy Chaperone, and maintained this position for the U.S. tour of the five-time Tony Award®-winning musical. 

Tickets for Beth Leavel’s “It’s Not About Me” are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram. 

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, will present three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland on April 16 to kick off Spring Arts Awakening- nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue’s parking lot. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin as well as virtual live-stream tickets available. 

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway, for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include star turns as Belle in Beauty and The Beast, The Sound Of Music, and Disney's On The Record. Ms. Brown has also performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America, including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and more. Ms. Brown’s PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown is the voice of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebrations, singing the newly-penned Richard Sherman song, “A Kiss Goodnight.” Both Ms. Brown’s album of Broadway and American Songbook standards “Speak Low” and her newly recorded Christmas EP “The Secret of Christmas” are available on Ghostlight/Warner Brothers. 

Michael James Scott has played the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin internationally including Broadway, London, the North American Tour and originating the role in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf and Hair. On the West End he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Scott was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Théâtre du Châtelet. 

In 2006, Josh Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor," which skyrocketed to the top-five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance.” In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Strickland has also appeared internationally with the all-star cast of Disney’s Broadway Hits, including the Emmy®-winning concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He most recently reprised his role as Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan in Oberhausen, Germany at the Stage Metronom Theatre.

According to director of THE BLACK BOX Raye Lynn Mercer, “The Disney Stars of Broadway show is a fantastic way to kick off our Spring Arts Awakening and we look forward to welcoming audiences back to the theater.” The Spring Arts Awakening celebrates a comeback for arts and entertainment and offers an opportunity to support THE BLACK BOX in its recovery from the pandemic. To purchase tickets for this special concert, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021

A Spring Arts Awakening for THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s very own concert, theater, and event venue, will host nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue’s parking lot. The Spring Arts Awakening celebrates a comeback for arts and entertainment and offers an opportunity to support THE BLACK BOX in its recovery from the pandemic.

Spring Arts Awakening at THE BLACK BOX kicks off on April 16 with a concert by three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin.

The Spring Arts Awakening lineup will also include local band The Peacheaters, Blues legend James Montgomery, viral a cappella sensation T.3, international touring ensemble Electric Youth, cabaret performances featuring Broadway stars, a June Pride Month concert benefiting The Trevor Project, FPAC’s annual Culinary Cabaret, and more. 

“The Spring Arts Awakening provides an opportunity to welcome our audiences back to THE BLACK BOX,” notes TBB and Franklin Performing Arts Company Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “The safety of an outdoor venue provides patrons a comfortable transition to performances and event gatherings.” Mercer adds, “Reopening guidelines will be followed and all safety protocols will be in place.” 

Patrons are encouraged to visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com and follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings. 
 

Disney Stars of Broadway

FSPA: "Broadway in Franklin" - Mar 21, 2021

Broadway in Franklin returns to starring Ryan Vasquez, Amanda LaMotte, and the musical theater students of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Airing as a Livestream on March 21 at 3 PM and then rebroadcasted On Demand starting March 24th.

Ryan Vasquez is a California-born, New York-based actor, currently in Hamilton on Broadway. Ryan received a 2020 Drama Desk nomination for originating the role of The Man in Black in THE WRONG MAN, a musical by multi-platinum song writer Ross Golan, directed by Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail with musical arrangements by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Alex Lacamoire. Ryan is the first actor to play all the roles of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton. He also appeared in the Original Broadway Cast of Waitress, and made his Broadway debut in Wicked.  

Amanda LaMotte made her Broadway debut in Matilda: the Musical where she performed for two years. Following Matilda, Amanda appeared in the revival of Hello, Dolly on Broadway and had the opportunity to share the stage with Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce, Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber and Donna Murphy. Most recently, Amanda was seen in the revival of Kiss Me, Kate and had the privilege of performing with the cast on the Today Show and The Tony Awards. Amanda can also be seen on last season’s Last Week with John Oliver.

Tickets available online =  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1442&month=03&year=2021

FSPA: "Broadway in Franklin" - Mar 21, 2021

Broadway Star Michael James Scott to Perform Album Release Concert in Franklin

THE BLACK BOX will present Broadway’s Michael James Scott - A Fierce Christmas Album Release Concert on Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 PM - Virtual Livestream.

 The Aladdin star is releasing his first studio album, “A Fierce Christmas,” on December 1 with a special release concert at THE BLACK BOX on December 5. “A Fierce Christmas” is giving new life to classic holiday tunes by showing off Scott's gospel and Broadway roots. Scott's debut album will be released by Scratch Seventeen and available on all music platforms.

For Scott, there was more to A Fierce Christmas than just making an album; he's making a statement. "This whole process I've been thinking about how my protest is joy," he said. "Broadway is shut down, my very close friends are out of work, and the country is in a racial awakening. This is Michael James Scott's protest; a gay, Black man out and proud from the Broadway community putting joy into the world. “That's where this album really came from. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but what's amazing is that everyone celebrates the holidays and this beautiful time of gathering. I think it's important for people to know that it's OK to put out joy. It's OK to put out love. It's OK to put out light and laughter. What better way to put it out there than at the holidays? We need some light."

 Tickets for the Livestream available for $25 and include the EP download.  For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.
 

Broadway Star Michael James Scott to Perform Album Release Concert in Franklin

 

THE BLACK BOX Sings... WICKED - Sep 26-27

Starring Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero! Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Join us at THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz!

September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30; September 27 at 2:00

 

Get tickets online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1404&month=09&year=2020

 

 THE BLACK BOX Sings... WICKED - Sep 26-27

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.  

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com. 

Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch

 

In the News: Supreme Court maintains abortion rights; Broadway performances suspended for year

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A narrowly divided Supreme Court struck down state restrictions on abortion clinics Monday for the second time in four years, signaling that its conservative shift under President Donald Trump has not eliminated a deep split over abortion rights.

The court ruled 5-4 that a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals would unduly burden women. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the four liberal justices in the majority.

The court reached the same conclusion in 2016 regarding a Texas law, but since then Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh had succeeded retired Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, giving abortion opponents hope for even more substantial restrictions.

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer wrote the main opinion for the four liberal justices. He agreed with a federal trial court that found Louisiana’s law “poses a ‘substantial obstacle’ to women seeking an abortion” and “offers no significant health-related benefits.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/supreme-court-strikes-down-abortion-clinic-restrictions-in-louisiana-defeat-for-conservatives

"Broadway performances are being further suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Broadway League announced Monday in a press release that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Broadway theaters are also now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through January 3, 2021, the release states.

“The Broadway League continues to work with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology, and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry,” the release states. “Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include: screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theatres, backstage protocols, and much more.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/broadway-suspends-performances-through-2020-amid-coronavirus-extends-ticket-refunds-to-2021

FSPA Introduces Broadway Faculty

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) has announced a new roster of FSPA Broadway Faculty. The nine Broadway professionals are available to enrolled students for private coaching via Zoom. Coachings are available for singing, acting, dance, and self-marketing in the theater industry. When classes resume in person, the Broadway faculty will be featured in FSPA’s master class programs in Franklin and New York City.

Ben Cameron from the original Broadway cast of WICKED, Footloose, and Aida will coach students in Voice and Dance. Sara Jean Ford, a former Christine in Phantom of the Opera who also appeared in Finian’s Rainbow, CATS, How to Succeed…, and A Little Night Music will offer Voice and Acting coachings. Tyler Hanes, most recently seen on Broadway as the Rum Tum Tugger in CATS as well as Oklahoma!, Hairspray, The Boy from Oz, and more will coach Voice and Dance students. Jim Hogan of the national tours of Waitress, Phantom of the Opera, and Spring Awakening will offer Voice and Acting Coachings. Emily Koch who starred as Elphaba in WICKED and Jenna in Waitress will also coach Voice and Acting students. FSPA welcomes Kara Lindsay who originated the role of Katherine in Disney’s Newsies and appeared as Glinda in WICKED and Cynthia Weil in Beautiful to coach students in Voice and Acting. Kevin Massey, star of Disney’s Tarzan, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and more will also coach Voice and Acting students. Christopher Rice from the Broadway companies of The Book of Morman and Pretty Woman and of #TAPPY fame will offer coachings in Voice, Dance, and self-marketing in the theater industry. Closing out the roster, Clay Thomson from Disney’s Newsies, Matilda, WICKED, and KING KONG will coach Voice and Dance.

Relationships with the Broadway community have been developed through programs in Franklin including FSPA’s Broadway Boot Camp, the annual Broadway Weekend, and classes offered in conjunction with THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series. “We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to our students,” says FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “It is very exciting that these acclaimed performers have taken a special interest in our students and our school’s curriculum.” Five of the nine teaching artists performed at FSPA’s 35th Anniversary concert at The Green Room 42 in New York City this past January.

To coach with the FSPA Broadway Faculty, students must be enrolled at FSPA in the corresponding disciplines. For more information about the offerings at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, call 508-528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

 

Top Row (L to R): Ben Cameron, Sara Jean Ford. Tyler Hanes. Middle Row: Jim Hogan, Emily Koch, Kara Lindsay. Bottom Row: Kevin Massey, Christopher Rice, Clay Thomson

Broadway March Madness at THE BLACK BOX

Broadway March Madness is coming to THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue in downtown Franklin. Stars of Broadway will be in residence at THE BLACK BOX throughout the month of March.

March Madness begins with THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series on March 7 starring Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey. Broadway icon Kara Lindsay’s credits include Wicked (Glinda), Newsies (Katherine, Original Cast and Fathom Events Film), and Beautiful (Cynthia Weil). Kevin Massey’s Broadway credits include Disney’s Tarzan, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, and Deaf West’s Big River. His European credits include Disney’s Tarzan and Grease. The special one-night-only concert is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural District Committee and will be followed by master classes for aspiring performers the next day.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Legally Blonde the Musical March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. The cast features NYC talent including Ali Funkhouser (national tours of Joseph...Dreamcoat and Evita), Jim Hogan (national tours of Waitress, Phantom of the Opera, Spring Awakening), Emily Koch (Broadway’s WICKED, Waitress), and Andrew Scott Holmes (Princess Cruises) as well as William Berloni Theatrical Dogs. The production re-stages Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography.

Broadway in Franklin returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 29 at 3 pm starring Christine Cornish Smith, Chaz Wolcott, and the musical theater students of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Christine Cornish Smith was most recently seen in the Original Broadway Cast revival of Kiss Me, Kate!, where she was a featured dancer in the ensemble and covered Lois Lane/Bianca. Christine is most well known for her portrayal of Bombalurina in the OBC revival of CATS, and was also seen in the OBC of My Fair Lady at the Lincoln Center Theater. For her work in CATS, she was nominated for "Best Female Performance in a Broadway Musical" for the 2017 Chita Rivera Awards. A cum laude graduate of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she is a former principal dancer with the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. 

Chaz Wolcott earned his BFA in Dance from Oklahoma City University. As a performer, Chaz has been seen as Buttons on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies. You can also catch his performance in Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical, available for digital download on iTunes and Amazon. Chaz starred in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Cats as the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees. He was featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. He was last in Franklin to choreograph FPAC’s Newsies.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA

Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey

FPAC, Franklin TV, and Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology Team Up to Bring Broadway to THE BLACK BOX for the Holidays

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Franklin TV, and The Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology will team up this December to bring a special holiday show to THE BLACK BOX. Together, they will present the world premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! based on Rice's viral #TAPPY video series which has been seen by more than 3 million people worldwide. Audiences are invited to be a part of the live studio audience at a magical, tap-dance infused, holiday special being filmed at THE BLACK BOX. The space will be transformed into a classic soundstage where Broadway's Christopher Rice will bring his Christmas variety show to life and whirl the audience away to a world filled with classic holiday songs, tap dancing feet, and special Broadway guests.

There's also a show behind the show: a story about what wondrously marvelous things can be accomplished when three nonprofit organizations combine their resources, skills, and efforts in common cause. Tappy Christmas will be a look back at the golden age of holiday TV specials enjoyed predominantly in the 1960s. Every year, these TV specials captured the festivities of the season. 

But how do you recreate a real 1960s TV special at THE BLACK BOX in 2019? That’s when Franklin TV (http://franklin.tv/) got involved. After taking a moment to contemplate the creative challenges, Franklin TV Executive Director Peter Fasciano said, “We’re all in.”

Then, a third local nonprofit was added to the team: The Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology (http://www.wmbt.org/). Who better to provide real TV studio cameras that are authentic to the period? The museum often consults on and provides authentic studio equipment for major motion pictures and TV series. They ensure that old TV studio and control room sets are faithfully recreated. Together, the three artistic non profit organizations are recreating that old-school holiday TV Special at THE BLACK BOX.

Broadway’s Christopher Rice joined the FPAC family last season when he headlined the sold-out run of Disney's Newsies as Jack Kelly. Having just finished the run of Pretty Woman on Broadway, Rice's other credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, the national tours of West Side Story, White Christmas, and more. Rice’s viral #TAPPY videos rose to fame in 2013 with “‘Cups’ Tap Dance,” an intricate tap routine featuring Rice and other Broadway hoofers dancing to Anna Kendricks “Cups” from Pitch Perfect. 

Since then, he has choreographed, produced, and starred in numerous #TAPPY videos including two “Tappy Christmas Specials” featuring Broadway surprise guests stopping by to sing and dance for the holidays. These videos are the inspiration for the live show.

“We have an exciting lineup of Broadway and professional guest stars as well as some of our FPAC alumni,” says FPAC Director Raye Lynn Mercer. Rice and friends will also be joined by a select group of young local dancers chosen by Rice himself through a rigorous audition process. “That’s the best part about the holidays- you never know who might stop by!”

Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! runs December 20-22 at THE BLACK BOX. General Admission/Tiered Seating is available at $36.00. Premier Table Seating, including reserved table seating, drink voucher, and an autographed cast photo, is available at $48.00. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370

 

FPAC, Franklin TV, and Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology Team Up to Bring Broadway to THE BLACK BOX

Broadway’s Mamie Parris to Bring Solo Show to THE BLACK BOX - May 11

THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series presents Mamie Parris in a one-night-only solo show accompanied by Broadway composer Barbara Anselmi (It Should Have Been You) on Saturday, May 11 at 8 PM. 

On Broadway, Mamie most recently returned to the cast of School of Rock in the role of Rosalie. She previously starred as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical CATS. Her other Broadway and National Tour credits include School of Rock (Patty) (cast album), Wicked (Elphaba), 9 To 5 The Musical (as Judy Bernly, the role created by Jane Fonda in the iconic film), the Tony-Nominated revival of Ragtime, 5-time Tony-Winner The Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde the Musical, and Roundabout Theatre’s acclaimed revivals of On The 20th Century (Agnes) (cast album), and 110 In the Shade (cast album). 

Mamie Parris in Wicked as Elphaba

Off-Broadway credits include Pump Boys and Dinettes (Prudie), part of the Encores! Off-Center series, and See Rock City and Other Destinations (Dodi) presented by the Transport Group (cast album out now). Other notable credits include roles at The Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, The Muny, The Macau International Music Festival in Macau, China, and many more. Her film and television credits include The Blacklist (NBC), A Stand Up Guy (Orchard), and State of Affairs (NBC).

Composer Barbara Anselmi has a long resume as a music director, arranger, and orchestrator. Her writing career began after 9/11 with All Join Together, the title song of a CD that raised money for The New York Times 9/11 fund. Other works include The Orphan Train, book/lyrics by Susan and Sasha Nanus, A Christmas Carol, and The Acting Company Salon Series, (starring F. Murray Abraham and Lynn Redgrave). 

She was a part of the Drama Desk Award nominee "The Audience," and worked for companies such as Theatreworks USA, the Goodspeed Opera House, and Musicals Tonight. Her work has been heard on television and concerts across the country. Barbara is a Faculty member at CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, The New Studio at NYU, and Barnard College, and Alumna of NYU and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

The concert is sponsored by the Waters Corporation and Middlesex Savings Bank. Tickets can be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com by calling 508-528-3370, or at the door.

THE BLACK BOX presents "Broadway in Franklin" - Mar 24

The magic of 42nd Street comes to Boston's MetroWest suburbs as stars and students share the stage! Broadway’s Kyle Taylor Parker and Amanda Jane Cooper treat audiences at THE BLACK BOX to a dazzling revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way!

Kyle Taylor Parker is currently Geno in My Very Own British Invasion at the Papermill Playhouse. Broadway credits include Kinky Boots (Lola, OBC Angel) and Broadway’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Amanda Jane Cooper, one of Wicked’s longest running Glinda’s on Broadway, was most recently seen as Glinda in Wicked for the show’s 15th Anniversary on Broadway. She has also been seen on Glee on FOX, CSI on CBS, and Disney’s Jessie. 

Broadway In Franklin also showcases musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

For tickets to "Broadway in Franklin" or for more information about other presented events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

THE BLACK BOX presents "Broadway in Franklin" - Mar 24