FPAC Holiday Productions schedules performances of 'Tis the Season! Dec 17 & 18

The holidays are jolly and bright as ’Tis the Season! returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare, and fun! 

An original large cast musical first presented by FPAC Holiday Productions in 1995, ’Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to Rock, Pop, and Broadway. 

FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

Tickets can be purchased online -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1599

FPAC Holiday Productions schedules performances of 'Tis the Season! Dec 17 & 18

Franklin Cultural District: Tis the season for concerts, winter farmers market, paint night, wreath night, breakfast with Santa, and so much more ...

Tis the season for concerts, winter farmers market, last performance in the outdoor tent, paint night, wreath night, and breakfast with Santa, and so much more. 

You want more? #artshappenhere in Franklin. 

We have so much to be grateful for!

Wednesday, December 14

6:00pm - Remington Middle School Concert (Horace Mann Middle School)

7:00pm - Franklin Newcomers & Friends annual Yankee Swap (Escape Into Fiction)

Thursday, December 15

4:30pm - Winter Wonderland (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Kendo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm - Holiday Wreath Workshop (sold out) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - An Introduction to Hanukkah (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, December 16

9:00am - Breakfast with Santa (2 sittings) (Franklin Recreation Gym)

5:30pm - David Rak (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - The Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Holiday Paint Night (registration req’d) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, December 17

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3:00pm - Holiday Concert from NoteAble Blend (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - Wildcat O'Halloran (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - 'Tis the Season! (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Sunday, December 18

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - 'Tis the Season! (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Monday, December 19

6:00pm - The String School of Franklin Concert (grades 3-12) (Horace Mann Middle School)

Tuesday, December 20

6:00pm  - The Band School of Franklin Concert (grades 4-9) (Horace Mann Middle School)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

FPAC announces guest artists for The Nutcracker performances Dec 3-4

Melissa Chapski

Melissa Chapski (Sugar Plum) was born in Medfield, Massachusetts. She trained at BalletFranklin under the instruction of Cheryl Madeux from the age of 11. She danced in FPAC Holiday Productions’ Nutcracker for 6 years, featured in roles from Marzipan to Party Girls and Cousins, Snow, Flowers, Arabian, and Clara. In 2015, she graduated from the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program in New York City.
 
Melissa danced with the Dutch National Ballet for five years and now dances in Munich, Germany with the Bayerisches Staatsballett (Bavarian State Ballet). Most recently, Melissa performed ‘Embers’ in the Opening Gala at Beijing International Ballet Competition in China. 
 
She was also featured as ‘Emma’ in the movie High Strung: Free Dance and has done ad campaigns for Huawei Mobile, Nikon Europe, TCL Electronics, Discount Dance Supply, Capezio, Body Wrappers, and Russian Pointe. She is currently working towards an undergraduate degree in social sciences at Harvard University's Extension school. 

Sava Milojević

Sava Milojević (Cavalier) was born in Kragujevac, Serbia where he began his ballet training at age 11. He trained from age 14 in Belgrade at Ballet School Lujo Davičo for two years. He soon moved to John Cranko Ballet Academy in Stuttgart, Germany where he was taken into the main company as an apprentice after only two years. After one season with the Stuttgart Ballet, he joined the Bavarian State Ballet’s junior company where he spent two seasons. In 2018, he was promoted to the main company under direction of Igor Zelensky where he is employed presently. Sava has also been awarded numerous medals at Serbian national ballet competitions. In 2018, Sava debuted multiple roles in John Neumeier’s Der Nussknacker with the Bavarian State Ballet. 

 
Some of his most notable performances include tours to Japan and South Korea with the Stuttgart Ballet in productions of both Onegin and Romeo and Juliet. He also danced in Romeo and Juliet at the famous Salzburg Festspiel. Later on Sava toured to Hong Kong with the Bavarian State Ballet dancing in La Bayadere.

Purchase tickets online -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1598&month=12&year=2022

FPAC announces guest artists for The Nutcracker performances Dec 3-4

Nutcracker Storytime at Escape Into Fiction - Saturday, Nov 26 at 10:30 AM

Save the Date for a very special costume #storytime on a very special day!!

The Nutcracker Storytime with cast of @franklin.performing.arts.co and @escape_into_fiction reading #thenutcracker by @janbrett1 a Massachusetts author!

Saturday Nov 26th at 10:30

Come celebrate a holiday tradition with 2 local businesses and show your support on #smallbusinesssaturday

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

Nutcracker Storytime at Escape Into Fiction - Saturday, Nov 26 at 10:30 AM

FPAC to present "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" - 3 performances, Nov 18-20

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 

15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. 

Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation by Simon Stephens of Mark Haddon’s popular novel will be directed for the FPAC stage by Nick Paone. A former Equity actor, Paone has performed with and directed for FPAC extensively, including starring roles in Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, and so many more. He is the creative mind behind and star of FPAC Holiday Productions favorite Humbug!. Paone has been on the drama faculty at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and an actor and director at FPAC since 2001.

Noah Silverman

The production stars Noah Silverman as Christopher Boone. Silverman, a recent graduate of Penn State’s prestigious musical theatre program, is returning to the role of Christopher for the third time, most recently at West Virginia Public Theatre. The cast also includes Kim Frigon, Charley Eastman, Mireille Eastman, Kellie Stamp, Bob Matson, Greg Leach, Colie Vancura, and Erin Lynch. 

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. 

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

FPAC to present The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will continue their exciting 2022-23 season with the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 

15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation by Simon Stephens of Mark Haddon’s popular novel will be directed for the FPAC stage by Nick Paone. A former Equity actor, Paone has performed with and directed for FPAC extensively, including starring roles in Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, and so many more. He is the creative mind behind and star of FPAC Holiday Productions favorite Humbug!. Paone has been on the drama faculty at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and an actor and director at FPAC since 2001.

Noah Silverman

The production stars Noah Silverman as Christopher Boone. Silverman, a recent graduate of Penn State’s prestigious musical theatre program, is returning to the role of Christopher for the third time, most recently at West Virginia Public Theatre. The cast also includes Kim Frigon, Charley Eastman, Mireille Eastman, Kellie Stamp, Bob Matson, Greg Leach, Colie Vancura, and Erin Lynch. 

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. 

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

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Nov 18-20

FSPA faculty and alumni will appear in the Franklin Performing Arts Company's production of the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 

15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Tickets available online or by calling the box office

https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1594

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Nov 18-20

Tune in to the 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON - Saturday, Nov 5

The 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5, 2022.

Hosted by Ben Cameron! Red Carpet hosted by Christopher Rice-Thomson! 

And, of course, enjoy top-notch FPAC GALA ENTERTAINMENT featuring Ben Cameron, Emily Koch, Nick Rehberger, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, and Robbie Resigno! With a 9-piece band music directed by Hallie Wetzell! 

New this year! The Telethon will be televised live and free thanks to Franklin TV!  Tune in on the FPAC YouTube channel to watch live!

7:30pm Red Carpet
8:00pm Gala & Telethon 

FPAC YOUTUBE ->   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIQaPpreP8oF9ISrV6pOZg

FRANKLIN.TV ->  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA

FPAC Gala Auction Items (open for online bidding) -> https://event.auctria.com/e550951d-6f07-4fc2-b3dc-a92cc2a2e1f0/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5

Tune in to the 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON - Saturday, Nov 5 

Franklin Cultural District features the seasonal sounds of #artshappenhere in all its glory this time around

So much happening as we get into the heart of October. Pumpkins, touch-a-truck, story walk, trail walk, fund raising walk, Ladybug 5K, Diwali Celebration, along with live music at the Farmers Market and elsewhere. Dean has their installation ceremony and Homecoming weekend. FPAC performs The Sound of Music. Franklin has the seasonal sounds of #artshappenhere in all its glory this time around.

Wednesday, October 12

11:00am - Franklin Q&A with Steve Sherlock (hybrid event, Senior Center)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

The pumpkin patch returns to St John's for October!

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual event - St Mary’s Church)

Thursday, October 13

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Friday, October 14 

4:30pm - Papalias Pizza (Wood-Fired mobile pizza truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Scott Damgaard (Solo acoustic guitarist) (67 Degrees Brewery)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

2:00pm - Farmers Market  (Town Common)

2:00pm - Matt Zajac (live music)  (Town Common)

2:30pm - Installation Ceremony - Dean President & Chancellor (Dean College)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

6:00pm - Sioo (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, October 15

Dean College Homecoming Weekend

5:30pm -  Northeast Groove (67 Degrees Brewery)

9:00am - Friends of the Poor Walk - St VdP (Town Common)

10:00am - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

10:00am - Touch a Truck (DPW Way)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am - Fall Foliage Hike (Rail Trail Cmte - SNETT, Grove St)

11:00am - Diwali Celebration (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

4:00pm - AK Cody (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, October 16

Dean College Homecoming Weekend

8:30am - Ladybug 5K (Kennedy Elementary School)

10:00am - Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Party (Dacey Fields)

La Cantina Winery

12:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

12:00pm - Caribbean Press (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

Monday, October 17

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

6:00pm - Rising Star Cabaret auditions (THE BLACK BOX)

Tuesday, October 18

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Recreation)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

FPAC to present The Sound of Music Starring Broadway’s Sara Jean Ford

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present The Sound of Music at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 14-23.

Broadway’s Sara Jean Ford stars as Maria Rainer. Ford is best known for starring as Chris􏰀tine Daaé on Broadway and in the National Tour of the world- wide sensation The Phantom of the Opera. Also on Broadway she’s been seen in CATS (Jellylorum), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Smi􏰁tty), A Li􏰁ttle Night Music (Mrs Anderssen, Anne/Petra cover), and Finian's Rainbow (Arlene, Sharon cover). Off-Broadway she starred in The Fantas􏰀ticks (Luisa, Revival Cast Recording) and appeared in Broadway in Chicago’s WICKED (Glinda/Nessa Rose cover). Ford has previously brought her solo show to THE BLACK BOX and has headlined the FPAC Gala and Broadway Weekend. She is on the Broadway Faculty for Voice and Acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Sara Jean Ford

Ford stars opposite FPAC favorite Nick Paone as Captain von Trapp. The cast also features Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Broadway’s Hairspray, Finian’s Rainbow) as Max, NYC’s Jillian Paige as Elsa, and opera singer Shauna Martin as Mother Abbess. 

FPAC’s production is directed by Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer and features music direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Christopher Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, Hamilton on tour). 

The von Trapp family will be played by FPAC Apprentices Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber. 

The von Trapp family

The cast also includes Lizzy Stant, Tzintli Cerda, Kellie Stamp, Casey Harkness Andrade, Tim Ayres-Kerr, Mike Baratta, Melissa Baratta, Greg Dutton, Jason Frigon, Kim Frigon, Audrey Miningham, Lindsay Tomas, Michele Webster, Hailey Hulbig, Addie Abstoss, Elena Baker, Katie Bird, Hannah Connors, Helena Cornwell, Amelia Dahlheimer, Ameline Eastman, Baree Frigon, Macie Hoben, Anna Linde, Kate Settle, Angelina Willey, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, Emmett Eastman, Matthew Packard, and Maggie Friedman.

The Sound of Music runs October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

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. 

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

Escape into Fiction features story time with cast members of FPAC's Sound of Music

"I am SO EXCITED to announce our partnership with @franklin.performing.arts.co for a special #storytime this coming #weekend!!

10/8 at 10:30 AM we will have some cast members from their upcoming #TheSoundOfMusic production beginning 10/14!!

All ages welcome!! "

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTSdBdOk8y/

Escape into Fiction features story time with cast members of FPAC's Sound of Music

Raye Lynn Mercer shares some stories of 38 years at 38 Main St (audio)

FM #850 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 850 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and Director of the Franklin School for Performing Arts. We recorded this in the Franklin Public Radio Studio on Hutchinson St Wednesday, Sep 14, 2022.  

Starting their 38th year at 38 Main St in downtown Franklin, Raye Lynn shares the development of the Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA), and organic expansion over the years to include the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), getting their own performance home with THE BLACK BOX, the development of the equity actors agreement, and the current season of performances that was just announced.

We cover a lot of ground in about 35 minutes but there are more stories to come so let’s listen to my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-850-raye-lynn-mercer-38-years-at-38-main-09-14-22

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Relevant links for the organic growth from the origin point at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts  https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

Franklin Performing Arts Company https://www.fpaconline.com/ 

THE BLACK BOX   https://www.theblackboxonline.com/ 

Intermission   https://www.intermissioncafeonline.com/ 

Ballet Franklin   https://balletfranklin.com/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Raye Lynn Mercer shares some stories of 38 years at 38 Main St (audio)