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

THE BLACK BOX lines up the remainder of the season performances

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s own professional theater and music venue, has an exciting lineup of plays, musicals, concerts and more this spring. 

Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge

Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge will take THE BLACK BOX stage on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30pm. Confounded Bridge is a band put together by A-List Musicians to re-create The Led Zeppelin Experience. Big vocals, guitars, and drums will have THE BLACK BOX on its feet all night long screaming for more. They will appear with opening acts Stevie J and Pride and Joy.  

Kenny Hadley Big Band

The Kenny Hadley Big Band returns for a Big Band Brunch on Sunday, April 23 at 12:00pm. BLACK BOX Jazz presents the critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley. The band boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon. Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.   

Electric Youth

Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band return to THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 pm - with special guests Future Shock. Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages and backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

musical Violet

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will close its season with the musical Violet, June 9-11. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward ax blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling 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."

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

The Culinary and Performing Arts Come Together for “Culinary Cabaret” - April 7

This Friday, April 7 at 7 pm, the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will unite the culinary and performing arts for an inspired evening of fabulous food, drink, and entertainment. The $75 all-inclusive ticket delivers a delicious and entertaining evening at THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s premier entertainment venue.

The 11th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, delectable spirits, flavorful dishes, and mouth-watering desserts by partners including The Gavel, Raillery, Curry House, Teddy Gallagher’s, Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, Bake Shack, Applause, Caribbean Press Food Truck, Intermission, D’Lish, and more. This special evening has been a celebrated part of FPAC’s yearly performance calendar for over a decade. 

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth’s 2023 European tour. Franklin Performing Arts Company is Franklin’s own professional theater company. 

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information on Culinary Cabaret, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

The Culinary and Performing Arts Come Together for “Culinary Cabaret” - April 7

Get your Tickets for the FPAC performance of "Something Rotten!" Fri, Sat & Sun

Franklin Performing Arts Company presents the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! running March 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX! 

With choreography by Broadway's Tyler Hanes!  Starring Robbie Rescigno and Paul Rescigno, with Broadway's Christopher Rice-Thomson and Michael Barra, and featuring Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Ali Funkhouser, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. 

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Get your tickets online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1134776

Note: I was able to attend last Saturday's performance and it was great entertainment

Something Rotten!

Franklin Cultural District: #artshappenhere St Patrick's, theater performances, book sale & more

Wednesday, March 15

12:00pm - Historical Sites of Massachusetts Series - Boston African American National Historic Site (virtual event)  (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin TV Studio)

7:00pm - Navigating College Admissions in 2023 (virtual event)  (Franklin Public Library)

Franklin Senior Center

Thursday, March 16

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center) 

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space (Escape Into Fiction) 

7:00pm - St. Patrick's Day Paint Night (67 Degrees Brewery)

Friday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

8:00am - FDP Networking Breakfast (Dean College Campus Dining Center)

1:00pm - Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

Franklin Public Library

5:00pm - Nick & Emily (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FHSTC performs "Lord of the Flies" (ticketed event) (Franklin High School) 

7:30pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, March 18

9:00am - Book sale (Franklin Public Library)

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

10:15am - “Let’s paint together!!" (Franklin Art Assoc.) (Escape Into Fiction)

1:00pm - Bag sale (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - Untapped Potential (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - The Collaboration Show (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Something Rotten!

Sunday, March 19

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

2:00pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Tuesday, March 21

12:00pm - THE BLACK BOX Blood Drive (THE BLACK BOX)

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)

6:00pm - March Book Club The Mystery of Mrs. Christie! (Escape Into Fiction)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

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!

Cast of FPAC’s Something Rotten! Includes New Dean President - Kenneth Elmore

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is set to open the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! with a cast that includes a roster of New York City guest artists, many FPAC favorites, and Kenneth Elmore, the new President of Dean College.  

The show runs March 10-19 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin.  According to Director Raye Lynn Mercer, “We are thrilled to welcome President Elmore to the FPAC theater family and very happy to feature him in this fantastically funny musical!  He will appear in two roles as arts patron Lord Clapham and as The Master of the Justice with the fate of story’s lead characters in his hands.”  Mercer adds, “The cast we have assembled for this show is off the charts and our audiences will be thoroughly entertained by great music, a lot of laughs, and wonderful dancing with choreography by Broadway’s Tyler Hanes.”

Kenneth Elmore

Elmore has made appearances in John Brown’s Body, Black Nativity, and Anything Goes.  He has a keen interest in ensuring that Dean College contributes to building a creative community of artists in Franklin.  “There is nothing like live theatre, especially this show – it’s a hoot!” said Elmore.  We’re proud to be part of the show as a sponsor and as actors.  I hope this an exciting and joyful step towards Dean College’s integration with the Franklin Performing Arts Company.”

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

FPAC’s production stars NYC/LA’s Robbie Rescigno and Paul Rescigno as the Bottom Brothers, Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman) as Shakespeare, Katie Gray as Bea, Ali Funkhouser as Portia, and Michael Barra (The Greatest Showman, A Bronx Tale) as Nostradamus. 

The production directed by FPAC Artistic/Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer features choreography by Broadway legend Tyler Hanes. Hanes was only 17 when he was discovered by Ann Reinking while attending Broadway Theater Project in Tampa, Florida. She cast him in the first national tour of the Tony Award winning musical, Fosse. Following the tour, he attended Carnegie Mellon University, leaving after a year to make his Broadway debut in the 2002 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! Soon after, he appeared in the original Broadway companies of Urban Cowboy, The Boy From Oz, The Frogs, the 2005 revival of Sweet Charity, and as Larry in the original revival company of A Chorus Line. Hanes also appeared in the Broadway companies of Hairspray and the 2014 revival of On The Town. He starred as Rum Tum Tugger in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of CATS, for which he was nominated for a Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway show.

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

Franklin Cultural District: #artshappenhere with music, food trucks, performing arts, farmers market, and more ...

Wednesday, March 8

12:00pm - Historical Sites of Massachusetts Series - Longfellow House (virtual event) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

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

7:00pm - Newcomers & Friends  (monthly meeting - game night) (Escape Into Fiction)

Thursday, March 9

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space (just what it says) (Escape Into Fiction) 

Friday, March 10

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

5:30pm - The McCrites (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (FPAC at THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, March 11

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

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

12:00pm - Battuto  (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

3:00pm - Irish in America Concert (free concert)  (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - Anna Freitas Trio  (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (FPAC at THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, March 12 - Daylight Saving Time starts

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

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Something Rotten! (ticketed event) (FPAC at THE BLACK BOX)

3:00pm - LiveARTS: Artistry! (ticketed event) (LiveARTS at FUSF)

Tuesday, March 14

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt & Cupboard)

7:00pm - An America Divided (virtual event) (Franklin Public Library)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

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 to perform "Something Rotten" at THE BLACK BOX March 10 through March 19

“He’s just so freaking awesome!” Broadway’s Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman) stars as William Shakespeare in FPAC’s production of the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! running March 10-19 at THE BLACK BOX! With choreography by Broadway's Tyler Hanes! 

Also starring Robbie Rescigno and Paul Rescigno, with Broadway's Michael Barra, and featuring Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Ali Funkhouser, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. 

Tickets available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpbMct8L3BE/

Christopher Rice-Thomson

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

Tyler Hanes returns to FPAC to Choreograph the performance of "Something Rotten"

Tyler Hanes

FPAC is so excited to welcome back Broadway’s Tyler Hanes as Choreographer for our upcoming production of Something Rotten! Tyler Hanes was only 17 when he was discovered by Ann Reinking while attending Broadway Theater Project in Tampa, Florida. She cast him in the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical, Fosse. Shortly after, Tyler made his Broadway debut in Oklahoma! He went on to appear in the original Broadway companies of Urban Cowboy, The Boy From Oz, The Frogs, the 2005 revival of Sweet Charity, as Larry in the first revival of A Chorus Line, and Rum Tum Tugger in the first revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS. Tyler also appeared in the Broadway companies of Hairspray and the 2014 revival of On the Town.

Something Rotten! runs March 10-19, 2023 at THE BLACK BOX.  Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Tickets are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSYpq3v9KB/

Franklin Cultural District: the calendar of event is filling with trains, authors, live music, and more as #arthappenshere

Authors, live music, and a play spotlight the increase in events now that the major holidays are behind us and 2023 is getting into stride. 

There is HO scale recreation of the Franklin Depot station at the Historical Museum along with the history of trains in Franklin as the topic of the Second Sunday Speaker series at 1:15 pm Sunday.

Wednesday, January 4

10:00am - Veterans Monthly Coffee Social

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association - ( meeting and art demo)  (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Maureen Johnson in conversation with Jennifer Lynn Barnes! *Virtual Author Event* (registration req’d) (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, January 5

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting  (Franklin Public Library)

67 Degrees Brewing

7:00pm - Author Janis Robinson Daly  (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, January 6

5:30pm - Gay Perkoski (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - The Wolves (FPAC performance) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, January 7

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

7:30pm - The Wolves (FPAC performance) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, January 8

1:15pm - Joe Landry History of Trains in Franklin (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - The Wolves (FPAC performance) (THE BLACK BOX)

Tuesday, January 10

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting  (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard) 

7:00pm - Democracy Talks: Immigrants' Rights (Virtual Event) (Franklin Public Library)

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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!