Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2021

Holiday show season is upon us. Dean Colleges has several performances of "I Hate Hamlet" and FPAC brings "The Nutcracker" to the stage at FHS. 

Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Police Station, the Garden Club's Holiday Wreath and Arrangement sale at Daddario’s and the Winters Farmers Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm on tap for Saturday.

 

Friday, December 3
7:30pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet

Saturday, December 4
9:00am - Photos with Santa, Mrs Claus
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
11:00am - Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale
2:00pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
7:30pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
7:30pm - FPAC - The Nutcracker

Sunday, December 5
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
2:30pm - FPAC - The Nutcracker

Monday, December 6
7:30pm - Hamilton ~ Home for the Holidays

Find the full 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

Community Calendar

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is excited to present The Nutcracker- Masked live streamed from THE BLACK BOX on December 12 and 13. The classic holiday ballet will be presented with a small cast of Ballet Conservatory dancers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts all in masks and socially-distanced, with narration, live at THE BLACK BOX to a virtual audience at home.

Under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the Franklin Performing Arts Company has found a safe way to present this holiday tradition for the region. The masked production will feature Merrie Whitney’s stunning costume design accompanied by facial coverings. The production will continue FPAC’s collaboration with Franklin TV who will help bring the magic of the season to the audiences at home.

Cast A performs Saturday, 12/12 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm

Cast B performs Sunday, 12/13 at 1:00 and 6:00 pm

Tickets are available for each Livestream show and also an On-Demand option for the Saturday Show and the Sunday Show.  https://www.showtix4u.com/events/17686

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

 

FPAC presents The Nutcracker - Dec 7 & 8

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will kick off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 7 and 8 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. 

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price.

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

FPAC presents The Nutcracker - Dec 7 & 8

PEDC presents the Nutcracker! - four performances on Dec 7-8

With the explosive growth of the arts in the Franklin community, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is proud to present the Nutcracker with four performances this holiday season. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 and 5:30 PM and Sunday, December 8, at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at Bellingham High School.

Dancing the role of Young Clara is Haylee Goguen, Cheyanne Kelley and Abigail Scollins. Mature Clara will be danced by Grace Jerrier, Rachel Barrows, Jackie Dubois and Angelina Rak.

In other lead roles, the Snow Queen will be danced by Emily Conroy, Julia Broll, Nora Hansen and Kaitlyn Auerbach. The Dew Drop Fairy features Larissa Logan, Amanda Mason, Ellie Rodrigues and Dani Bean. The featured dancers for the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy are Andrea Gray, Isabella Lambros, Samantha Robillard and Bridgette Ginley. 

The box office is open and tickets are limited for the performances. Ticket prices are family-friendly at $18. Tickets are available by calling PEDC at 508-520-7873 or emailing pedcnews@gmail.com.

The show is performed at Bellingham High School's auditorium, 60 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA.

From left to right, first row: Abigail Scollins, Haylee Goguen and Cheyanne Kelley as Ypung Clara; second row: Jackie Dubois, Agelina Rak, Grace Jerrier and Rachel Barros as Mature Clara; third row: Julia Broll, Katelyn Auerback, Isabella Lambros, Ellie Rodriques and Amanda Mason; fourth row: Emily Conroy, Samantha Robillard, Bridgette Ginley, Andrea Gray, Dani Bean and Larissa Logan. Missing: Norah Hansen. Photo credit: Marcos Esteves

For more info on the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center visit
https://www.pattieisenhauerdancecenter.com/

In the News: PEDC presents The Nutcracker; advances in cancer seen

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

"With the explosive growth of the arts in the Franklin community, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is preparing to present "The Nutcracker" with three performances this weekend. 

Performances are on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. at Bellingham High School, 60 Blackstone St., Bellingham. 

PEDC has cast six girls as Clara, for the first time having three younger dancers portray young Clara and three older dancers portray mature Clara. Each set of dancers will perform for one show. 

Dancing the lead roles in the production are Samantha Robillard, Kaitlyn Auerbach and Andrea Gray as the Snow Queen; Bridgette Ginley, Elizabeth Rodriques and Emily Conroy as the Dew Drop Fairy and Isabella Lambros, Kaitlin Broyles and Alanna Huling as the Sugar Plum Fairy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181206/franklins-pedc-to-present-the-nutcracker

"The winners of this year’s Nobel Prize for Medicine say they expect substantial advances toward treating cancer in the next several decades, although it is unlikely the disease could be eradicated. 

James Allison of the United States and Tasuku Honjo of Japan made the assessments at a Thursday news conference ahead of receiving the 9 million-kronor ($999,000) prize. 

They were named winners of the prize in October for their work in immunotherapy — activating the body’s natural defense system to fight tumors. 

“Soon we’ll get close with some cancers,” Allison said, citing progress against some forms including melanoma. But, he said, “the world will never be cancer-free.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181206/nobel-laureates-despite-progress-cancer-wont-be-wiped-out/1

Local Teen Ballerina Shares the Stage with Father in FPAC’s Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a holiday season tradition for countless young dancers whose annual turn in the Christmas fantasy marks a celebrated rite of passage. The chance to take part in the enchanting production, full of pageantry and splendor, engages the starry-eyed child dancer, while more advanced ballerinas relish opportunities to be cast in progressively more challenging roles.

Walpole’s Naomi Fitzgerald (17) is no stranger to this development. 2018 marks her fifth consecutive turn in the classic holiday ballet with the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). Over the years she has danced countless roles in the ballet including Marzipan Soloist, Harlequin, Soldier Doll, Rose in Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian corp, Spanish, and multiple roles in the snow scene which closes Act One.

Walpole’s Naomi Fitzgerald

"Particularly for students who start dancing The Nutcracker at younger ages, the ballet becomes tradition, a treasured part of their holiday season," says Director/Choreographer Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. "As dancers continue to train year after year, they develop the maturity, physically and emotionally, to take on more demanding and age-appropriate roles."

Naomi's parts in the ballet's magical snow scene reflect her progression, dancing first as a Junior Snowflake, then as a snowflake and snow princess, and now as Snow Queen. "My first Nutcracker, I instantly fell in love with the snow scene,” says Fitzgerald. “The magic, the excitement, the elegance. I loved every second of it, and watched the Snow Queen in complete awe of her beauty and strength. Getting the opportunity to perform as Snow Queen is an absolute dream come true, and rehearsing under the direction of Cheryl Madeux is an incomparable experience."

Naomi will also dance the parts of
Soldier Doll, Spanish, and Rose

Cast in multiple roles, Naomi will also dance the parts of Soldier Doll, Spanish, and Rose in Waltz of the Flowers this season.

Naomi will be joined on stage by her dad, Bob Fitzgerald, who will perform as a Party Parent in the festive Christmas Eve scene that opens the ballet's first act. She says of this experience, "Being in rehearsals with my Dad has been a blast. Not only do we get to spend some time together, but I get to share something with him that is so near and dear to me. He is so fun to watch, and I can't wait to share the stage with him.”

A student in the Ballet Conservatory program at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), where Ms. Madeux is Ballet Director, Naomi also studies multiple dance disciplines as well as voice. Her training has even taken her to New York City for American Ballet Theatre’s New York Summer Intensive. Before focusing her dance studies to ballet, Naomi was a trained Irish Step Dancer with Open Champion status and was a top 10 individual medalist in two New England Region Oireachtas. She was also a member of two 1st Place North American Champion Ceili teams and two 1st Place Irish Dance World Champion Ceil teams, and she performed with WGBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn.

FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street. With special guest artists, world-class musicians and more than 100 area dancers, the fairytale ballet features Boston Ballet Principal dancers Kathleen Breen Combes and Yury Yanowsky in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Additionally Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, and New York-based dancer and choreographer Lucas Melfi will dance the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer.

The production features a professional orchestra under the direction of Broadway conductor/arranger Eric Stern. With 19 Broadway shows to his credit, including Shrek, Xanadu, Follies, Parade, and Candide, Stern has recorded over 30 albums. He has performed in concert with renowned artists Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Barbara Cook, Dawn Upshaw, Dianne Reeves, Deborah Voigt, Jesse Norman, Thomas Hampson, the Irish Tenors, and many others. Stern has conducted many of the world's top orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's and Boston Pops. He won an Emmy for his work for PBS, and his albums have been honored with a Grammy and two Gramophone Awards. He has enjoyed a long association with the National Orchestra of Wales as frequent guest conductor, and he currently teaches conducting at Berklee College of Music.

For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Celebrate the Holidays with FPAC

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present three productions as part of its annual holiday season. FPAC kicks off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 1 and 2 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. 

Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra, special guest artists and more than 100 area dancers. The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price.

The holiday magic continues with FPAC’s original gem: Humbug! running December 8 and 9 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring the script’s writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely – and timeless – message.

Celebrate the Holidays with FPAC

FPAC will wrap up its holiday celebration with an original “panto” December 21 and 22 at THE BLACK BOX. In Britain there is a wonderful holiday tradition called a “panto.” Back in 1717, the actor/manager John Rich first created a type of show that involved a well-known fairy tale told in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes and dances.

At its best, a panto thrills children with the opportunity to cheer for the hero and boo at the villain and sing along with some of their favorite songs. But the brilliance of a good panto lies in its ability to also entertain adults with double entendre, references to modern culture, open satire of other works and the opportunity to sing along with some of their favorite songs. Bring the whole family to FPAC’s fourth annual “American Panto” — a holiday tradition for us all.

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

FPAC’S The Nutcracker To Feature Guest Soloists, Professional Orchestra And Area Dancers

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing special guest artists, a 27-piece orchestra, and some 100 area dancers to one suburban stage. FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. 

A popular holiday tradition for more than two decades, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak Street, in Franklin.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who also dances the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Ms. Madeux formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre (ABT) companies. A summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program and an examiner for the ABT National Training Curriculum, she is Ballet Director at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Joseph Jefferies will perform the role of the Cavalier. Jefferies, who also choreographed the Arabian and Waltz of the Flowers dances for this production, danced professionally with Pittsburg Ballet Theater, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Memphis, and Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo. He is an award-winning choreographer, creating more than 30 works for companies including Ballet Memphis, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Trockadero, and Ballet Yuma. 

FPAC performs The Nutcracker Dec 2-3

Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, and Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island will perform the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. FPAC’s The Nutcracker also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

The production features a professional orchestra under the direction of Broadway conductor/arranger Eric Stern. With 19 Broadway shows to his credit, including Shrek, Xanadu, Follies, Parade, and Candide, Stern has recorded over 30 albums. He has performed in concert with renowned artists Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Barbara Cook, Dawn Upshaw, Dianne Reeves, Deborah Voigt, Jesse Norman, Thomas Hampson, the Irish Tenors, and many others. 

Stern has conducted many of the world’s top orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Boston Pops. He won an Emmy for his work for PBS, and his albums have been honored with a Grammy and two Gramophone Awards. He has enjoyed a long association with the National Orchestra of Wales as frequent guest conductor, and he currently teaches conducting at Berklee College of Music.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC celebrates its 27th season. Middlesex Savings Bank and Waters Corporation are FPAC 2017 Holiday Sponsors. 

Tickets are $32-$36. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker, on Sunday, September 24. Auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. 

Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must have at least one year of pointe experience). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45. Ballet attire is required.

FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker

Presented with live professional orchestra, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists from such prestigious companies as American Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. The production remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season, a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on December 2 and 3 at the Franklin High School auditorium as part of the Company’s 27th season.

For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

A Ballet for The Ages: Growing Up With The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a holiday season tradition for countless young dancers whose annual turn in the Christmas fantasy marks a celebrated rite of passage. The chance to take part in the enchanting production, full of pageantry and splendor, engages the starry-eyed child dancer, while more advanced ballerinas relish opportunities to be cast in progressively more challenging roles.

Franklin’s Shaina McGillis, 18, made her Nutcracker debut with the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) in 2004 at the age of six. A polichinelle coming out from Mother Ginger’s giant hoop skirt, it was her first time performing on stage. Now a senior at Franklin High School and a veteran of 12 FPAC Nutcrackers, Shaina dances her 13th consecutive year in FPAC’s production this season. She has played most of the ballet’s roles, including little mouse, party girl, little Chinese, marzipan, Clara, Chinese demi-soloist, Chinese soloist, kissy doll, soldier doll, Spanish and Arabian corp, Russian, rose flower, Mouse Queen, candy cane soloist, Nutcracker, Spanish soloist, and Dew Drop. 

Franklin's Shaina McGillis is pictured, center, in this 2015 production photo, dancing the role of Dew Drop

“Particularly for students who start dancing The Nutcracker at younger ages, the ballet becomes tradition, a treasured part of their holiday season,” says Director/Choreographer Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. “As dancers continue to train year after year, they develop the maturity, physically and emotionally, to take on more demanding and age-appropriate roles.”

Shaina’s parts in the ballet’s magical snow scene reflect her progression, dancing first as a snow maiden, then as a snowflake and snow princess, and this year as Snow Queen. “The snow scene is exciting,” she says, “and very cool with the live orchestra. There’s a lot going on, and there are many dancers on stage. The snow can be slippery under point shoes. It’s well rehearsed, but you have to be very aware.”

Cast in multiple roles, Shaina will also dance the parts of Spanish soloist and Dew Drop this season. “It’s great to have the opportunity to grow into it,” she says of Dew Drop and the chance to reprise the coveted role. “It’s more artistically challenging, and it’s tiring physically. The stamina is hard.”

Shaina will be joined on stage by her dad, Jim McGillis, who will perform the role of Clara’s father, Herr Silberhaus. This is Jim’s sixth consecutive year as Party Parent in the festive Christmas Eve scene that opens the ballet’s first act. Jim, who used to coach Shaina in soccer, stepped into his Nutcracker role to share a different experience with his daughter when she stopped playing soccer to focus on her ballet training.

“It’s a real team effort,” says Shaina’s mom, Anne McGillis, noting how the sport and ballet production share a spirit of collaboration. “Jim appreciates the athleticism, too, and the way in which the dancers make what is so physically challenging look so effortless.”

“Everyone has to work together,” she continues, “and Ms. Madeux promotes such a positive attitude among the dancers. They really support each other.”

Shaina adds, “Ms. Madeux expects a lot from us, and that makes us work harder.”

A student in the Ballet Conservatory program at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), where Ms. Madeux is Ballet Director, Shaina also studies jazz, tap and contemporary dance at FSPA. Her training has included summer intensive programs at the Joffrey Ballet in San Francisco, Complexions Contemporary Ballet in New York City, and Ballet West Academy in Salt Lake City. Shaina plans to continue dancing in college and aspires to dance professionally.

Reflecting on her last season in FPAC’s The Nutcracker, she says, “It will be bittersweet. It went by so fast.”

FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak Street. With special guest artists, world-class musicians and more than 100 area dancers, the fairytale ballet features Festival Ballet Providence company dancers Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier and a professional orchestra under the direction of maestro Peter Cokkinias.

“There’s so much excitement around it – the music, the costumes, the choreography – as it all comes together,” Shaina says of the production.

For tickets ($30-$34) and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is FPAC’s 2016 Holiday Sponsor.

In the News: The Nutcracker, New England Ringers

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

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St. 

The show will include a 27-piece orchestra and more than 100 area dancers. 

The production will feature a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 13th year as music director/conductor of FPAC’s Nutcracker orchestra. Guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys, company dancers with Festival Ballet Providence, will perform the roles of the sugar plum fairy and her cavalier. Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the nutcracker/prince, with Aaron Andrade, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, playing the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161124/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-present-the-nutcracker

"1. Franklin Federated Church will host its annual Christmas concert Saturday.
2. After a two-year hiatus, this year's concert will feature the New England Ringers performing an arrangement of winter and Christmas melodies.
3. New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble of musicians playing the most-advanced level of handbell literature.
4. New England Ringers performances are a blend of musical moods and styles. Their repertoire includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites and original compositions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161123/franklin-church-to-host-new-england-ringers

The Nutcracker - "a journey full of surprises and wonder"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing special guest artists, a 27-piece orchestra, and more than 100 area dancers to one suburban stage. FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. 

A popular holiday tradition for more than two decades, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak Street, in Franklin. 

Snow Queen

The production features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 13th year as music director/conductor of FPAC’s Nutcracker orchestra. Guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys, company dancers with Festival Ballet Providence, will perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, with Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island, playing the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. Performers cast in featured roles include Mia Antunovic of North Attleboro as Clara (Saturday) and Kissy Doll (Sunday); Alli Tomsik of Medway as Clara (Sunday) and Kissy Doll (Saturday); Ty Gavin of Bridgewater as Fritz; Shaina McGillis of Franklin as Dew Drop (Saturday), Snow Queen (Sunday) and Spanish Soloist (Sunday); Sarah Strock of Holliston as Snow Queen (Saturday), Spanish Soloist (Saturday) and Candy Cane Soloist (Sunday); Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin as Mouse Queen, Candy Cane Soloist (Saturday) and Dew Drop (Sunday); Haley Desjarlais of Medway as Arabian Soloist; Naomi Fitzgerald of Walpole as Harlequin (Saturday) and Marzipan Soloist; Alex Beckman of Northbridge as Harlequin (Sunday) and Marzipan Soloist; Mairead Nee of Walpole as Chinese Soloist (Sunday); Emma Nicholson of Franklin as Soldier Doll; and Julia Kimball of Canton as Soldier Doll.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. Additional choreography is by Casey Harkness Andrade and Clyde Nantais. Marina Van Winkle is rehearsal assistant for Cherubs and Marzipan Corp.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC celebrates its 26th season. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is FPAC’s Holiday Performance Sponsor. Tickets are $30-$34. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Celebrate the Holidays with 3 Festive Productions

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holidays with three festive productions. Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, FPAC’s original musical Humbug!, and A Glass Slipper Christmas, a holiday panto with a twist on the Cinderella fairy tale.

FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker will be presented at the Franklin High School auditorium on December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and December 4 at 2:00. A popular FPAC holiday tradition for more than 20 years, the production features guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys, company dancers with Festival Ballet Providence, as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, with Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island, playing the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet showcases more than 100 area dancers and features a 27-piece professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias. 

 FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker

FPAC’s original panto, A Glass Slipper Christmas, will be staged at THE BLACK BOX on December 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on December 11 at 2:00. Based on the story of Cinderella, the production follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along to favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works.

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, Humbug!, will be presented on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. and December 18 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium. A family favorite since debuting as part of the company’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. Humbug! stars the script’s writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

In the News: FPAC performs "The Nutcracker", Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) next weekend will present "The Nutcracker," bringing special guest artists, world-class musicians and more than 100 area dancers to one suburban stage. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. A popular holiday tradition for more than two decades, "The Nutcracker" remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. 

FPAC will present "The Nutcracker" on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St., Franklin.

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Now in its fourth year, the Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run aims to both entertain and help to better the community in this giving season. 

Runners can pay to enter the race - which starts on Thanksgiving at 8 a.m. - in two ways: by either paying a $20 entry fee or donating 20 non-perishable food items. 

Krystal Whitmore, the race's organizer, said all proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 

"My son started it four years ago as an Eagle Scout project," she said. "We got such a great response."

donations to the Food Pantry at the 2013 Turkey Trot

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FPAC Announces Open Auditions For The Nutcracker

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker, on Sunday, September 20. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. Auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Ballet attire is required.  

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must be on pointe for at least one year). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45. 

Presented with live professional orchestra, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists. The production remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season, a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The Nutcracker will be performed on December 5 and 6 at the Franklin High School auditorium as part of FPAC’s 25th anniversary season. 

For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker To Feature Boston Ballet Soloists, Professional Orchestra And 125 Area Dancers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing Boston ballet stars, world-class musicians and 125 area dancers to one suburban stage. A popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

Dalay Parrondo

FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 11th year as music director/conductor of FPAC’s Nutcracker orchestra. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. Special guest artists Dalay Parrondo and Bradley Schlagheck, Boston Ballet soloists, will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dr. Drosselmeyer will be played by Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Andrew Holmes, of NYC, returns to the FPAC stage to dance the parts of the Nutcracker and Candy Cane Soloist.

FPAC 2013 Nutcracker

FPAC’s production also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. Performers cast in featured roles include Mairead Nee of Walpole as Clara; Sam Evans of Medfield as Fritz; Shaina McGillis of Franklin as Dew Drop Fairy and Mouse Queen; Noura Sander of Easton as Snow Queen (Saturday) and Arabian Soloist (Sunday); Kendra Dombroski of Franklin as Snow Queen (Sunday) and Arabian Soloist (Saturday); Sarah Radford of Wrentham as Kissy Doll and Spanish Soloist; Jared Brouillette of Holliston as Harlequin and Chinese Soloist; Elizabeth Kilgallon of Medway as Soldier Doll and Candy Cane Soloist (Sunday); Phoebe Dias of Norfolk as Soldier Doll; Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin as Candy Cane Soloist (Saturday); Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk as Marzipan Soloist; and Medway’s Alli Tomsik and Haley Desjarlais as Marzipan Soloists.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to The Nutcracker and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Franklin Performing Arts Company To Present Trio Of Holiday Productions

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will stage three productions this holiday season, featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker and the original FPAC musicals Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and ’Tis the Season!

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC’s production is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

FPAC’s annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, guest stars from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers.

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 

Newly restaged for THE BLACK BOX, Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely and timeless message. Performances of Humbug! are on December 12 at 7:30 p.m., December 13 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and December 14 at 2 p.m. Humbug! will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

’Tis the Season!, an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare and fun. The upbeat, jazzy extravaganza features 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 presents ’Tis the Season! on Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to FPAC holiday performances and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FPAC Holiday Shows

Celebrate the Holidays with a Show! Enjoy a festive double-bill of FPAC holiday entertainment with back-to-back productions of Tchaikovsky's classic The Nutcracker on December 14 & 15 and the original holiday musical Carol's Christmas on December 21 & 22! A highly anticipated FPAC tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker brings Boston Ballet stars, world-class musicians and more than 100 area dancers to one suburban stage! FPAC's magical journey of The Nutcracker features special guest artists from Boston Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier and a professional 27-piece orchestra under the direction of maestro Peter Cokkinias. With luminous costuming and sparkling set design, the timeless fairytale ballet is a family favorite that enchants audiences of all ages. FPAC premieres Carol's Christmas this season, a new contemporary musical comedy written by Nick Paone, who penned FPAC's popular Humbug! Ring in the holidays with a large ensemble cast of 160 talented area performers as they sing and dance their way through this joyous, uplifting and hilarious story! Carol's Christmas features an entertaining score with music of many genres and live musical accompaniment by members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band. Click below to Buy your Nutcracker and Carol's Christmas tickets online http://www.fpaconline.com/box-office.php

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In the News: Nutcracker here, Nutcracker there, breakfast with Santa, Nativity sets

Franklin: Growing up in 'The Nutcracker'

When Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” this weekend, more than 100 area dancers will grace the stage.

Becoming Clara… PEDC dancers reflect on path to ‘Nutcracker’ lead role

It all began at the age of 6 when she was cast as the “lead mouse” and a “polichenelle” and the adventure of being in Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center’s, “The Nutcracker,” was upon her.

Holiday breakfast to benefit Santa Foundation in Franklin

A Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Santa Foundation will be held at the British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 14. There will be one seating at 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Nativity Festival planned in Franklin, Dec. 14

On Saturday, Dec. 14 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin is organizing a Nativity Festival. More than 100 nativity sets from church members and area residents will be on display during the open house.

“Clara’s Tea Party” - Nov 17th

Dress up in your Holiday best and enjoy an afternoon of tea, crafts and fun with Clara and her friends. The cast of Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center’s “The Nutcracker” invites you to celebrate the season with them on Sunday, Nov 17, 2013, at its studios on 31 Hayward Street in Franklin, MA. 

“Last year was such a success! Our guests really enjoyed meeting the cast of the show and asking lots of questions. They sipped ‘tea’ together, enjoyed Sugarplum Sweets, made crafts and enjoyed dancing with Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, the Dew Drop Fairy and the Snow Queen,” said Patti Eisenhauer, owner of PEDC. She added, “This year we are offering two seatings. The first seating, from 1 to 2:15pm is for our youngest guests to participate with a parent or guardian. Our second seating is from 3 to 4:30 for our older guests that can attend alone or with a friend.” 

Included in the $25 ticket fee is a digital photo with Clara, as well as a small gift from her to each child. 

“I am so excited to have a Tea Party with the children all dressed up in their holiday clothes!” said Sarah Finamore, who is hosting the Tea Party, along with Ainsley McStay, as both girls will dance the role of Clara in PEDC’s upcoming Nutcracker production on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. “It is so much fun to see how excited the kids are when they see us in our beautiful costumes and crowns. It really is magical,” said Sarah. Ainsley added, “I really enjoy doing crafts with the kids and showing them some of our dances from the show. I hope that when the see the show live, they will remember our tea party.” 

The “Nutcracker” Box Office is also open and tickets for the Saturday, Dec. 14 show at 5:30 and for the Sunday, Dec. 15 show at 1pm are available. Ticket prices are $15 and $12. Tickets are available by calling PEDC. 

In its 33rd year of dance education, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is a state-of the art Dance Center offering tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and gymnastics classes, as well as birthday parties. Classes are held for each age group from pre-school children through adult. Children are taught the discipline of tap, ballet, jazz and tumbling during their class each week. The center offers air conditioning and springboard flooring. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, email: pedcnews@gmail.com or call the studio at 508-520-7873.

You can visit the PEDC webpage here  http://www.pedancecenter.com/Home.html