MetOpera Ballet Dancer to Star in The Nutcracker with FPAC Holiday Productions

FPAC Holiday Productions 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 conducted by Austin Davy, 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.  

Paula Alvarez

Metropolitan Opera Ballet Dancer Paula Alvarez will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Alvarez, from Mexico City, started training at the Academia de Ballet San Angel Inn where she completed the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) syllabus with Distinction. Upon graduating high school, she moved to New York City to train at the Joffrey Ballet School under the direction of Era Jouravlev. 

There she had the opportunity to perform leading roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker as well as Voices of Spring Pas de Deux by Fredrick Ashton. She started her career as a Soloist at Menlowe Ballet in California where she danced for 3 seasons. During quarantine, she got her CPYB teacher certification and has been working for Joffrey Ballet School as Master Faculty, choreographer and guest dancer, since September 2021. She danced for New York Theatre Ballet performing several soloist roles of The Nutcracker all over New York State. 

Paula’s story has been featured in major international newspapers. During the 2022-2023 season she joined the Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center to be a part of the 2019 revival of La Traviata and she is excited to continue working with the MetOpera Ballet as part of their classical production of Turandot in 2024.

James Monroe Števko returns to FPAC Holiday Productions as The Cavalier, having previously danced the role in Franklin in 2021. He is a NYC-based dancer who started dancing at the late age of 18 and was dubbed a "Late Bloomer" by Dekalb's Daily Chronicle eventually leading to his principal acting debut in the award-winning Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish as Mendl. 

Previously, he has danced at: The Metropolitan Opera, seven seasons at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Met Gala with Katy Perry, Milwaukee Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. He teaches regularly and is a mentor to new graduates hoping to move to NYC in a new program, Off the Lane. 

FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Raye Lynn talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

FM #1308 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1308 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and Artistic/Executive Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

 

Our conversation covers 

• 40th anniversary of Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

• Franklin Performing Arts Company’s new season

• Fundraising efforts (The Gala, Culinary Cabaret, Golf Tournament, etc.)

• The role of arts & culture in the Franklin economy

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1308-fspa-40th-the-black-box-season-10-23-24/

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Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) -> https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

Visit Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) online at -> https://fpaconline.com/ 

The audio recording mentions: 38 Years at 38 Main -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html 

Fun pathways with Raye Lynn & Susana Cordon -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/talking-about-fun-pathways-at-fspa-with.html

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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 talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 2, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 2

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

9am Advance deposit of early voted ballots (Franklin High School)

9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3pm Copley Cats Acapella Concert (Franklin Public Library) 

6pm Cinema 80: City Lights (Franklin Historical Museum)

6:30pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium) 

7pm Moxie (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater) 

7:30pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School) 

8pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Cedar House Restaurant & Bar, Walpole)

8pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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

FPAC to present David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Proof"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to continue the 2024-25 Season with David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof November 15-17 at THE BLACK BOX. The four person play features New York actors Ali Funkhouser as Catherine, Robbie Rescigno as Hal, Lindsey White as Claire, and FPAC’s Nick Paone as Robert. 

Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert. When he dies she has more than grief to deal with: there's her estranged sister, Claire, and Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that Robert left behind. And a further problem: how much of her father's madness - or genius - will Catherine inherit? Directed by Nick Paone.

 

(Top L-R) Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone

 (Bottom L-R) Robbie Rescigno, Lindsey White

Patrons are advised: Proof deals heavily with themes of grief, death, and dying and contains strong language and some mature themes. 

Proof won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. A 2005 film adaptation was directed by John Madden, starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Catherine, along with Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

 

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. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

Proof runs November 15-17 at THE BLACK BOX at 15 W. Central Street in downtown Franklin, MA. Tickets are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Kathleen & Norman talk about their development of the forthcoming performance of "The Belle of Amherst" by William Luce (audio)

FM #1293 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1293 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer, and Norman Johnson, Director. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, Oct 14, 2024. We talked about their roles in the forthcoming production of “The Belle of Amherst” by William Luce. The play will be performed on Saturday, Oct 26 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin.

During the discussion we find out about a connection between Emily Dickinson and Beirut, Lebanon, where a series of performances of “The Belle of Amherst” were interrupted by the uprising in October, 2019. 

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1293-belle-of-amherst-promo-10-14-24/

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Wikipedia entry for the play -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Belle_of_Amherst 

FUSF link for tickets -> https://fusf.org/2024/08/22/the-belle-of-amherst/ 

Kathleen’s profile page at Ithaca College -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/kmulligan 

Norman’s profile page at Ithaca -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/njohnson 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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

Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer

FHS Theatre performance of The Outsiders scheduled for Nov 1, 2 & 3

The Outsiders scheduled for Nov 1, 2 & 3

“We stick together because each others all we got.”

Officially announcing….. OUR FALL PLAY!!!

FHSTC will be performing THE OUTSIDERS on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! Following the conflict between the Greasers and Socs in Tulsa 1967, The Outsiders tells a story of loyalty, trust, and found family.

Join us in the audience and support FHSTC in our first production of the season! Ticket prices will be $15 for students and seniors, and $17 for adults. Look out for more information on how to purchase tickets tomorrow!

We hope to see you in the audience!"

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

Local Kids to Perform Alongside Broadway Star in School of Rock at FPAC

Liam Fennecken

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will open their 2024-25 Season with School of Rock - The Musical starring Broadway’s Liam Fennecken October 18-27 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Fennecken will play Dewey Finn, a role he played on the Broadway Tour of School of Rock. 

The production will be directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge, Matilda, Newsies, King Kong), with choreography by Rice-Thomson and music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell. 

A cast of talented young local actor-musicians from MA and RI have been selected to play Dewey’s “band”: Scotty Kippenhan (Rockland, MA) as Zack on guitar, Colette Lelievre (Bellingham, MA) as Katie on bass, Owen Charles (Franklin, MA) as Freddy on drums, Grayson Kerrigan (Norfolk) as Lawrence on keys, and Aida DiChiara (Franklin, MA) as Summer the band manager. Portraying the other musical students of Horace Green in School of Rock are Hayley Pezza (East Greenwich, RI), Matthew McGuirl (Millis, MA), Helena Cornwell (North Attleboro, MA), Baree Frigon (Franklin, MA), Hailey Hulbig (Franklin, MA), Ani Corkran (Northridge, MA), Liam Kerrigan (Norfolk, MA), Whitney Williams (Montague, MA), Bella Pereira (Mendon, MA), and Rowan Vadenais (Woonsocket, RI). 

Local Kids to Perform Alongside Broadway Star in School of Rock at FPAC

Based on the hit movie, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? With its sensational live kids’ rock band, School of Rock - The Musical is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. 

Liam Fennecken recently starred in Broadway’s Chicago as Amos Hart. He toured the US and South Korea in School of Rock, and has toured North America with Once, American Idiot, and Peter Pan 360. He is a member of the viral a cappella sensation “T.3” with whom he performed on America’s Got Talent. Fennecken is joined by NYC actress Ali Funkhouser as Principal Rosalie Mullins and Boston’s David Livingston and Anissa Perona as Ned and Patty. Rounding out the adult cast are NYC, Boston, and local performers as well as Musical Theater majors from Dean College: P.T. Mahoney, Melissa Baratta, Michael Baratta, Elijah Bondar, Kim Frigon, April Lisette, Connor Meehan, Nick Paone, Kylie Parsons, Kellie Stamp, and Isis Wilson. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is an Actors’ Equity Association Small Professional Theater. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. Tickets for School of Rock and FPAC’s entire 2024-25 Season are available now at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

FPAC announces non-equity auditions for "To Tell a Story About the Earth"

AUDITION ALERT! 

FPAC is thrilled to present To Tell a Story About the Earth, a new play by Miranda Rose Hall in development by LubDub Theatre Co January 10-12 at THE BLACK BOX! 

After a disastrous first production, a fledgling theater company has decided to call it quits. But when the local librarian requests a new performance for Earth Day, the young artists have a decision to make, and questions abound: what’s the deal with this weird fish? Who built the room we’re standing in? Isn’t there supposed to be a storm tonight? Part scripted play, part guided introduction to devising methods, part environmental investigation, and part fill in the blank, To Tell a Story About the Earth prompts ensembles everywhere to create and share an original show about the natural world close to home.

Commissioned by Concord Theatricals
Developed by LubDub Theatre Co

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

Additional audition details in the images displayed:

FPAC announces non-equity auditions for "To Tell a Story About the Earth"

FPAC announces non-equity auditions for "To Tell a Story About the Earth" 1 

The "She Grooves Collective" scheduled to perform Oct 6

"Coming up soon at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts! This is our fall spotlight show and a do-not-miss!

Tickets in the comments! *funded partially by the amazing Mass Cultural Council*"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZBLtpR99w/

The "She Grooves Collective" scheduled to perform Oct 6

Kenny Hadley Bench Dedicated on Sunday, Sep 22, 2024

 via FSPA:

"Thank you to all who joined us this morning for the dedication of Kenny’s Bench  

A big thank you to @itskatiegray for leading this beautiful tribute to Kenny Hadley!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOfTyfx0AQ/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FSPA (@fspaonline)

Jamie Barrett scheduled to perform at Avalena's Friday, Sep 13

via Jamie Barrett 

"Returning to Avalena’s to rock the house! C’mon out and join us!"

Friday, Sep 13 from 7 PM to 10 PM

Jamie Barrett scheduled to perform at Avalena's Friday, Sep 13

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/TzrrRpNmaedmMvW3/

SAFE After Dark includes an Open Mic & performance by Elastic 5 - CANCELED

Sorry, later the day this was shared, the info came back that this event was canceled.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!! 

Sign up for open mic at SAFE After Dark! We're looking for performers for our Sept. 21 show: musicians, poets, comedians, spoken word—all are welcome.

SAFE After Dark -Sep 21

Anyone interested in performing can reserve their spot by sending an email to Jim Derick at jderick@safecoalitionma.org  

SAFE After Dark is a safe and sober place to enjoy the arts and connect with friends. Free of charge, open to all!

The evening will begin with Open Mic from 6:30 PM to 8 PM followed by Elastic 5’s performance from 8:15 PM to 9:30 PM

Based out of Boston, the Elastic 5 plays tributes to 20th century music, from the British Invasion to 80s/90s alternative, Rock & Roll to Power Pop.

We look forward to rocking out with you!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/f17AZskL4QdUV223/

Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA) shares a new video touting the school (video)

Check out Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA) new commercial! Created by John Fitzhenry (FSPA Class of 2024, Syracuse University Film Class of 2028)

Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA)

NOW ENROLLING for our 2024-25 40th Anniversary School Year! Make FSPA your performing arts home! ALL students of the arts from 18 months to 18 years and beyond are welcome at 38 Main Street whether it be 1 day a week, or 6! The Franklin School for the Performing Arts provides high quality training in all facets of music, dance, and drama. We invite you to discover YOUR FSPA!

Visit us at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin, call 508-528-8668, or check out our website FSPAonline.com for more information!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FSPA (@fspaonline)