The Music of Dolly Parton comes to THE BLACK BOX - Saturday, August 2

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, is thrilled to bring back THE BLACK BOX Sings… Concert Series outside under the stars this summer sponsored by Berry Insurance.

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Dolly Parton on August 2nd at 8:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX. Outside under the stars, a cast of Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites will pay tribute to the living legend. Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

(L-R) Norris, Perona, & Funkhouser

From singing barefoot on the front porch of her Tennessee Mountain Home to commanding the stage in six-inch heels, Dolly Parton is a larger-than-life living legend with a heart as big as her dreams. She is one of an elite group of individuals to receive at least one nomination from all four major annual American entertainment award organizations; Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony. Enjoy the songs that have captured the hearts of generations this summer at THE BLACK BOX.

August 2nd’s concert features Maria Sylvia Norris (Beetlejuice the Musical on tour), Boston’s Anissa Perona, NYC’s Ali Funkhouser, and a cast of talented local singers and students/alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

The concert series will continue on August 23rd with THE BLACK BOX Sings… The 2024-25 Broadway Season, celebrating the music of all the new shows and revivals that opened on Broadway this past year. 

Tickets and more information are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central Street in downtown Franklin, MA. 

Direct link - https://theblackboxonline.com/the-black-box-sings-dolly-parton/

FPAC Searching for Kids to Star in ANNIE and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is seeking young local actors ages 8-18 to complete their casts for their October production of Annie and November production of Peter and the Starcatcher at THE BLACK BOX. 

Children’s Auditions for both shows will be held on September 6th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX located at 15 W. Central Street in Franklin, MA. Those auditioning for Annie are asked to prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song and those auditioning for Peter and the Starcatcher are given the option of preparing a brief monologue or reading one provided at the audition. Sign-ups for audition time slots are open now at FPAConline.com/auditions. 

FPAC Searching for Kids to Star in ANNIE
and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

Those auditioning for both shows are asked to sign up for two slots in the same “group” when possible. For full character descriptions and instrument information, visit FPAConline.com/auditions. All questions regarding the audition/casting process can be emailed to FPACcasting@gmail.com. 

Annie will be directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, choreographed by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge, Matilda, Newsies, King Kong), with music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell. The production runs October 17-26 at THE BLACK BOX. Peter and the Starcatcher will be directed by NYC’s Ali Funkhouser and run November 21-23 at THE BLACK BOX. 

FPAC is a professional regional theater (Actors’ Equity SPT Tier 1). The casts and creative teams are made up of Broadway stars, professionals from NYC and Boston, local talent, and student apprentices. All performers 18 (high school) and under cast in FPAC productions appear as “Student Apprentices.” 

The FPAC Student Apprentice program gives students of the arts a chance to share the stage with and be directed/choreographed by Broadway stars and New York, Boston, and local professional artists. A learning experience in the world of professional regional theater, Student Apprentices are sometimes called upon to assist FPAC’s Stage Management team and crew with things like technical rehearsals, upkeep of THE BLACK BOX space, and more. 

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” 

Peter and the Starcatcher is a play with music that upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants, to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.

Tickets for FPAC’s entire 2025-26 Season will be available soon at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Auditions for roles in FPAC’s productions of Annie and Peter and the Starcatcher!

 Announcing auditions for kids ages 8-18 for roles in FPAC’s productions of Annie and Peter and the Starcatcher! 

Auditions for roles

Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 10:00am-1:00pm at THE BLACK BOX (15 W. Central St.). 

Sign-ups for audition slots will open Friday, July 25 at FPAConline.com/auditions. 

If you are auditioning for both shows, please sign up for 2 consecutive time slots. Callbacks for both shows and an invited dance call for Annie will be held later in the day. 

All performers 18 (high school) and under cast in FPAC productions appear as “Student Apprentices.” For more information on FPAC’s Student Apprentice program, email FPACcasting@gmail.com 

Auditions for roles

Auditions for Adult Roles (AEA and non-AEA) and the rest of FPAC’s Season will be available soon!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1FeQouNTK3/

A conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer & Electric Youth 2025 (video)

Before Electric Youth 2025 left for their European Tour, we had the opportunity for them to visit the Franklin TV Studio for a conversation and recording. We get to share the performance and discussion with you.

My thanks to Raye Lynn Mercer and Electric Youth and to the Franklin TV studio crew for the work recording and preparing the video to share.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH0YtOwSaok

After Electric Youth returns from Europe, they are scheduled for a performance at the Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common on August 1. Be sure to stop by and catch their performance.

You can also check out Electric Youth's webpage -> https://www.electricyouth.com/ 

The "38 Years at 38 Main" audio interview mentioned can be found here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html

Franklin Performing Arts Company announces their next season

ANNIE | OCT. 17-26 | 

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director @rayelynnmercer with choreography by Broadway’s @clayricethomson (Moulin Rouge, Matilda, Newsies, King Kong), & Music Direction by @halliejw . Featuring “Sandy” the dog from Berloni Theatrical Animals!

Franklin Performing Arts Company
announces their next season

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER | NOV. 21-23 | 

Directed by @alifunk , the play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (aka Peter Pan). Featuring 12 actors portraying over 100 characters, Peter and the Starcatcher uses ingenious stagecraft & the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS | JAN. 23-25 | 

Before the iconic 1989 film broke box office records nationwide, Louisiana salon owner Truvy first set up shop on the stage. Directed by Robbie Rescigno, through laughter, tears, & a thick fog of hairspray, the colorful cast of regulars and employees that frequent Truvy’s establishment face trials & triumphs armed with their greatest strength: each other.

INTO THE WOODS | MAR. 13-22 | 

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, the story follows a baker & his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; & Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. 

ONCE | JUN. 5-7 | 

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, on the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship & collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotional music including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly.” 

FPAC Holiday Productions will mount our annual production of The Nutcracker DEC. 6-7 & Humbug! DEC. 20-21!

Tickets available soon online at https://theblackboxonline.com/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLH9TgTxe1S/

Strawberry Stroll - Entertainment Schedule - Friday, June 13, 2025

4:00 PM – 

• Ribbon Cutting at Historical Museum Strawberry Patch 

• Dom DeBaggis at performance area by Dean Bank (4:00 to 5:45) 

• The Padula Band at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (4:00 to 5:45) 

• MyFM 101.3 is by the Railroad Bridge performance area for the afternoon 

4:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

• Upcycled/Recycled Fashion Show hosted by First United Methodist Church Community Closet on Historical Museum Porch

 

5:00 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

5:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

5:45 PM – 

• Desi Swag Queens by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:00 PM -

 • Heath Nisbett at performance area by Dean Bank (6:00 to 7:45) 

• Rep. Jeff Roy at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (6:00 to 7:45) 

6:10 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, Little Shop Parking Lot 

Note: Times may be subject to change.

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership website for news and schedule updates.

https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Reminder: Get your tickets for the FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical" - June 13 & June 14

 FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical"
- June 13 & June 14

Three performances by Franklin High School Theatre Company of "Urinetown, the Musical" are scheduled for Friday, June 13 (7 PM) and Saturday, June 14 (2 & & 7 PM).

Tickets are available online through Unipay for Franklin High School.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door with cash or card.

Go to Unipay, select Franklin High School and then Urinetown will appear in the left side menu -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 6, 2025 ???

Friday, June 6

9:00am Kennedy Concert (John F. Kennedy Memorial School)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

12:15pm Horace Mann Middle School Student Poetry Reading  (Franklin Senior Center)

12:30pm Annual Tee-Off for Tri-County Golf Tournament (Wentworth Hills Country Club)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Joe Marino (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm FHS Graduation (Franklin High School) Note time changed to potentially get ahead/away from storms 

7:30pm FPAC: Little Women (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Get your tickets for the FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical" - June 13 & June 14

Three performances by Franklin High School Theatre Company of "Urinetown, the Musical" are scheduled for Friday, June 13 (7 PM) and Saturday, June 14 (2 & & 7 PM).

Tickets are available online through Unipay for Franklin High School.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door with cash or card.

Go to Unipay, select Franklin High School and then Urinetown will appear in the left side menu -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

The FSPA Open House includes the Little Music School - Weds, May 21 from 10 AM to 7:30 PM

Little Music School - Weds, May 21

Unique to FSPA, Little Music School teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano, engaging them from the earliest age in the joys of music-making and exploration of the arts! Under the direction of Kim Rezendes, FSPA is pleased to be the only school in the United States to offer this unique program!

FSPA is excited to host an Open House for prospective students and families this Wednesday from 10 AM - 7:30 PM!

FREE LITTLE MUSIC SCHOOL TRIAL CLASSES

• Little Music School (ages 18 months-3) 3:30-4:00
• Little Music School (ages 4 + 5) 5:00-5:30

~Additional trials available on different days!~

Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street, Franklin ● 508-528-8668

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ44D_LRRDO/

FPAC Launches Partnership with Rodman for Kids

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new partnership with Rodman for Kids. FPAC, Franklin’s professional theater company, will partner with Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids program which breaks down barriers to make the performing arts accessible for all kids, regardless of socioeconomic background or ability, introducing them to new dreams and life-changing experiences. 

FPAC Launches Partnership
with Rodman for Kids

Rodman for Kids will fill an entire house of a matinee performance of Little Women the Broadway Musical at FPAC on June 7, 2025.

Following this special performance of Little Women, there will be a talkback with the cast and creative team giving the young audience a chance to ask questions and learn about the process of putting on a professional musical. After the talkback, the kids will go next door to the Franklin School for the Performing Arts to play theater games with members of the Little Women cast. 

Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids program makes the performing arts accessible, giving every child the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the performing arts. In the kids’ own words, Theatre for Kids experiences are “mind blowing.” "This partnership with FPAC is tremendously exciting as we look to deepen our engagement with our kids. The access to talkbacks, workshops, and other opportunities to make the magic of theatre tangible and accessible makes this such a powerful collaboration. We are thrilled to be bringing our youth to FPAC for Little Women, and look forward to exciting additional collaborations in the future,” comments Theatre for Kids Program Manager Bill Stiles. 

Rodman for Kids is breaking down barriers to provide access so that every child can develop their own relationship with performing arts and realize that all are welcome in this space. The program is on a mission to enrich its 100,000th kid with access to the theatre in 2025.

FPAC’s Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer remarks, “We look forward to growing this collaboration with Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids and helping this fantastic program meet its short and long term goals. Little Women is a wonderful show with which to initiate our partnership!”

Little Women closes FPAC’s 2024-25 season running June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. The production is directed by NYC’s Ali Funkhouser with music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell and features a cast of 15 actors from NYC, Boston, Providence, and beyond. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. 

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing an experience filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice. 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. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company is based at THE BLACK BOX located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. For more information on FPAC, visit FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370. For more information on Rodman for Kids, visit rodmanforkids.org.  

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 10, 2025 ???

Saturday, May 10

Stamp out Hunger (leave bag for Postal Carrier pickup)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Main St closed for Dean Commencement 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am Dean College 159th Commencement (Dean College)

1:00pm Italian film Festival - "Luca " (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm 3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (Tri-County Regional Vocational Tech HS)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

 

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

FPAC Announces Little Women Cast

Katie Gray

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)’s 2024-25 season will conclude with the musical adaptation of Little Women June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. The production is directed by NYC’s Ali Funkhouser with music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell and features a cast of NYC, Boston, Providence, and local talent.

NYC’s Katie Gray leads the cast as Jo March, the character based on Alcott herself. Gray is joined by Rhode Island-based actress Myranda Rose Silva as Meg, Boston’s Anissa Perona as Beth, and Marymount Manhattan College Musical Theater rising senior Hayley Driscoll as Amy. The cast also stars Miracle Myles of the Hadestown national tour as Laurie, NYC’s Robbie Rescigno as Professor Bhaer, and Boston’s Andrew Scott Holmes as John Brooke.

Little Women features FPAC favorites Kellie Stamp as Marmee, Nick Paone as Mr. Laurence, and Kim Frigon as Aunt March. The show’s ensemble includes college musical theater students Macie Hoben and Jason Robert Warner as well as three FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Ani Corkran, Hailey Hulbig, and Alina Kanakry.

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.

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

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

 

Tri-County theater to perform "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" on May 8 & May 10

 "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"

Tri-County Drama Club proudly presents The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood — a hilariously twisted take on the classic legend! 🏹✨
📅Thursday May 8th & Saturday May 10th
📍 Tri-County Auditorium
🎟️ $5 Tickets at the door
Gather your merry crew and join us for a theatrical experience like no other!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCe8K4PCVo/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events 

Tuesday, April 29

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Finance Cmte Budget hearing - Public Safety & Public Works (Council Chambers)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Theatre Senior Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group (Medway)

Tuesday, April 29 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1708 

Finance Committee Meeting (3rd Floor Trng Room)   

YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools 

Tuesday, April 29 Time:7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699 

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Council Chambers)

YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

Tuesday, April 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1704 

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

FSPA’s Drama Department Presents Café Murder on Friday, May 2

Café Murder on Friday, May 2

FSPA’s Drama Department Presents Café Murder (Youth Play) Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX!

Tickets available at FSPAonline.com or by calling the office at 508-528-8668!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_fj-tx_KI/?