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/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 20, 2025 ???

Friday, June 20

Library & Senior Center events

9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward A. Kelly (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm The Jazz Quartet (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live Music) (Bog Iron Brewing, Norton)

7:30pm Electric Youth 2025 Bon Voyage (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck, Falmouth)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, June 19, 2025 ???

Thursday, June 19 = Juneteenth

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (CANCELED)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (This session canceled)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

7:30pm Electric Youth 2025 Bon Voyage (THE BLACK BOX)

**  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

Electric Youth tour of Europe 2025

Electric Youth tour of Europe 2025

The Electric Youth head off to tour Europe. Before they do, you have a few chances to catch a performance.

• Town Council meeting June 18
• THE BLACK BOX, June 19 & 20 at 7:30 PM  https://theblackboxonline.com/electric-youth-2025-bon-voyage/

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2REYtuv5B/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 8, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 8

** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Open Hours of Franklin Historical Museum) (Day 2/16)

** MBTA Shuttle Bus from Forge Park to Readville

8:00am Franklin PMC Kids Ride (Jefferson Elementary School)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

2:00pm FPAC: Little Women (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

Note: Library is closed on Sunday per summer hours, and due to budget cuts will not reopen on Sundays in September

** 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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 7, 2025 ???

Saturday, June 7

• Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours) (Day 1/16)
• MBTA Shuttle Bus from Forge Park to Reaville

7:00am Franklin Rod & Gun Club's 2025 Fishing Derby

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

12:00pm Franklin Porchfest (30+ porches around Franklin, MA) 

6:30pm Free Concert featuring the Zajac Brothers at SAFE Cafe after Dark

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

Spring Rising Stars performs cabaret style at THE BLACK BOX on May 22

Spring Rising Stars performs cabaret style

THE BLACK BOX presents a crowd favorite with its Spring Rising Stars. Talented young singers, ages 11-18, deliver powerful performances of pop and rock songs in a cabaret setting.

Tickets available online at   https://theblackboxonline.com/rising-stars-pop-rock-cabaret/

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: Sunday, May 11, 2025 ???

Sunday, May 11 =  Mother's Day

9:00am Fallen Hero: Charles Christakes (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm "The Pioneering Women of Franklin" (Franklin Historical Museum)

4:00pm Electric Youth (with Future Shock) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

**  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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 9, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Friday, May 9

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Jamie Barret (live music) (Napper Tandy's)

7:30pm Electric Youth (with Future Shock) (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

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.