FPAC to present re-imagined Tarzan Starring Broadway’s Original Tarzan Josh Strickland

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will continue their 2023-24 season with a reimagined immersive production of Tarzan the Broadway musical starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland March 8-17 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. The flexible theater space will be transformed into a multi-stage rock concert centering the iconic Phil Collins music, while telling the classic story by blending Broadway and concert experience. 

Conceptualized and directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Ali Funkhouser, the show will feature choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Newsies, Matilda) and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. Based on Disney's epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough's Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning "You'll Be in My Heart," as well as "Son of Man," and "Two Worlds," make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Further casting will be announced soon. 

In 2006, Josh Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor," which skyrocketed to the top-five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance.” In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Strickland has also appeared internationally with the all-star cast of Disney’s Broadway Hits, including the Emmy®-winning concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He recently reprised his role as Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan in Oberhausen, Germany at the Stage Metronom Theatre as well as at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. 

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists. Tickets for Tarzan 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. 

Josh Strickland

FPAC Presents "Tarzan - The Stage Musical" March 8 through 17

FPAC presents a re-imagined immersive production of Tarzan the Broadway musical starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland March 8-17! THE BLACK BOX will be transformed into a multi-stage rock concert centering the iconic Phil Collins music, while telling the classic story by blending Broadway and concert experience. 

FPAC Presents "Tarzan - The Stage Musical" March 8 through 17

Conceptualized and directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Ali Funkhouser with choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Newsies, Matilda). Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

Based on Disney's epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough's Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning "You'll Be in My Heart," as well as "Son of Man," and "Two Worlds," make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan's life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe's territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

Tickets available online -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1696

Save the Date! Children’s Museum of Franklin Gala - April 11 at THE BLACK BOX

Save the Date! 

Children’s Museum of Franklin Gala - April 11 at THE BLACK BOX

Find out more about the Children's Museum of Franklin ->    https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Save the Date! Children’s Museum of Franklin Gala - April 11 at THE BLACK BOX

Reminder: Reserve your tickets for HMEA Presents Studio Two | A Tribute to The Beatles

Mark your calendar for February 17 and get your tickets now!

Live at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA on Saturday, February 17, 2024, HMEA Presents Studio Two: A Tribute to the Early Years of The Beatles! All tickets include event entry and access to the raffle area, cash bar, and complimentary dessert bar. Reserved tables with premium seating now available! Raffle tickets are available only at the event. Three for $5 and ten for $10! Learn More | Purchase Tickets All proceeds benefit the programs of HMEA, supporting more than 5,000 children, adults, and families throughout MA and RI. HMEA's mission is to teach, support, and empower people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to live meaningful lives of their choice. Thanks for your support! HMEA is proudly affiliated with

HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by hmea@hmea.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

HMEA fund raising concert at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 17

The British are coming! 

Tickets are on sale now for our annual Beatles tribute fundraiser at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin.

Swing by on February 17 to see and listen to our favorite Beatles tribute band - Studio Two - The Beatles Tribute! We’ll be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America, all in support of HMEA’s programs. A limited number of tickets are available with the link https://www.hmea.org/beatles/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2KsT-oNNm5/

HMEA fund raising concert at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 17

Electric Youth 2024 Debut Concert - Jan 12 at 7:30 PM

Electric Youth 2024 debuts at THE BLACK BOX, offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits.

Electric Youth 2024 includes Devin DeAngelis, Finley Doherty, Anya Fox, Ashley Pepin, Hannah Connors, Macie Hoben, Mason Sanford, Ella Roth, Elena Baker, Devin Curley, Liam Nolan-Hayun, Katherine LeBlanc, Ani Corkran, and Hailey Hulbig.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Don’t miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment!

Tickets available online -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1641&month=01&year=2024

Electric Youth 2024 Debut Concert - Jan 12 at 7:30 PM

 

FPAC performs "Bright Star!" this weekend at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s bluegrass musical Bright Star! Running this weekend only at THE BLACK BOX! Starring Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, and Kyle Dalsimer.

Ali Funkhouser

Featuring the Tony-nominated bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell and Choreography by Hannah Rezendes.


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

Reminder: FPAC to present Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star - Jan 5 - 7, 2024

 The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to present the musical Bright Star January 5-7 at THE BLACK BOX. Featuring the Tony-nominated bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past.

 

(L-R) Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, and Kyle Dalsimer

The production stars NYC actors Ali Funkhouser as Alice Murphy, Robbie Rescigno as Jimmy Ray, Kyle Dalsimer as Billy Cane, and University of Tampa Musical Theatre Junior Kelsey Breslin as Margo. Boston Conservatory Voice Professor Dan Callaway (The Phantom of the Opera) appears as Daddy Cane/Dr. Norquist. The cast also features Shenandoah Conservatory Musical Theatre student Tzintli Cerda as Lucy, NYC’s Brennan Stefanik as Daryl, and FPAC’s Nick Paone as Mayor Dobbs, Kellie Stamp as Mama Murphy, and Tim Ayres-Kerr as Stanford. 

Rounding out the cast are Emiliano Morales (NYC), Gia Chessa (Dean College), Blas Cerda (Ballet Teatro del Espacio, The National Classical Dance Company of Mexico, Ohio Ballet), Xochitl Tejeda-Cerda (Mexico National Ballet, Ohio Ballet), Takaaki Matsumoto (Boston), DJ Ormond (Boston), Julia Ormond (Dean College), Hannah Rezendes (Salve Regina University), and Lindsay Tomas (FPAC). Joining them are FPAC Student Apprentice performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Elena Baker, Hannah Connors, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, and Mason Sanford. 

With beautiful Bluegrass melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell, and choreography by Hannah Rezendes.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, Kyle Dalsimer, and Dan Callaway are all members of Actors’ Equity. 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. 

Tickets for FPAC’s Bright Star and other shows are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 15, 2023 to December 20, 2023

Friday, December 15

6:00pm Backyard Swagger (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)

7:00pm Box Groove (live music) (Raillery Public House)

Saturday, December 16

8:30am Girl Scout Cookie Sale (outside US Post Office on Main St)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Kids Paint Party (registration req'd) (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Laura May (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)

7:30pm Humbug! (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Sunday, December 17

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

11:00am Girl Scout Cookie Sale (Learning Express)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Humbug! (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Wednesday, December 20

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)

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

6:30pm Musical BINGO: Carols Edition! (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, December 21

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

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 15, 2023 to December 20, 2023

FPAC to present Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star - January 5-7, 2024

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to present the musical Bright Star January 5-7 at THE BLACK BOX. Featuring the Tony-nominated bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past.

 

(L-R) Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, and Kyle Dalsimer

The production stars NYC actors Ali Funkhouser as Alice Murphy, Robbie Rescigno as Jimmy Ray, Kyle Dalsimer as Billy Cane, and University of Tampa Musical Theatre Junior Kelsey Breslin as Margo. Boston Conservatory Voice Professor Dan Callaway (The Phantom of the Opera) appears as Daddy Cane/Dr. Norquist. The cast also features Shenandoah Conservatory Musical Theatre student Tzintli Cerda as Lucy, NYC’s Brennan Stefanik as Daryl, and FPAC’s Nick Paone as Mayor Dobbs, Kellie Stamp as Mama Murphy, and Tim Ayres-Kerr as Stanford. 

Rounding out the cast are Emiliano Morales (NYC), Gia Chessa (Dean College), Blas Cerda (Ballet Teatro del Espacio, The National Classical Dance Company of Mexico, Ohio Ballet), Xochitl Tejeda-Cerda (Mexico National Ballet, Ohio Ballet), Takaaki Matsumoto (Boston), DJ Ormond (Boston), Julia Ormond (Dean College), Hannah Rezendes (Salve Regina University), and Lindsay Tomas (FPAC). Joining them are FPAC Student Apprentice performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Elena Baker, Hannah Connors, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, and Mason Sanford. 

With beautiful Bluegrass melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell, and choreography by Hannah Rezendes.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, Kyle Dalsimer, and Dan Callaway are all members of Actors’ Equity. 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. 

Tickets for FPAC’s Bright Star and other shows are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX to present Holiday Comedy Show starring The Rescignos - Dec 9

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, will present The Rescignos: Franklincense, a brand new iteration of Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno’s acclaimed holiday comedy show on December 9 at 8:00pm.

For over a decade the Rescigno brothers have performed a brand new holiday show in NYC, and this year they are bringing another new holiday show to Franklin. Critic Roy Sander writes of the show, "Brilliant...I would be hard put to think of anyone I would rather be entertained by for an hour than The Rescignos." Cabaret Scenes' Rob Lester says, "The Rescigno twins raise sibling squabbling to an art form." Paul and Robbie add, "We also look pretty good in our sweater vests." This show is rated PG-13.

Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno

In addition to their theater, film, and TV credits, Paul and Robbie have appeared together on THE BLACK BOX stage in the Franklin Performing Arts Company productions of The Drowsy Chaperone, Sweeney Todd, and Something Rotten!. Additionally, Paul starred earlier this season in Buyer & Cellar and Robbie will return this January for Bright Star. While performing in Franklin, the Rescignos have guest taught classes for the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and Dean College. 

Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin. 

THE BLACK BOX schedule for December

Saturday, December 2: 

Viva Las Elvis: A Vegas Christmas

Tribute Concert

Viva Las Elvis: A Vegas Christmas

Saturday, December 9: 

The Rescignos: Franklincense

Take a walk in a twin-ter wonderland! For over a decade the Rescigno brothers have performed a brand new holiday comedy show in NYC, and this year they are bringing another new holiday show to Franklin!

The Rescignos: Franklincense

Get your tickets online at -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz68BMWRoHc/

FPAC to Present One-Man Comedy Buyer & Cellar Starring Paul Rescigno - Nov 17 through 19

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will continue their 2023-24 season with the hilarious comedy Buyer & Cellar starring Paul Rescigno November 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX. Directed by Nick Paone.  

As chronicled in “My Passion for Design,” Barbra Streisand has a series of "Main Street" storefronts beneath her Malibu barn, inspired by the Winterthur Museum in Delaware in order to house her collection of dolls and other trinkets. Buyer & Cellar is a one-man comedy that follows Alex More, a struggling actor who is down on his luck after being fired from Disneyland. He lands a job curating the Malibu basement of Barbra Streisand.  Alex at first does not meet his employer, but eventually Streisand comes down to peruse her collection, and the two strike up a friendly relationship. The play chronicles the fictional exchanges between Alex and his idol. 

Paul Rescigno is a Los Angeles based actor who has previously performed on the FPAC stage in Something Rotten! (Nigel), The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster 2), and Sweeney Todd (Pirelli). He has written for The Late Show with David Letterman and appeared on TV in The Resident (FOX), The Other Two (HBO Max), Odd Mom Out (Bravo), Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon), Black Box (ABC). His theater credits include Boats And…, The Boys From Syracuse, and The Comedy of Errors. Rescigno studied at Shakespeare's Globe in London and holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. Along with his twin brother Robbie, he writes and performs their award-winning comedy show The Rescignos.

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. Later this season, FPAC will present Bright Star, an immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, and August: Osage County. 

Content Warning: Buyer & Cellar contains some strong language. Buyer & Cellar runs November 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX. For tickets and more information, visit FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

FPAC to Present Hilarious Comedy Buyer & Cellar Starring Paul Rescigno - Nov 17-19

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will continue their 2023-24 season with the hilarious comedy Buyer & Cellar starring Paul Rescigno November 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX. Directed by Nick Paone.  

Alex Moore has a story to tell. A struggling actor in L.A., he takes a job working in the Malibu basement of a beloved megastar. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? Buyer & Cellar is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. Winner of the 2014–2015 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show.

Paul Rescigno

Paul Rescigno is a Los Angeles based actor who has previously performed on the FPAC stage in Something Rotten! (Nigel), The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster 2), and Sweeney Todd (Pirelli). He has written for The Late Show with David Letterman and appeared on TV in The Resident (FOX), The Other Two (HBO Max), Odd Mom Out (Bravo), Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon), Black Box (ABC). His theater credits include Boats And…, The Boys From Syracuse, and The Comedy of Errors. Rescigno studied at Shakespeare's Globe in London and holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. Along with his twin brother Robbie, he writes and performs their award-winning comedy show The Rescignos.

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. Later this season, FPAC will present Bright Star, an immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, and August: Osage County. 

Content Warning: Buyer & Cellar contains some strong language. Buyer & Cellar runs November 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX. For tickets and more information, visit FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Street Survivors come to Franklin to perform at THE BLACK BOX, Saturday, Oct 28 at 8 PM

The Providence Rhode Island based Street Survivors take an unapologetically authentic approach to the music of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Formed five years ago, their boot stomping, high energy, soulful stage show are only matched by their "music first" attitude.

From the honky tonk piano, screaming guitars, thunderous drums and haunting vocals, this band will take you to a time when Lynyrd Skynyrd ruled the world before tragedy struck.

Two 50 min. sets

Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door (additional fees may apply). https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1176091

Street Survivors come to Franklin to perform at THE BLACK BOX, Saturday, Oct 28 at 8 PM

Broadway Star Takes FPAC “Under the Sea” with Disney’s The Little Mermaid

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will open their 2023-24 Season with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. FPAC is known for bringing Broadway talent to their casts and creative teams and the Disney hit is no exception. Broadway’s Christopher Rice-Thomson will direct and choreograph the show running October 13-22 at THE BLACK BOX.

Christopher Rice-Thomson

Rice-Thomson, who recently finished a stint touring North America with Hamilton, has appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and Pretty Woman. He is also the creator of the viral dance series “#Tappy.” His impressive performance credits also include a five year history with FPAC. Rice-Thomson first came to Franklin in 2018 when he starred in their production of Newsies. 

Since then, he has appeared in shows like last season’s Something Rotten!, many galas and concerts, and choreographed The Sound of Music. He even premiered Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE with FPAC in 2019. “I never thought I’d say that I have a home-away-from-home in Franklin, Massachusetts, but I am so thrilled I get to say that now,” says Rice-Thomson. “So many things about the beautiful town and supportive community stuck with me. I am honored to be back with my Franklin family for this exciting new production of The Little Mermaid!”

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture the heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World." On staging this iconic story at THE BLACK BOX, Rice-Thomson comments, “THE BLACK BOX is so unique and truly allows us to tell the story a million different ways. We have chosen new and inventive ways to bring the worlds above and under the sea to life. You’ll have to come see it to experience it for yourself!”

Featuring a cast of New York and New England talent, the show is led by NYC’s Malia Monk as Ariel, Mike Cefalo (Broadway’s New York, New York) as Eric, Miracle Myles as Sebastian, Katie Gray as Ursula, and Daniel Barrett as Scuttle. Rice-Thomson notes, “Our new staging– with the audience on both sides of the theater and the actors at the heart of it all, creates an immersive experience that will make you feel like you're part of Ariel's world.”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid runs October 13-22 at THE BLACK BOX. For tickets and more information, visit FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Did you hear Talk Talk Boom's episode with Clay Rice Thompson? (video)

In this episode, Raye Lynn Mercer, the founder and director of Franklin School for the Performing Arts and Franklin Performing Arts Company, chats with Broadway star Clay Rice Thomson, who's currently starring in Moulin Rouge on Broadway. 

He has performed in shows such as Newsies, Matilda, King Kong, and Moulin Rouge. They talk about Clay’s experience from his Broadway debut in Newsies, his experience working with different directors and choreographers, his advice for aspiring performers, and his involvement with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Recorded at FPAC’s THE BLACK BOX theater in Franklin, MA.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/nIdqzYNsvpE?si=uZXZ6LcCm69iT47W

FPAC’s The Little Mermaid brings Broadway to MetroWest Region

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will open their 2023-24 Season with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. FPAC is known for bringing Broadway talent to their casts and creative teams and the Disney hit is no exception. Broadway’s Christopher Rice-Thomson will direct and choreograph the show running October 13-22 at THE BLACK BOX.

Featuring a cast of New York and New England talent, the show is led by NYC’s Malia Monk as Ariel, Mike Cefalo (recently on Broadway in New York, New York) as Eric, Miracle Myles. as Sebastian, Katie Gray as Ursula, and Daniel Barrett as Scuttle. Boston Conservatory Voice Professor Craig Juricka will appear as King Triton. Berklee student Christian David and NYC’s Emiliano Morales will play eels Flotsam and Jetsam. FPAC Student Apprentice Aida DiChiara will take the stage as Flounder alongside FPAC favorites Nick Paone and Michael Baratta as Chef Louis and Grimsby. 

The ensemble is made up of New York and Boston professional performers, local artists, and students from collegiate performance programs including Harvard, Boston Conservatory, Berklee, and Dean College: Caitlin Beirne, Elena Baker, Liz Byrne, Maria Norris, Megan Elyse Fulmer, Melissa Campbell, Aidan Leach, Arielle Hardy, Brandon Wong, Brennan Stefanik, Gia Chessa, Hadasa Barmor, Julia Ormond, Laryssa Humphrey, Lindsay Tomas, Melissa Baratta, Myranda Rose Silva, Rachel Alvarez-Robinson, Takaaki Matsumoto, Tess Stevens, Tim Ayres-Kerr, Xochitl Tejeda-Cerda, and Yianna Zicherman.

The ensemble is joined by Student Apprentice performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Dacia Biello, Ani Corkran, Devin Curley, Emmett Eastman, Lila Hartman, Kayla Hoben, Hailey Hulbig, Colette Lelievre, and Matthew Packard. 

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture the heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World." On staging this iconic story at THE BLACK BOX, director/choreographer Rice-Thomson comments, “THE BLACK BOX is so unique and truly allows us to tell the story a million different ways.”

Rice-Thomson, who recently finished a stint touring North America with Hamilton, has appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and Pretty Woman. He is also the creator of the viral dance series “#Tappy.” His impressive performance credits also include a five year history with FPAC. Rice-Thomson first came to Franklin in 2018 when he starred in their production of Newsies. Since then he has appeared in shows like last season’s Something Rotten!, many galas and concerts, and choreographed The Sound of Music. He even premiered Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE with FPAC in 2019. “I never thought I’d say that I have a home-away-from-home in Franklin, Massachusetts, but I am so thrilled I get to say that now,” says Rice-Thomson. “So many things about the beautiful town and supportive community stuck with me. I am honored to be back with my Franklin family for this exciting new production of The Little Mermaid!”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid runs October 13-22 at THE BLACK BOX. For tickets and more information, visit FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Malia Monk (Ariel), Mike Cefalo (Prince Eric, recently on Broadway in New York, New York), and Miracle Myles (Sebastian)