Get your Tickets for the FPAC performance of "Something Rotten!" Fri, Sat & Sun

Franklin Performing Arts Company presents the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! running March 17-19 at THE BLACK BOX! 

With choreography by Broadway's Tyler Hanes!  Starring Robbie Rescigno and Paul Rescigno, with Broadway's Christopher Rice-Thomson and Michael Barra, and featuring Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Ali Funkhouser, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. 

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Get your tickets online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1134776

Note: I was able to attend last Saturday's performance and it was great entertainment

Something Rotten!

FSPA Musical Theater Showcase moves to 3/15/23

"In anticipation of inclement weather and missed rehearsal time, the FSPA Musical Theater Showcase (originally scheduled for March 2) is postponed and will be held Wednesday, March 15.  

Dress Rehearsal information will be available shortly."

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

FSPA Musical Theater Showcase moves to 3/15/23

FHS Theater Company stage crew creates the "magic" of Cinderella

"Our opening weekend was a magical sensation - thank you to our audiences who joined us.

Here is our appreciation post for the faces behind the "magic" - our brilliant tech crew! One more weekend to catch CINDERELLA, before the clock strikes midnight! Online ticket sales are open, and going FAST!"

Caelyn Towne - Production Stage Manager

Hope Guanga - Lead Scenic Carpenter

Sean Sullivan - Lighting Design and Operator

Matthew Moussa - Sound Tech Assistant

Will Heater & Ren Schultz - Costume Apprentices

Liz and Ace Warren - Prop Coordination and Design

Stage Hands & Run Crew (Swipe Thru)

1st Row: Lindsey Callahan, Kirstyn Towne, Jonathan Mobardy

2nd Row: Noah Cottillo, Shannon Pimental. Kinley Sparks. Rocco Marano, Chloe Chew, Adrianna Castro-Riverera, Andrew Dimatteo

3rd Row: Sophia Kurkomelis, Gabbie McMillan, Elle O'Neil, Adriane Victoria, Anabel Perez Kocis (Wing Manager), Elenor Bavey (Wing Manager), Allison McCalous, Stephen Hassenfus, Elisa Halloran

View all the stage crew photos on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck63fZJtk_b/

Tickets still available for performances this weekend, Nov 18 & Nov 19

https://www.onthestage.tickets/franklin-high-school-theatre-company

FHS Theater Company stage crew creates the "magic" of Cinderella

Don't miss your chance to see Cinderella (Broadway Version)!

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE...BUT THEY'RE GOING FAST! Skip to the front of the line by visiting our production website. Cinderella (Broadway Version) Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 11th 2022, 7:00 PM Nov 12th 2022, 2:00 PM Nov 18th 2022, 7:00 PM Nov 19th 2022, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Did you get your tickets to Cinderella (Broadway Version)?

WHY WAIT UNTIL OPENING NIGHT? Purchase tickets online today—it's quick and easy! Cinderella (Broadway Version) Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 11 2022, 7:00 PM Nov 12 2022, 2:00 PM Nov 18 2022, 7:00 PM Nov 19 2022, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

FPAC to present The Sound of Music Starring Broadway’s Sara Jean Ford

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present The Sound of Music at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 14-23.

Broadway’s Sara Jean Ford stars as Maria Rainer. Ford is best known for starring as Chris􏰀tine Daaé on Broadway and in the National Tour of the world- wide sensation The Phantom of the Opera. Also on Broadway she’s been seen in CATS (Jellylorum), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Smi􏰁tty), A Li􏰁ttle Night Music (Mrs Anderssen, Anne/Petra cover), and Finian's Rainbow (Arlene, Sharon cover). Off-Broadway she starred in The Fantas􏰀ticks (Luisa, Revival Cast Recording) and appeared in Broadway in Chicago’s WICKED (Glinda/Nessa Rose cover). Ford has previously brought her solo show to THE BLACK BOX and has headlined the FPAC Gala and Broadway Weekend. She is on the Broadway Faculty for Voice and Acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Sara Jean Ford

Ford stars opposite FPAC favorite Nick Paone as Captain von Trapp. The cast also features Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Broadway’s Hairspray, Finian’s Rainbow) as Max, NYC’s Jillian Paige as Elsa, and opera singer Shauna Martin as Mother Abbess. 

FPAC’s production is directed by Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer and features music direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Christopher Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, Hamilton on tour). 

The von Trapp family will be played by FPAC Apprentices Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber. 

The von Trapp family

The cast also includes Lizzy Stant, Tzintli Cerda, Kellie Stamp, Casey Harkness Andrade, Tim Ayres-Kerr, Mike Baratta, Melissa Baratta, Greg Dutton, Jason Frigon, Kim Frigon, Audrey Miningham, Lindsay Tomas, Michele Webster, Hailey Hulbig, Addie Abstoss, Elena Baker, Katie Bird, Hannah Connors, Helena Cornwell, Amelia Dahlheimer, Ameline Eastman, Baree Frigon, Macie Hoben, Anna Linde, Kate Settle, Angelina Willey, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, Emmett Eastman, Matthew Packard, and Maggie Friedman.

The Sound of Music runs October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. 

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

Tickets for the FHS theatre performance of Cinderella now for sale!!!

ICKETS FOR CINDERELLA ARE OFFICIALLY LIVE!

Opening nights are November 11, 18, and 19 at 7 PM, and November 12 at 2 PM. Holding at $17 for Adults, $12 for students, $10 for Children, and $10 for FHS staff! 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Tickets: https://www.onthestage.tickets/franklin-high-school-theatre-company

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CjWkeNYuzx5

Tickets for the FHS theatre performance of Cinderella now for sale!!!

FPAC’s The Sound of Music Begins Rehearsal in NYC

Rehearsals have begun for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)’s The Sound of Music, running at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 14-23.

This past weekend, the seven local children cast as the von Trapp family traveled to New York City to rehearse with director Raye Lynn Mercer, music director Hallie Wetzell, choreographer Christopher Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, Hamilton on tour), as well as their leading lady Sara Jean Ford (Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, CATS, How to Succeed…, A Little Night Music, Finian’s Rainbow) who will star as Maria. 

The local children portraying the von Trapps: Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber

Additionally, the children, Ford, and cast members Nick Paone, Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Broadway’s Hairspray and Finian’s Rainbow), Jillian Paige, and John Fitzhenry participated in a promotional photo shoot in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden with NYC photographer Emily Croft. 

The von Trapp family will be played by FPAC Apprentices Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber. 

Broadway's Sara Jean Ford rehearsing
as Maria with the von Trapp kids

The Sound of Music runs October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. 

The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. 

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

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2022-23 Season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce its 2022-23 season of musicals and plays in their home venue THE BLACK BOX. The exciting lineup will include The Sound of Music, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Wolves, Something Rotten, and Violet. Additionally, FPAC Holiday Productions will present holiday favorites The Nutcracker and ‘Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Casts and creative teams will be announced soon.

FPAC will open its season with The Sound of Music October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

The season continues with the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

FPAC Holiday Productions will mount their annual production of The Nutcracker December 3 and 4 featuring live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. The holiday magic will continue on December 17 and 18 with ‘Tis the Season!- an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown, to rock, pop, and Broadway. FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

After the holidays, FPAC will present Sarah DeLappe’s wildly popular play The Wolves January 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

The 2022-23 season will continue with the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! running March 11-19 at THE BLACK BOX.  Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. 

FPAC’s season will conclude June 9-11 with the musical Violet. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical "imperfections."

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 the 2022-23 season will be on sale soon. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2022-23 Season

Heard the buzz about the Footlighter's production of Annie Jr.?

Please be advised, the Franklin Middle School FOOTLIGHTERS THEATRE PROGRAM is producing ANNIE JR.

It's not to be missed! Get your tickets online to guarantee your seat today. Annie Jr. Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company May 13th 2022, 6:00 PM May 14th 2022, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Horace Mann Middle School 224 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information ->   https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/annie-jr-86745 TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

"You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - This Weekend at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Please join us as the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School brings to life Charles Schulz's beloved comic and Clark Gesner's classic musical, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang's here: bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder who doesn't give her the time of day, perfectionist Sally is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, Snoopy is in the doghouse, and "blockhead," himself, Charlie Brown, is in rare form. Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine's Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair.

The script features songs, particularly funny dialogue, and new, catchy orchestrations. Whether you're keen to fly with the Red Baron, moon over the Moonlight Sonata, or just do your best to find "Happiness," You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a crowd-pleasing classic.

Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $17
Student: $13
Senior Citizen: $13

Show Times:
Friday, April 29 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 30 - 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 30 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 1 - 2:00 PM

Performances take place this weekend at BFCCPS located at 500
Financial Park. 

Tickets can be pre-purchased on FamilyID or will be
sold at the door:
https://www.familyid.com/programs/bfccps-presents-you-re-a-good-man-charlie-brown?fbclid=IwAR2PtgGQ7EbjE0n6ByTBvAaqGnbL9PzltAFyT9t9DFzlnxFrc2nietgICEA

"You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

FPAC presents The Drowsy Chaperone starring Broadway’s Ben Cameron and Emily Koch

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Franklin’s own professional theater company, will present The Drowsy Chaperone starring Ben Cameron and Emily Koch March 12-20 at THE BLACK BOX.   

Ben Cameron (Broadway’s WICKED original cast, Footloose, Aida) stars as Man in Chair alongside Emily Koch (Broadway’s WICKED, Waitress) as the title character. Featuring choreography by Clay Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, King Kong, Newsies, Matilda). The star-studded cast will also feature Nick Rehberger (Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof, The Glass Menagerie) as Robert, Sam Seferian (Broadway’s Pretty Woman) as George, Ali Funkhouser as Janet, Nick Paone as Aldolpho, Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno as The Gangsters, and Kaley Were as Kitty along with an ensemble of local talent including apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The production will be directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

Ben Cameron as "Man in Chair."
Photo by Paul Vicario

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

FPAC’s The Drowsy Chaperone runs March 12-20 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. Masks will be required for all patrons, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn at all times, except while actively eating or drinking. 

Tickets available at 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, MA. 

FSPA presents a student production of CATS, and "Kittens"

FSPA will present an all-student production of CATS February 11 and 12th at THE BLACK BOX!  The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

FSPA presents a student production of CATS

Additionally, FSPA will present a youth production of "Kittens," a musical revue inspired by CATS, February 12th at 2 and 4 pm at THE BLACK BOX!

In-person AND live-stream tickets available for both productions! Visit FSPAonline.com or call the office at 508-528-8668.

 

FSPA presents a youth production of "Kittens"

CATS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Tickets for CATS -> https://www.fspaonline.com/news.php?id=1663

Tickets for "Kittens" -> https://www.fspaonline.com/news.php?id=1662

Will you be at opening night for Mamma Mia!?

COME SUPPORT OUR CAST & CREW Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Did you miss these stories in Pantherbook?

Registration is open for this year's Food Elves Program

Registration is officially open for the 2021 Food Elf program with the Franklin Food Pantry. The Food Elf program is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser, which was made to help those in need in the Franklin community around the holidays.   https://franklinpanthers.us/feature/2021/11/06/registration-now-open-for-the-2021-food-elf-program/

History of Franklin: Historical Museum

"The town of Franklin has been around for nearly 250 years since its inception in 1776. Throughout that time, both Franklin and the world around it have shifted in monumental ways to transform into the modern age of today. Since Franklin was founded: electricity has been invented, cars were created, we went to the moon, and over 100,000 people have resided in the town."   https://franklinpanthers.us/entertainment/2021/11/05/history-of-franklin-franklin-historical-museum/

FHS' Theater Company produces Mamma Mia!

“Typical, isn’t it?” So here comes the FHS Theatre Company producing yet another iconic production, a fan favorite: Mamma Mia! If you didn’t already know, Mamma Mia overlooks the story of Donna and Sophie, a fun-loving mother-daughter relationship amid Sophie’s wedding. However, as Donna and her friends tirelessly plan the occasion, the bride-to-be has other intentions. On the hunt for her birth father, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past to the ceremony in hopes that her real dad will be revealed and can walk her down the aisle on the big day!"   https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/11/04/fhs-theatre-company-presents-mamma-mia/

Visit Pantherbook for these and other stories about Franklin High School:   https://franklinpanthers.us/

Did you miss these stories in Pantherbook?

Heard the buzz about Franklin High School Theatre Company's production of Mamma Mia!?

It's not to be missed! Get your tickets online to guarantee your seat today. Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

"We are so excited to join thousands of theaters across the globe to perform the musical All Together Now! For us it is not only a celebration of the return of live theatre, but also to mark 15 years of our beloved youth theatre program here at the Hockomock Area YMCA. Join us for song, dance, laughter, and love November 12th & 13th at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center / The Orpheum Theatre - Foxboro!"

Ticket link -> click here

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3025633764373296/

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

Did you get your tickets to Mamma Mia!?

WHY WAIT UNTIL OPENING NIGHT? Purchase tickets online today—it's quick and easy! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Closing Weekend of FPAC’s Mary Poppins at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)’s production of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins runs through October 24 at THE BLACK BOX. The production is choreographed by and stars Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson. Everyone's favorite practically perfect nanny takes flight in THE BLACK BOX for this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. 

The production stars NYC’s Kaley Were as the title character. Were has performed regionally and across America with The Wizard of Oz National as well as at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Mary Poppins, Oklahoma!, Big Fish), and Disney Cruise Line (Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream). She has most recently been sailing the seven seas with Disney Cruise Line, performing on the Disney Dream in the IAAPA award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast. Were graduated from Oklahoma City University's Bass School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre. This will be her first production with FPAC.

Choreographing the production and starring as the loveable chimney sweep Bert, is Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson. Rice-Thomson has performed on Broadway in KING KONG (King’s Company), Newsies (Spot Colon), Matilda (Michael Wormwood), and the Broadway National Tours of WICKED (Chistery), Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story (A-rab), and Cameron Macintosh’s Oliver. His TV credits include Saturday Night Live, The TONY Awards, MACYS Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Tonight Show, GMA, The Late Show, The View, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more. With FPAC, Rice-Thomson choreographed Matilda, starred in Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE!, and most recently played Aaron Schultz in summer 2021’s Legally Blonde.  

Audience member Jen from Medfield comments, “It was a Broadway show in a small arena.” She continues, “It’s just so great to be out again in a theater.” 

FPAC’s production, directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, is presented with a live professional orchestra and the spectacular aerial effects of Flying By Foy. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft.

Closing weekend of Mary Poppins runs October 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Tickets are on sale at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Patrons are invited to follow the Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook and Instagram (@franklin.performing.arts.co) for season updates, behind the scenes looks at their productions, and more.

 Kaley Were as Mary Poppins and Clay Rice-Thomson as Bert (Photo credited Paul Vicario)

FHS Theatre Company: Skip the line on opening night: Buy your Mamma Mia! tickets now!

CHECK OUT Mamma Mia! ONLINE Visit our website and online box office! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA