Local fifth grader to appear in FPAC’s Seussical

Franklin’s Julian DiChiara is set to appear as JoJo in the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) production of Seussical running March 9,10, 15, 16, and 17 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. DiChiara is a fifth grader at Oak Street Elementary and studies singing, acting, and dancing at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Even at his young age, DiChiara is no stranger to the stage. Earlier this season, he played Les in FPAC’s sold out run of Disney’s Newsies where he appeared with Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) and was choreographed by Chaz Wolcott (Newsies, So You Think You Can Dance, Cats). 

Julian DiChiara

He was also seen in the children’s choir of FPAC’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10 DASH Award nominations) and in their original holiday panto Alice in a Winter Wonderland as Tweedle Dee. At the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, DiChiara has had roles in The Wizard of Oz, Bring It, and The Government Inspector. He also performs locally with the ensemble “Future Shock.”

Seussical is a perfect musical for the whole family. Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life Dr. Seuss favorites including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo (played by DiChiara). The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool, to the Circus McGurkus, to the invisible world of the Whos.

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

FPAC presents Seussical - March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17

The Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX’s resident theater company, continues their 2018-2019 season with Seussical, running March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. 

Seussical is perfect for the whole family! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Get your tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1194

FPAC presents Seussical - March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17

In the News: 34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival; "Bring it on the Musical"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival 

"A Massachusetts bluegrass legend will be honored when a long-running musical festival returns to the city over President’s Day Weekend. 

The 34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival will be back at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel next Friday until Feb. 17, featuring acts such as the Gibson Brothers, Seldom Scene, and Sister Sadie, as well as regional bands. There will also be opportunities for classes, lessons, and the Kids Academy where kids can learn about creating their own music. 

“Some people call it folk music on overdrive,” said Gerry Katz, of the Boston Bluegrass Union, on the genre. 

The festival’s namesake, the late Joe Val who was born in Everett, was recently inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame. Joe Val, a pioneering bluegrass musician, is credited with spreading the popularity of bluegrass in the Northeast. Throughout his career, he worked with big names in bluegrass, such as the Lilly Brothers, Joan Baez, the Charles River Valley Boys, and Bill Keith."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190207/bluegrass-festival-back-in-framingham

For more info about the Festival, schedule, tickets, etc.
https://www.bbu.org/events/joe-val-festival/schedule/

For more info about the Festival, schedule, tickets, etc.

“Bring it On The Musical”

1 The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Musical Theater Department will present “Bring it On The Musical” with an all-student cast this weekend at The Black Box in downtown Franklin. 

2 FSPA student productions are directed, choreographed and music directed by FSPA’s faculty, but “Bring It On the Musical” also required some outside coaching for the cheerleading stunts central to the musical’s plot. FSPA brought in alumna Brooke Collins to work with the students and turn a group of musical theater students into convincing cheerleaders.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190206/bring-it-on-musical-to-be-staged-in-franklin/1

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for “No Strings Attached”

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of “No Strings Attached” to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 1 from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 2 from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at www.bfccps.org.

“No Strings Attached”

When Carl, a teenager, wants to run away from home, he applies for a job with the mysterious Professor Pinecone and his traveling magical marionette puppet show. He quickly discovers, however, that the position comes with all kinds of strings attached. Once he feels the magical jolt in Professor Pinecone’s handshake, he embarks on the audition of his life. 

In this play-within-a-play, Carl becomes Pinocchio and improvises his way through the story, meeting some familiar characters — including a cricket with an attitude (“I’m Gonna Bug Ya”), the devious fox and cat (“Easy Money”) and the memorable Blues Fairy (“Blues Fairy Mama”) — as well as some new ones. With the help of this eclectic cast, Carl stumbles upon life’s lessons as he’s forced to make important decisions. After a string of poor choices (which makes his nose grow and ultimately leads him to make a donkey of himself), he finally does something good for a change by saving Geppetto from the mouth of a giant shark.

The production is under the direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater, with a cast comprised of 36 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 11 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

FSPA alum returns to coach musical theatre students in "Bring It On"

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Musical Theater Department will present Bring it On The Musical with an all-student cast on Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. 

FSPA student productions are directed, choreographed, and music directed by FSPA’s outstanding faculty, but Bring It On the Musical also required some outside coaching for the cheerleading stunts central to the musical’s plot. FSPA brought in alumna Brooke Collins to work with the students and turn a group of musical theater students into convincing cheerleaders.

Brooke Collins, originally from Franklin, grew up studying dancing, singing, and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. She was featured in FSPA’s senior dance ensemble CenterStage with whom she traveled to Walt Disney World, performed frequently with the Franklin Performing Arts Company, and toured the U.K., France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria with Electric Youth. 

In addition to her performance studies at FSPA,Collins was also a cheerleader at her academic school Bishop Feehan. After graduating from FSPA in 2017, Collins was selected to be on Providence College’s elite Dance Team. As a Freshman, she danced with them around the country ending the year at Madison Square Garden.

Bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass, and inspired by the hit film, Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey that is filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. Collins has been working with FSPA’s cast on perfecting some lifts and stunts to incorporate in the show about two competing cheerleading teams. 

FSPA Junior Susauna Wickstrom who plays Campbell says of working with Collins, “All of us were so happy to see an old friend who had grown up and learned so much. For her to come back and share a bit of her knowledge was so so special.”

Uniting some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, Bring It On features an original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity), and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Tickets for Bring It On the Musical are available at www.fspaonline.com or by calling 508-528-8668. FSPA is also offering an “All-Access Pass” to prospective students which includes a free trial class and tickets to an upcoming performance like Bring It On the Musical.

FSPA alum returns to coach musical theatre students in "Bring It On"

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for “No Strings Attached”

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of “No Strings Attached” to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 1 from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 2 from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at www.bfccps.org.

“No Strings Attached”

When Carl, a teenager, wants to run away from home, he applies for a job with the mysterious Professor Pinecone and his traveling magical marionette puppet show. He quickly discovers, however, that the position comes with all kinds of strings attached. Once he feels the magical jolt in Professor Pinecone’s handshake, he embarks on the audition of his life. 

In this play-within-a-play, Carl becomes Pinocchio and improvises his way through the story, meeting some familiar characters — including a cricket with an attitude (“I’m Gonna Bug Ya”), the devious fox and cat (“Easy Money”) and the memorable Blues Fairy (“Blues Fairy Mama”) — as well as some new ones. With the help of this eclectic cast, Carl stumbles upon life’s lessons as he’s forced to make important decisions. After a string of poor choices (which makes his nose grow and ultimately leads him to make a donkey of himself), he finally does something good for a change by saving Geppetto from the mouth of a giant shark.

The production is under the direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater, with a cast comprised of 36 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 11 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

FSPA to Present All-Student Production of "Bring it On The Musical"

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Musical Theater Department will present Bring it On The Musical with an all-student cast on Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. 

Bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass, and inspired by the hit film, Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey that is filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. 

Uniting some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, Bring It On features an original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity), and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Franklin School for the
Performing Arts (FSPA)

FSPA’s younger musical theater students will present “Bring It” a musical revue in the style of Bring It On. “Bring It” will be performed on February 2 at 4:30 PM at THE BLACK BOX.

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts offers a rare opportunity to pursue musical theater at a high level. With professional training in three departments of Music, Dance, and Drama and extraordinary performance opportunities, FSPA musical theater students are having the time of their lives while those pursuing careers on stage are matriculating in the country’s top conservatories and colleges for musical theater. Alumni are currently working on Broadway, off-Broadway, in national and international tours, professional regional theater, on cruise ships, TV, and film.

For tickets for Bring It On The Musical and “Bring It” or for more information on Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.fspaonline.com or call 508-528-8668.

FPAC Presents "You Can't Take It With You" - Jan 25-27

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents You Can't Take It with You January 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX. 

Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can't Take It With You is a classic comedy about a family living “to the beat of a different drum”. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. 

You Can't Take It With You

You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets:
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1192

FPAC presents Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto - Dec 21-22

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will wrap up its holiday season with Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto December 21 and 22 at THE BLACK BOX. In Britain there is a holiday tradition called a “panto.” Back in 1717, the actor/manager John Rich first created a type of show that involved a well-known fairy tale told in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes and dances. 

At its best, a panto thrills children with the opportunity to cheer for the hero and boo at the villain and sing along with some of their favorite songs. But the brilliance of a good panto lies in its ability to also entertain adults with double entendre, references to modern culture, open satire of other works and the opportunity to sing along with some of their favorite songs.

In FPAC’s fourth annual panto, Peter Pan strikes out for London to seek assistance from Wendy and the boys when an ice age suddenly overtakes Neverland. During his travels, he encounters other lands and secures unexpected allies. He will need all of their combined help to unravel the wintry mystery and free Neverland from its frozen fate. FPAC’s “American Panto” is a new holiday tradition for all ages.

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

FPAC presents Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto - Dec 21-22

Video teaser for FPAC's Humbug!

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC's 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, starring the script's writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel's iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 

Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely – and timeless – message!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PrwKDDWftM



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

Reminder: "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" Nov 9 -10

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Performed by a cast of 50 kids from the 3 middle schools!

November 9 and 10 at 7:00 PM at the Horace Mann Middle School auditorium
Tickets $10 at the door

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

School of Rock The Musical - Youth Production - Nov 2, 3, and 4

Via Anne Gilberti:

"Looking for something to do this weekend come see this AMAZING Youth performance of School of Rock at the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket RI. 

It’s a great opportunity to expose your child(ren) to quality theater without paying the big $$$ in Boston. 

BONUS: Brigid Gilberti is in the cast! Check it out!!!!! You won’t be disappointed"

School of Rock The Musical - Youth Production - Nov 2, 3, and 4

Performances: Nov 2, 3 at 7:30 PM; Nov 4 at 2:30 PM
https://www.stadiumtheatre.com/events/school-of-rock-the-musical-youth-production/325?

Tickets: $16, $19

Run time: About 2.5 hours (Including Intermission)

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Performed by a cast of 50 kids from the 3 middle schools!

November 9 and 10 at 7:00 at the HMMS auditorium
Tickets $10 at the door

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

The Classic Stones Live at Franklin High Auditorium - Nov 2

If you enjoyed Beatlemania last year than this is for you. This eight piece band is The Look, The Sound and The Show of the true Rolling Stones experience.

Tickets at Shaw's Markets or www.purplepass.com and Search for "Classic Stones Live"

Info at 413-341-7410

Classic Stones Live

When using purplepass, go direct to

https://www.purplepass.com/#172959/Music_Department-Classic_Stones_Live_Featuring_The_Glimmer_Twins-Franklin_High_School_Auditorium-November-02-2018.html

Local Teen Works With Broadway Star in FPAC’s Newsies

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), the resident theatre company of THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, is bringing the best of Broadway to the suburbs October 13, 14 and 19-21 with its production of Disney’s Newsies. 

The show stars Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) and is choreographed by Chaz Wolcott who toured with Disney’s Newsies for two years, appeared in the live film version of the show from Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre, and was featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. The production also provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for Walpole teen Griffin Wilkins: the chance to understudy a Broadway star.

Griffin Wilkins, a senior at Walpole High School and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, plays “Race” in Disney’s Newsies, a featured role that highlights his dance ability. However, in addition to mastering Wolcott’s intense choreography, Wilkins has the added task of understudying the lead role of Jack Kelly. Traditionally, an understudy is a member of a show’s ensemble who also covers a lead role in case the lead actor is sick or unable to perform. Wilkins has some added duties, explains director Raye Lynn Mercer. 

Griffin Wilkins

“We’ve had a unique rehearsal process for this show due to four of our leads being based in New York City. While the rest of our cast rehearses here in Franklin, Griffin has had to, quite literally, switch hats in the middle of scenes rehearsing his regular track as well as helping our ensemble understand where Christopher Rice will be during a scene.” The unique process has also taken Wilkins all the way to New York City. “Last week, we held a rehearsal in NYC for our cast members based there and Griffin was able to come along with us to help plug Christopher Rice in, as well as to clean the choreography and vocals,” explains Mercer.

Even at his young age, Wilkins is no stranger to the task of understudying a professional actor. Last March, he appeared as Judah in FPAC’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in which he also understudied Equity actor Andrew Scott Holmes in the lead role of Joseph. This performance won Wilkins a DASH Award for Best Youth Actor in a Musical. 

“Working alongside Chris, knowing that I am understudying an incredibly talented and kind Broadway actor, is an experience like nothing I’ve had before,” says Wilkins, who is currently in the process of auditioning for collegiate Musical Theatre programs. “It is the chance of a lifetime.”

Disney’s Newsies runs October 13, 14 and 19-21 at THE BLACK BOX at 15 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Broadway’s Christopher Rice to star in Disney’s Newsies at THE BLACK BOX

Initial casting has been announced for the Franklin Performing Arts Company’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies running at THE BLACK BOX October 13,14 and 19-21. Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) will star as Jack Kelly, New York City-based actress, and Franklin native, Ali Funkhouser will play Katherine Plumber, and FPAC favorite Nick Paone will appear as Joseph Pulitzer. The production will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Broadway’s Christopher Rice
to star in Disney’s Newsies

Christopher Rice appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and in the national tours of West Side Story and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Rice’s viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide. Ali Funkhouser’s credits include the national tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita. A former Equity actor, Nick Paone has traveled all over the US performing with TheaterWorks, USA. Paone’s regional credits include Cabaret, Macbeth, The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pirates of Penzance.

Broadway’s Clay Thomson made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda the Musical. His national tour credits include West Side Story and Wicked. Thomson has also made numerous television appearances, performing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The 2013 TONY Awards, The 2012 and 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more. He is featured in the viral YouTube videos #TAPPY.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Disney's Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.” Disney’s Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

To purchase tickets or for more information about Disney’s Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

FPAC announces 2018-2019 season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced its 2018-2019 season. The company’s 28th season will include Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Sept. 21-23), Disney’s Newsies choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson (Oct. 13-14, 19-21), The Nutcracker (Dec. 1-2), Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera (Dec. 8-9), an original holiday panto by Nick Paone (Dec. 21-22), You Can’t Take it With You (Jan. 25-27), Seussical the Musical (Mar. 8-10, 15-17) , and Cabaret (Jun. 14-15). The season will close with the 12th annual Whatever Theater Festival (Jul. 31-Aug. 3).

The season opens in September at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin with Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The play examines the complexities of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George. Late one evening, after a university faculty party, they receive an unwitting younger couple, Nick and Honey, as guests, and draw them into their bitter and frustrated relationship. Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play. The Broadway production of this play was a shattering and memorable experience and proclaimed the author as a major American playwright.

FPAC’s 5th annual season at THE BLACK BOX will continue in October with Disney’s Newsies. The production will feature choreography by Broadway’s Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda). Thomson is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

Tickets are already available for Disney’s Newsies and Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling (508) 528-3370.

FPAC announces 2018-2019 season

FSPA presents 42nd Street at THE BLACK BOX - Aug 16-17

FSPA Summer Theater will present an all-student production of the classic musical 42nd Street on August 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin.

The ultimate show-biz musical, 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,”“Dames,” “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.”

42nd Street will feature musical theatre students in grades 8‐12. The Summer Theater students grades 3‐8 will present a musical revue entitled 21st Street. Their show will include songs from 42nd Street along with dance numbers in the style of Gower Champion’s iconic chorus numbers. 21st Street will be presented August 17 at 5 pm at THE BLACK BOX.

The Summer Theater program at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts is an immersive experience in the production of a fully staged musical at THE BLACK BOX. Students will work with FSPA’s music, drama, and dance faculty for two weeks on staging, character development, choreography, and singing culminating in public performances of their shows at THE BLACK BOX.

Tickets for 42nd Street are $20 for students and $24 for adults. Tickets for 21st Street are $12 for students and $15 for adults. To purchase tickets, call 508.528.8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.

FSPA presents 42nd Street at THE BLACK BOX  - Aug 16-17

“The Addams Family” on April 6 and 7 at Franklin High School

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, lets us know of the forthcoming student musical performance of "The Addams Family" at Franklin High School.

"Annually, Franklin High School has presented entertaining, enjoyable and inspiring spring musicals. This year, audience members will definitely be treated by the upcoming performances of “The Addams Family” directed by Mrs. Lonati, on April 6th and 7th. 

In the past, I have written articles about our spring musicals closer to the actual show date. In doing so, I have gotten to watch dress rehearsals in full costume, and see cast members totally off-book. The rehearsal I attended for this article was not as formal, however, the confidence and well-preparedness of the cast this early on was extremely impressive. Occasionally cast members would ask for a word of their script, but it seems as though only one word prompted an entire monologue. These students are very prepared."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2018/03/06/coming-soon-the-addams-family/

The performances are scheduled for April 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM.
Tickets at the door. Adults $15, Students $10

“The Addams Family” on April 6 and 7 at Franklin High School

"The Addams Family" at FHS - April 6 and 7

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, lets us know of the forthcoming student musical performance of "The Addams Family" at Franklin High School.

"Annually, Franklin High School has presented entertaining, enjoyable and inspiring spring musicals. This year, audience members will definitely be treated by the upcoming performances of “The Addams Family” directed by Mrs. Lonati, on April 6th and 7th. 

In the past, I have written articles about our spring musicals closer to the actual show date. In doing so, I have gotten to watch dress rehearsals in full costume, and see cast members totally off-book. The rehearsal I attended for this article was not as formal, however, the confidence and well-preparedness of the cast this early on was extremely impressive. Occasionally cast members would ask for a word of their script, but it seems as though only one word prompted an entire monologue. These students are very prepared."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2018/03/06/coming-soon-the-addams-family/

"The Addams Family" at FHS - April 6 and 7

The performances are scheduled for April 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM

@ 7pm!!

— FHS Theatre (@FranklinHSDrama) March 8, 2018