FPAC announces initial casting for Legally Blonde

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced the initial casting for their March production of Legally Blonde the Musical.

Starring as sorority girl turned Harvard Law student Elle Woods will be Ali Funkhouser. A NYC based actress, this will be Funkhouser’s third production of Legally Blonde, having most recently appeared in The Lex’s production directed by Broadway’s original Elle, Laura Bell Bundy. Funkhouser recently performed her solo show “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama in NYC. She has been seen in many FPAC productions including Newsies, Joseph, Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently #TappyXmasLIVE.

Jim Hogan will star as Elle’s lovable best friend and Harvard guide Emmett Forrest. Hogan has been seen in the touring companies of Waitress, The Phantom of the Opera, and Spring Awakening. Recently, his cover of Into the Unknown from Frozen 2 went viral; it can be viewed on Instagram (@jimhogan220).

FPAC is excited to welcome Emily Koch back to Franklin as Vivienne. She has appeared in the Broadway and touring companies of WICKED and Waitress. Koch has performed her solo show “eMulbOy5” at Feinstein’s/54 Below and other cabaret venues around NYC. She was last onstage with FPAC for 2019’s Broadway in Franklin.

Andrew Scott Holmes will join the cast as Warner Huntington III. Holmes has performed all over the world as a Resident Guest Entertainer with Princess Cruises. From Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater and beyond, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars. With FPAC, Holmes was most recently seen earlier this season in Matilda.

Zoë Kassay returns to FPAC as Paulette. A former Equity actor, Zoë’s regional credits include Legally Blonde, Hairspray, 9 to 5 , Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Footloose, Singin’ in the Rain, and a stint as a mainstage performer with Disney Cruise Line. She was most recently onstage with FPAC as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

 (Top left 2 right) Ali Funkhouser (Elle), Jim Hogan (Emmett), (Bottom left 2 right) Andrew Scott Holmes (Warner) and Emily Koch (Vivienne)

Also sharing the stage in Legally Blonde will be Ricky and Myrtle from William Berloni Theatrical Animals as Elle’s canine friends. Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television, and commercials.

Further casting will be announced at a later date. Legally Blonde the Musical presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company will run at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town" - Nov 20-24, 2019

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Wonderful Town, beginning Wednesday, November 20 through Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town"

Based on the hit play and film, My Sister Eileen, the musical Wonderful Town tells the hilarious and heart-warming story of two Midwestern sisters, newly arrived in New York. One, an aspiring writer, and the other, an actress and dancer, they leave their home in Ohio and wind up sharing a basement apartment in Greenwich Village. While pursuing their dreams, they deal with broken hearts and surround themselves with a cast of characters only to be found in the Village. 

Featuring a magical score by Bernstein, Comden and Green, and including the numbers “Ohio”, “One Hundred Ways”, “It’s Love”, “Conga” and “The Wrong Note Rag”, Wonderful Town was the winner of the 1953 Tony award and subsequent Broadway revival and West End honors.

The Dean College production of Wonderful Town will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 7:30 PM Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. 

General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present THE WIZARD OF OZ

When: Friday, November 22 & Saturday, November 23 beginning at 7:00 PM

Where:  HMMS auditorium

Tickets $10 at the door

Over 50 Franklin middle school students in the cast, 25+ helping with set art and on crew, FHS kids playing in the orchestra

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

Shared from Twitter  https://twitter.com/MelloHistory/status/1192137509209333760

Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town" Nov 20-24, 2019

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Wonderful Town, beginning Wednesday, November 20 through Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Based on the hit play and film, My Sister Eileen, the musical Wonderful Town tells the hilarious and heart-warming story of two Midwestern sisters, newly arrived in New York. One, an aspiring writer, and the other, an actress and dancer, they leave their home in Ohio and wind up sharing a basement apartment in Greenwich Village. While pursuing their dreams, they deal with broken hearts and surround themselves with a cast of characters only to be found in the Village. 

Featuring a magical score by Bernstein, Comden and Green, and including the numbers “Ohio”, “One Hundred Ways”, “It’s Love”, “Conga” and “The Wrong Note Rag”, Wonderful Town was the winner of the 1953 Tony award and subsequent Broadway revival and West End honors.

The Dean College production of Wonderful Town will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 7:30 PM Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. 

General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

 

Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town" Nov 20-24, 2019

FPAC presents Matilda starring Broadway’s Sam Zeller - Oct 19-27

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical choreographed by original Broadway cast member Clay Thomson and starring Broadway’s Sam Zeller as Trunchbull October 19, 20, and 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Sam Zeller appeared in the Broadway and national tour companies of Peter Pan as well as the First National Tour of Kinky Boots (Don). Zeller has countless regional credits including Oklahoma! With Hillside Repertory Company in LA where he starred as Curly with resident FPAC Music Director Hallie Wetzell as Ado Annie.

Having just finished the run of KING KONG on Broadway, Clay Thomson started out as a competitive gymnast at the age of four, which eventually led him into the performing arts. At age twelve, Thomson joined the Cameron Mackintosh/NETworks tour of Oliver!. After completing his freshman year at Pennsylvania State University studying Musical Theatre, Thomson toured the U.S, Canada, and Japan with the Broadway First National Tour of West Side Story as A-rab. 

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Soon after returning from tour, he made his Broadway debut in Disney's Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Thomson is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

The production stars Franklin’s Aida Ryan DiChiara in the title role. Aida is a fifth grader at Oak Street Elementary. She recently appeared as Young Anna in THE BLACK BOX Sings...Frozen. Her other FPAC credits include the Children’s Choir of Joseph...Dreamcoat, Humbug!, Seussical, and the holiday panto Alice in a Winter Wonderland. DiChiara studies singing, acting, and dancing at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

FPAC’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical will run October 19, 20, and 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Rodgers & Hammerstein - Sep 28

THE BLACK BOX will present a concert featuring the music of legendary musical theater duo Rodgers and Hammerstein on Saturday, September 28 at 8:00 PM. Innovators of the American Musical Theater, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II created some of the most memorable music to grace the Great White Way. 

From classics like Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The Sound of Music to lesser known gems like Allegro, audiences will enjoy performances of the pair's timeless music. Featuring NYC guests, Boston-based vocalists, voice faculty from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, and Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX Sings… series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites accompanied by the ACME Rhythm Section.

Tickets for THE BLACK BOX Sings...Rodgers and Hammerstein are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. The venue features a full bar. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Rodgers & Hammerstein

FPAC Announces Season of World Premiers, Franklin Favorites, and Broadway Stars

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce its 29th Season. The theater company based out of THE BLACK BOX will present a year of world premiers, Franklin favorites, and Broadway stars. The season opens with Yasmina Reza’s award winning comedy Art. Serge has bought a modern painting for a huge sum of money. Marc hates it and cannot believe that a friend of his could possibly want such a work. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides. If your friendship is based on tacit mutual agreement, what happens when one person does something completely different and unexpected? Art directed by Nick Paone runs September 20-22 at THE BLACK BOX.

Save the date for FPAC’s annual Gala hosted by Broadway’s Michael James Scott on Saturday, October 12 at THE BLACK BOX. This year, the company celebrates WISHES starring the Genie himself from Broadway’s Aladdin. FPAC’s annual, signature gala event marks their sixth season at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue. The night will feature inspired cuisine, exciting live and silent auctions, fabulous entertainment, and dancing.

FPAC Announces 29th Season

FPAC presents Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, choreographed by Broadway's Clay Thomson (King Kong, Newsies, Matilda) October 19, 20, and 25-27. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Audiences will be treated to Broadway choreography in the suburbs.

Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers December 7 and 8 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price. Fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder.

The holidays are jolly and bright as ’Tis the Season! returns to entertain FPAC audiences with great merriment, fanfare, and fun. An original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, ’Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to rock, pop, and Broadway. Celebrate the season with FPAC December 14 and 15 at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

FPAC is thrilled to present the world premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special LIVE!. Based off of Rice's viral #TAPPY video series, this Christmas spectacular will feature Rice, other special Broadway surprise guests, and FPAC favorites all on one stage. Christopher Rice joined the FPAC family last season when he headlined the sold-out run of Disney's Newsies as Jack Kelly. Currently appearing in Pretty Woman on Broadway, Rice's other credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, the national tours of West Side Story, White Christmas, and more. The viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide. Local audiences will have the chance to be part of the live studio audience at THE BLACK BOX December 20-22.

On January 24-26, the classic comedy Tartuffe comes to THE BLACK BOX. So virtuous is Tartuffe that every form of pleasure is an abomination to him. Orgon, a rich merchant, is completely duped by the ruse and watches approvingly as the cunning Tartuffe "reforms" his whole family. So besotted is the merchant that he even plans to give Tartuffe his fortune, his house, and finally his daughter. Orgon's wife finally exposes Tartuffe for the rogue he is -- and her husband for being a gullible fool. By the time Orgon sees the light, only the courts can insure justice. This clever adaptation of Moliere’s comedy is a must-see at THE BLACK BOX.

Season of World Premiers, Franklin Favorites, and Broadway Stars

THE BLACK BOX turns pink March 13-15 and 20-22 as Legally Blonde the Musical takes the stage. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and featuring Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography, this musical is so much fun, it shouldn't be legal.

FPAC’s season will close June 5-7 with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods at THE BLACK BOX. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 

FSPA Alumni Return for “Homecoming Cabaret” at THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

Four alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will return to Franklin for a one-night only “Homecoming Cabaret” on Saturday, June 22 at 8:00 pm at THE BLACK BOX. Madi Asgeirsson ('16), Pat Dutton ('11), Sam Evans ('18), and Katie Gray ('17) will be joined by the ACME Rhythm Section for an evening of entertainment presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere.

Madi Asgeirsson is a rising senior at Wagner College studying musical theater, Pat Dutton graduated from Wagner College in 2015, Sam Evans will be a sophomore musical theater major at the University of Miami, and Katie Gray just graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC.

Entertainment for the evening is accompanied by the venue’s full bar. This special cabaret is part of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Homecoming Weekend. On Friday night, the school will hold its annual “Prom” for past and present students and their families.

For tickets and more information, visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call 508-528-3370.

FSPA Alumni Return for “Homecoming Cabaret” at THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

FPAC performs "Cabaret" at THE BLACK BOX Jun 14-15

In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the CABARET. 

With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, CABARET explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken by English singer Sally Bowles. 

Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.” CABARET contains mature themes.

• Friday, June 14 7:30 pm
• Saturday, June 15 2:00 pm
• Saturday June 15 7:30 pm

Seating is General Admission, Cabaret-Style so we recommend large parties arrive early to be able to sit together.

CABARET is sponsored by the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and the Waters Corporation.

GET TICKETS  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1195

Presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark, A Concord Theatricals Company www.tamswitmark.com

FPAC performs "Cabaret" at THE BLACK BOX Jun 14-15

Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical

Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical. 

Performances are scheduled for Friday, Mar 29 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, Mar 30 at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, Mar 31 at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.

Download a copy of the poster 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0ey44FDRZQYeXlORFdiU0h3SUZNWXJMTFFqTG15TzItT3k0/view?usp=sharing

Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical

TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa at OCC Coffeehouse - April 5

OCC COFFEEHOUSE

Original Congregational Church

1 East Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Phone: 508-384-3110

OCC Coffeehouse Website

The two concerts listed below are the final ones of our 2018-2019 season. Tickets for the Tom Rush show are selling briskly, so it is likely they will sellout. Tickets for all shows are available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org.

TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa

Friday, April 5, 7:30 PM

Tom is a gifted musician and performer, whose shows offer a musical celebration and journey into the tradition and spectrum of what music has been, can be, and will become. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. 

TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa at OCC Coffeehouse

Rush's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences.

Matt Nakoa,Tom's keyboard player and vocalist, now tours internationally, recently performing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk music icon Tom Rush. Matt's piano music has received favorable reviews in publications including The New York Times, and his film scoring has been featured by Disney.

Tickets are $45, in the church sanctuary.

OCC Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Please call 508-384-8084, email occmusic99@gmail.com, or visit http://www.musicatocc.org for more information.

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