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

FPAC to present Mary Poppins

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. The production, choreographed by and starring Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson, will run October 15-17 and 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX. 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.  

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.

Mary Poppins runs October 15-17 and 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Tickets are on sale  now 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 (photo by Paul Vicario)

FPAC announces cast for Legally Blonde

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced the cast for their production of Legally Blonde the Musical. The production, originally scheduled for March 2020, marks the return of live theater for FPAC at THE BLACK BOX. 

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. She has been seen in many FPAC productions including Newsies, Joseph, Little Shop of Horrors, and Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! 

Elliott Styles will also return to the world of Legally Blonde starring as Elle’s lovable best friend and Harvard guide Emmett Forrest, a role he played with both Riverside Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre.

FPAC is excited to welcome Ryan Vona to the cast as Warner Huntington III. Vona is best known for his work on Broadway in Once and Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. His debut album Somebody was released in 2015. 

Audrey Cardwell joins the cast as Vivienne Kensington. Cardwell is known for the First National Tours of Falsettos, Bright Star, Cinderella, Elf, and Anything Goes.

NYC’s Katie Gray returns to FPAC as Paulette. Her FPAC credits include Matilda, Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE, The Addams Family, and more.

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.

The cast also features Kelsey Breslin as Brooke Wyndham, Caroline Wilkins, Hayley Driscoll, and Courtney Beyer as Elle’s best friends Serena, Margot, and Pilar, Nick Paone as Professor Callahan, Audrey Miningham as Enid, Clay Rice-Thomson as Aaron Schulz, Alexx Stachowiak as Nikos/Padamadan, Griffin Wilkins as Grandmaster Chad and others, Guy Rezendes as Kyle and Sami Goldman as Chutney. Rounding out the cast are Aaron Andrade, Blas Cerda, Tzintli Cerda, John Fitzhenry, Kim Frigon, Mariko Matsumura, Tatiana McAlpine, Hannah Rezendes, Maddie Rezendes, and Colie Vancura. 

FPAC’s production, directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, also features Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography re-staged for THE BLACK BOX and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. As a special treat for FPAC audiences, patrons at the two Saturday August 14 performances will be able to meet Broadway’s original Brooke Wyndham Nikki Snelson. Snelson has appeared in concert with FPAC and will be coaching FPAC’s Legally Blonde cast.

Legally Blonde presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company runs August 11-15 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Tickets can be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

 

(clockwise from top left): Ali Funkhouser (Elle Woods), Elliott Styles (Emmett Forrest), Ryan Vona (Warner Huntington III), Audrey Cardwell (Vivienne Kensington)

Watch "The Music Behind "Bright Star"" on YouTube

The Music Behind "Bright Star" = Podcast produced by Abigail Drake
 

Video link => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i80LLCyiT34

Visit the link to reserve your tickets now ->   https://t.co/rtXoYNv23S 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/JZxNSthZO4 

THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25

Franklin Performing Arts Company's socially-distanced production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown which will play its final weekend this Friday through Sunday under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX.

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now!!

Enjoy and all-star FPAC cast including Nick Paone as Snoopy, Katie Gray as Lucy, Austin Davy as Schroeder, Tim Ayres-Kerr as Linus, Ali Funkhouser as Sally, and featuring Julian DiChiara as Charlie Brown.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production is creatively staged with the actors socially distanced. Audience seating will be socially distanced and face coverings are required.

Based on the Comic Strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz / Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner / Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson / Originally Directed in New York by Joseph Hardy

Performances are scheduled for Oct 23, 24 and 25.

GET TICKETS = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1418

 

THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25

 

“All I Really Want” Democracy Remix (YouTube video)

The cast of Jagged Little Pill redid Alanis Morissette's "All I really Want" - https://youtu.be/eUKRMz4PY5U

 

Found on Facebook https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3582050101833869&id=1622393121132920&sfnsn=mo&extid=S54F0ZMf3oO1gUSI

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.  

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

Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch

 

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

To the FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

Due to the evolving situation with the Coronavirus outbreak, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will postpone our production of Legally Blonde scheduled this weekend and next. We look forward to presenting the show for six performances this spring and tickets purchased in advance will be honored at that time. The box office will communicate first with current ticket holders when our new dates are announced.

A production the magnitude of Legally Blonde – with New York guest artist contracts, William Berloni's Theatrical Animals, original Broadway choreography and professional orchestra, as well as the expenses of sets, props and costumes, rights, royalties and creative team, is an enormous financial undertaking. We are facing a frightening burden with the theater closed even for a short period of time. 

This would be a great time to help our company and show your support for THE BLACK BOX with a one-time donation or membership in an FPAC Annual Circle. We need your help now in order to be in a healthy position to reopen when safe to do so. You might also consider donating to FPAC your current Legally Blonde ticket purchases and then repurchase when the box office opens for our new dates.

The FPAC Board of Directors, Creatives, and Artists realize how the arts provide an important opportunity to gather, share, and be inspired in challenging times. We look forward to seeing you at THE BLACK BOX as soon as it is possible! We thank you for your understanding and hope for your support.

Support page for FPAC
https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

FPAC Features Broadway Dogs in Legally Blonde

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced the initial casting for their March production of Legally Blonde the Musical. The production stars Broadway and NYC talent, local actors, students of the performing arts, and features Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography. Also sharing the stage in Legally Blonde will be Frankie and Romeo from William Berloni Theatrical Animals in the roles of Bruiser and Rufus. 

Tony Award winner William 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.

The FPAC cast is working with handler Rochelle Scudder to learn the different cues and commands involved with the canine actors. “Sometimes we meet actors who are afraid of dogs, allergic to dogs, or lack the instincts ‘dog people’ have,” says Scudder. “When that happens, we have to go back to basics and take extra time to make everyone comfortable.” 


Luckily, the FPAC actors and Berloni Dogs are getting along wonderfully. “The FPAC cast bonded with the dogs very quickly. They are all naturals and are making my job easy.” Tony Award winning trainer William Berloni will be on hand at THE BLACK BOX for the production’s closing weekend.

Ali Funkhouser, who plays Elle Woods, has worked with Berloni Theatrical Animals in previous productions of Legally Blonde. “It’s a fun added element to the show,” she says. “The dogs are the ultimate pros.”

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.

FPAC Features Broadway Dogs in Legally Blonde

Berloni Theatrical Animals are sponsored for FPAC’s production by Franklin Veterinary Clinic, The Parkman Family Foundation, Dr. Hedley Marks/Ashfield-Cheyne Vet Service, VetMed Pet Supplies, and Shear Elegance Pet Services. Local canine fans will be pictured in the playbill as members of the Bruiser sponsor club. FPAC’s Legally Blonde the Musical is sponsored by Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond, and Weil P.C., WirkusFlynnYoung, Roy Law, and John Roche. Dean Bank is an FPAC Season Sponsor.

Broadway March Madness at THE BLACK BOX

Broadway March Madness is coming to THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue in downtown Franklin. Stars of Broadway will be in residence at THE BLACK BOX throughout the month of March.

March Madness begins with THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series on March 7 starring Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey. Broadway icon Kara Lindsay’s credits include Wicked (Glinda), Newsies (Katherine, Original Cast and Fathom Events Film), and Beautiful (Cynthia Weil). Kevin Massey’s Broadway credits include Disney’s Tarzan, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, and Deaf West’s Big River. His European credits include Disney’s Tarzan and Grease. The special one-night-only concert is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural District Committee and will be followed by master classes for aspiring performers the next day.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Legally Blonde the Musical March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. The cast features NYC talent including Ali Funkhouser (national tours of Joseph...Dreamcoat and Evita), Jim Hogan (national tours of Waitress, Phantom of the Opera, Spring Awakening), Emily Koch (Broadway’s WICKED, Waitress), and Andrew Scott Holmes (Princess Cruises) as well as William Berloni Theatrical Dogs. The production re-stages Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography.

Broadway in Franklin returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 29 at 3 pm starring Christine Cornish Smith, Chaz Wolcott, and the musical theater students of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Christine Cornish Smith was most recently seen in the Original Broadway Cast revival of Kiss Me, Kate!, where she was a featured dancer in the ensemble and covered Lois Lane/Bianca. Christine is most well known for her portrayal of Bombalurina in the OBC revival of CATS, and was also seen in the OBC of My Fair Lady at the Lincoln Center Theater. For her work in CATS, she was nominated for "Best Female Performance in a Broadway Musical" for the 2017 Chita Rivera Awards. A cum laude graduate of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she is a former principal dancer with the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. 

Chaz Wolcott earned his BFA in Dance from Oklahoma City University. As a performer, Chaz has been seen as Buttons on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies. You can also catch his performance in Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical, available for digital download on iTunes and Amazon. Chaz starred in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Cats as the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees. He was featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. He was last in Franklin to choreograph FPAC’s Newsies.

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

Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey