FPAC's 2015 Season to Include PETER PAN, THE NUTCRACKER & More

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) launches its 24th season with grand opening performances in THE BLACK BOX, FPAC's new home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. A special kick-off weekend will introduce the theater, music and event space to the community. Anchoring a series of signature events, FPAC's annual Gala on Saturday evening, September 20, features a special, one-night-only performance by Tony® Award winner Beth Leavel and Broadway star Alexander Gemignani. On Sunday, September 21, FPAC hosts an Open House at THE BLACK BOX, inviting the public to come celebrate, tour the facility, and learn about upcoming programming and arts opportunities for Franklin and the surrounding region. The weekend's events conclude with the FPAC Golf Tournament on Monday, September 22, featuring a day on the links at Franklin Country Club.

"This is a very exciting time for our organization as we plan for the opening of THE BLACK BOX and establish a long-awaited home for the Franklin Performing Arts Company," noted FPAC Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer. "As a lifelong resident of Franklin, I am happy that this new venue will play an important role in the revitalization of our downtown."

FPAC opens the upcoming season with the timeless and beloved family musical, Peter Pan, on October 17-19 and 24-26. The Tony® Award winning musical, an adaptation of J.M. Barrie's 1904 play and 1911 novel, features iconic characters and memorable songs. FPAC's production of this soaring, magical adventure will be presented with live professional orchestra and Flying By Foy.

Following Peter Pan, on November 20-23, FPAC stages The Diaries of Adam and Eve, a compelling and light-hearted dramatic comedy play adapted for the stage from the book by America's great humorist, Mark Twain. FPAC's holiday season features the classic ballet The Nutcracker, on December 6 and 7, and the original FPAC musicals Humbug! and 'Tis the Season!, with performances on December 12-14 and December 20 and 21, respectively. The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Humbug! will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, while The Nutcracker and 'Tis the Season! will be performed at the new Franklin High School theater.

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Presented with professional orchestra, FPAC's magical journey of The Nutcracker showcases more than 100 area dancers and features special guest artists from such prestigious companies as American Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC's 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 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 reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 'Tis the Season! is an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995. The upbeat, jazzy holiday extravaganza features a professional orchestra and contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in many musical styles including R&B, jazz, rock, Motown, gospel and Broadway.

The remainder of FPAC's 2014-2015 season, to be announced shortly, will present wide-ranging entertainment, from main stage musicals and small-cast plays to live music series, including a New England Artist Series, Children's Series, Cabaret Series, Jazz Series, Family Concert Series and Conservatory Series. Expanded free concert presentations for audiences of all ages will build upon FPAC's history of community outreach and programming.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit, community-based FPAC brings together professional artists, amateur performers and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment, with a special focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. FPAC audiences hear production scores performed by artists such as drummer Kenny Hadley, who's played with music legends Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie and The Drifters, and renowned violinist Olivia De Prato, who recently toured with Grammy-winning Esperanza Spalding.

Through a sustained commitment to youth development, FPAC has empowered children and teens with performing and life skills, fostered arts appreciation and learning, built the audiences of tomorrow, and prepared the next generation of performing artists. As company performers and alumni make their mark in top college and conservatory programs, national Broadway tours, the American Idol finals, cruise line casts, film, television and regional theater, their successes demonstrate the quality of preparation and level of entertainment value found in FPAC productions.

For more information about FPAC, THE BLACK BOX and grand-opening events, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fpaconline.com.