FSPA Presents Showcase of Disney-Bound Performers

Four performing troupes from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) have been selected to perform at Walt Disney World during the upcoming April school vacation week. Broadway Bound, Broadway Light, Broadway Ladies and the CenterStage dance company will entertain large Disney audiences and have the opportunity to take master classes with Disney performers and directors.

In preparation for the trip, FSPA will hold an evening of entertainment showcasing the performances of all its special ensembles on Saturday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School. Ticket proceeds will help defray travel and workshop expenses for the Disney-bound performers.

Each FSPA performing troupe will present a 25-minute show with a specific theme. FSPA's Broadway Ladies will perform songs from Pop Music Divas including Madonna, Aretha Franklin and others. Broadway Light will present numbers that represent The Four Elements, such as "Earth Angel," "Great Balls of Fire," and "In the Air Tonight."
Broadway Bound will perform songs from Billboard's Top 100 Songs of All Time and the music accompanying the CenterStage dance troupe will be songs about animals. The musical theater troupes Lite Brites and BLT2, featuring FSPA's younger students, combine on the theme "All or Nothing" and will sing "All That Jazz," from Chicago, "All for One," and more. FSPA's junior dance company Next Step will also perform in the Disney Showcase.

FSPA's musical theater staff includes Hallie Wetzell, Tracy Lane, Nick Paone, Kellie Stamp and FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer. The musical theater ensembles are accompanied by FSPA's resident rhythm section including Mercer, drummer and faculty member Kenny Hadley, as well as bassist and house arranger Mark Poniatowski and guitarist Mark White, both of the Berklee College of Music.

All FSPA performing troupe and dance company members are selected at the beginning of each academic year by audition. These ensembles offer outstanding training and performing opportunities for the most committed and talented students at FSPA.

Tickets to the Disney Showcase are $25, and include gourmet desserts at intermission. There will be a raffle for a brand new LCD TV. Tickets are available in advance from The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, by phone at (508) 528-2887 or at the door.

Founded in 1985, FSPA brings all performing arts disciplines together under one roof, offering Music, Dance and Drama training to both students interested in serious study and those who enjoy the arts for recreation. Beginners are welcome, and classes are available for students who wish to begin or return to the performing arts as teenagers.

For more information regarding any of FSPA's programs or to register, call the School at (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

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