Beth Leavel & Alexander Gemignani to Headline FPAC's 2014 Gala and Grand Opening at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) debuts a transformative new performance and event venue, raising the curtain on THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. FPAC kicks off the company's premiere season in its new home with a grand-opening weekend September 20-22 to introduce the theater and event space to the community. Anchoring a series of signature events, FPAC's annual Gala will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 6 p.m. featuring silent and live auctions, inspired cuisine by Artistry Catering and Events, and dancing until midnight. The evening's entertainment presents a special, one-night-only performance by guest artists Beth Leavel, renowned Broadway veteran and Tony® Award winner for The Drowsy Chaperone, and Alexander Gemignani, Broadway's acclaimed Jean Valjean (LES MISERABLES) and Billy Flynn (Chicago).

Beth Leavel's extensive Broadway credits include 42nd Street, Crazy for You, Show Boat, The Civil War, Young Frankenstein, Mama Mia!, Elf the Musical, and Baby It's You! (Tony® Award nominee). Her Tony Award-winning performance in the title role of The Drowsy Chaperone also earned Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well. Leavel previously headlined FPAC's 2012 Gala at Gillette Stadium. Alexander Gemignani was most recently featured in the Tony® nominated Broadway revival of Violet, with Sutton Foster. Previous Broadway credits include Assassins, Sweeney Todd (Drama Desk Award nomination), Sunday in the Park with George, and The People in the Picture. Gemignani has appeared Off-Broadway in Avenue Q and Sondheim's Road Show, as well as in a staged concert production of South Pacific with Reba McEntire and Brian Stikes Mitchell at Carnegie Hall and in Passions with Patti Lupone and Audra McDonald.

The weekend's Grand Opening events at THE BLACK BOX continue on Sunday, September 21 with an Open House from 1-4 p.m. FPAC invites the community to come celebrate, tour the facility, and learn about upcoming programming. Stop by the venue, located at 15 West Central Street, to see the new space and hear more about FPAC's 2014-15 presenting schedule.

FPAC's season kick-off concludes with the annual FPAC Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefitting THE BLACK BOX, on Monday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Franklin Country Club, 672 East Central Street. Enjoy a day on the links, dinner, raffle and entertainment. Featuring a beautifully conditioned and challenging Championship golf course and renovated, state-of-the-art Clubhouse, the Franklin Country Club provides the perfect setting for an exciting day of fun for the whole family. The entry fee is $175 per golfer or $650 per foursome and includes greens fees, cart, golf shirt, buffet dinner and entertainment. Those not interested in golf are encouraged to attend the event after-party, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and featuring a cocktail hour, dinner and entertainment. The cost to participate in this portion of the event is $30 per person. Golfers and guests are encouraged to register at www.fpaconline.com by September 13. For tickets or information about sponsorship opportunities, including $100 hole sponsorships, contact Alan Mercer at (508) 528-8668.

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. As company performers and alumni make their mark in top college and conservatory programs, national Broadway tours, 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.