Broadway's Darlesia Cearcy to Perform at FPAC Gala

Broadway guest artist Darlesia Cearcy headlines a special one-night-only show at the Franklin Performing Arts Company's annual Gala on Saturday, September 24.

Titled "Laugh in THE BOX," the signature event kicks off the company's 26th season and features an evening of comedy entertainment. The 2016 Gala also honors Tom and Holly Gores, Representative Jeff Roy, and Phil Norment and Maureen Shiels.

With live and silent auctions, the Gala celebration begins at 7 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, Franklin Performing Arts Company's home and performance venue in downtown Franklin.

Darlesia Cearcy just completed the Broadway run of Shuffle Along as understudy to Audra McDonald in the role of "Lottie Gee." She made her Broadway debut in The Goodbye Girl with Martin Short and Bernadette Peters. Additional Broadway credits include "Nettie" in The Color Purple and "Sarah" in Ragtime, for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination. Darlesia was part of the original Broadway production of The Book of Mormon, and you can catch her high notes on the original Broadway cast album. Recordings also feature Everlasting Pictures with B-Zet. Darlesia's television credits include Nurse Jackie, Law & Order SVU, Mercy Me, Rescue Me, and House of Cards (Season 5, Netflix). Films include The Challenger, Rush, and Frozen.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) brings together professional artists, community 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. THE BLACK BOX theater, music and event venue is a community-oriented cultural facility providing a dynamic outlet for artistic expression, quality entertainment, arts appreciation and learning.

Tickets to the Gala fundraiser are $125 per person, with proceeds benefitting initiatives of THE BLACK BOX and FPAC. For more information or to purchase Gala tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.