Franklin Performing Arts Company Announces Holiday Events

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents two family-friendly productions to kick off the holiday season. The timeless ballet classic The Nutcracker will be performed on Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. Humbug!, FPAC's contemporary musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, will be staged on Saturday, December 15, at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 16, at 2 p.m. Both shows will be presented at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

A popular FPAC tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker brings together international ballet stars, world-class musicians and young area dancers on one suburban stage. Guest artists Erica Cornejo, Boston Ballet principal dancer, and Carlos Molina, former American Ballet Theatre soloist and Boston Ballet principal, will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. The production features more than 100 dancers from 25 towns and many community dance schools. Under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, a professional, live orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Austro-Italian violinist Olivia de Prato, an internationally recognized soloist and chamber musician from New York City, is concert mistress.

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC's 2008 season, Humbug! returns with updated references to current events and pop culture, giving the show an unpredictable timeliness and freshness. The script, written by Franklin's Nick Paone, features Dickens' familiar characters and storyline, but re-imagines the allegorical tale in contemporary America for a modern audience. The plotline is supported by an entertaining and accessible score that includes creative treatments of Broadway and pop hits ranging from Duke Ellington and The Beatles to Michael Jackson and Adele. Humbug! showcases a talented cast of 150 area students, community performers and professional artists, with live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional Boston musicians.

A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC presents quality performances while offering opportunities for professional artists, amateur performers, families and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment. Tickets cost $30, $28, and $26 for each show and may be purchased at the FPAC Box Office (34 Main Street, Franklin), through online ticketing at www.fpaconline.com, or by phone at 508-528-8668. Group sales and student rush tickets are available. Advanced purchase is highly recommended for Sunday matinees. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.