Franklin Performing Arts Company Presents Free Holiday Performance of CAROL'S CHRISTMAS for Area Youth Organizations, 12/20

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will host a special free performance of the original holiday musical Carol's Christmas for community youth, family and social services organizations on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin.

A contemporary musical comedy written for FPAC by Franklin's Nick Paone, Carol's Christmas follows one family's triumphs and travails as they wrestle with what they really want for Christmas. The holiday musical showcases a large ensemble cast of 160 performers from 21 area towns and features an entertaining and accessible score spotlighting music of many genres. The community is invited to ring in the holidays with a professional band and talented cast as they sing and dance their way through this joyous, uplifting and humorous story.

FPAC will distribute complimentary tickets for the December 20ththrough community organizations, including the Hockomock Area YMCA, local Best Buddies chapters and Franklin Food Pantry. For more information about ticket availability, representatives from nonprofit youth and human services organizations are encouraged to call "The Franklin Performing Arts Company never fails to put on a holiday performance that is magical, entertaining and filled with the spirit of the season," said Erin Lynch, Director of Development at the Franklin Food Pantry.

Noting the special opportunity for area children and families, Lynch continued, "Through Youth Night, FPAC shares this incredible experience with our clients. For many of the children it will be their first time seeing a live orchestra or attending a musical production of this quality. For many of the parents it will be a night to set aside their worries and simply enjoy. What an amazing gift! Thank you, FPAC!"

A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 50 communities throughout the region.

Tickets are available for purchase by the general public for regularly scheduled performances of Carol's Christmas on December 21 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. and on December 22 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 508-528-8668 or visit www.fpaconline.com. FPAC 2013 Holiday Sponsors are Big Y and Middlesex Savings Bank.