Franklin Performing Arts Company’s Little Women Features Local Talent

Spotlighting area performers, the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)'s production of Little Women-The Musical will be presented Friday, March 11 at 8:00 p.m. with a dessert buffet at intermission, and Saturday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m., following an afternoon tea served at 2:15 p.m. at the Franklin Country Club, 672 East Central Street in Franklin.

Little Women will take the audience on a journey back in time to meet the beloved characters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, growing up in poverty during the Civil War. Based on the 1868 classic, heartwarming novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women - The Musical was originally performed on Broadway in 2005, with a book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.

FPAC's production of Little Women features professionals sharing the stage with talented amateur and student performers from the MetroWest area. Accompaniment for the musical features a professional ensemble of Boston-area musicians conducted by Hallie Wetzell.

The March sisters of Little Women will be portrayed by Catherine Weiss of Franklin as Jo, Avery McStay of Franklin as Meg, Callie Liljeberg of Wrentham as Amy and Meghan Dean of Franklin as Beth. Shauna Martin of Franklin and a member of the Voice Faculty at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts will appear in the role of Marmee. Jef Mettler of Westborough will play Laurie. Other cast members in Little Women include Nick Paone of Franklin as Professor Bhaer, Pat Dutton of Franklin of John Brooke and Kellie Stamp of Franklin as Aunt March.

Members of the ensemble are Jamie Delloroco, Emily Dufour, Greg Dutton, and Ali Funkhouser of Franklin; Kaylyn Venuto of Hopkinton; Lindsey White of Mansfield; Amanda Flynn of Plainville; Sasha Gardner of Sharon; and Lindsay Tomas of Wrentham.

Little Women-The Musical is under the direction of Nick Paone, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Kellie Stamp. Production coordinators are Raye Lynn Mercer and Tracy Lane.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, with a commitment to live music and a focus on youth development. A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization, FPAC presents quality performances while offering opportunities for professional artists, amateurs, families and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment.

Little Women's Box Office is now open. Tickets for the show, which include a dessert buffet at intermission on Friday evening and afternoon tea before the matinee on Sunday, are $35.00 for adults and $30.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by contacting the FPAC box office at 508-528-2887. Reservations for dinner prior to the Friday performance are available by contacting the Franklin Country Club at 508-528-6110.