The Black Box Announces March Music and Theater Events

THE BLACK BOX presents an exciting line-up of live music and theatrical entertainment this March. Programming will bring NYC-based Broadway stars, talented local artists, and a colorful family musical to the theater, music and event venue in downtown Franklin.

On Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents "The Gershwin-Porter Songbook," featuring vocalist Cindy Jones. The evening will showcase American music of George Gershwin and Cole Porter, two of the most prolific composers of the 20th century. Their music remains as fresh and irresistible as it did during the Jazz Age. Cindy Jones, along with special guest Alan Mercer, will be joined by a nine-piece band of some of the area's finest musicians, conducted by Bill Jones. Tickets are $20.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hit family musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, on Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 and 7:30; Sunday, March 11 at 2:00; Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30; and Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob's favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an uplifting show for audiences of all ages. Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the FPAC stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor's Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Tickets are $34. Middlesex Savings Bank is the production sponsor. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Electric Youth 2018, the international touring ensemble of talented young singer-dancers, returns to THE BLACK BOX on Friday evening, March 23 at 7:30, offering family entertainment for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth presents fully choreographed, high-energy music, including pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. Tickets are $26.

The Electric Youth show opens FPAC's annual Broadway In Franklin weekend, which concludes with a cabaret-style revue on Sunday, March 25 at 3 p.m., featuring Broadway headliners Tyrick Wiltez Jones and Nikki Snelson, as well as appearances by Electric Youth and musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Nikki Snelson originated the role of Brooke Wyndham in the 2007 original Broadway production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Other Broadway credits include Annie Get Your Gun (starring opposite Bernadette Peters) and Sweet Charity. National tours include Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly (starring Carol Channing), Showboat and tick, tick...BOOM! Tyrick Wiltez Jones was recently seen as Gary in the world-premiere Broadway preview of Johnny Manhattan. Additional Broadway credits include Finian's Rainbow and Hairspray. National tours include Miss Saigon, Seussical, Fosse and Showboat. Tickets are $25 (adults) and $22 (students/seniors).

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents Yookeroo on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m. A progressive rock quartet based in Massachusetts, Yookeroo has played across the northeast and recently released their first full-length album, Into the Æther. Tickets are $15.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.