ELF the MUSICAL. JR
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MURDER in the MAGNOLIAS |
MAMMA MIA
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Thank you to FRANKLIN BANK & TRUST, HUNT FORD and BOWEN TIRE for sponsoring the Franklin-Simpson Arts Council’s Summer Musical, “Mamma Mia” in July .
ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi (Greek for 'Summer Island Paradise’). On the eve of her wedding, bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, reveals to her bridesmaids that she has invited three men to her wedding without telling her mother, Donna. On her quest to discover the identity of her father, she brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago…Irish-American architect Sam Carmichael, Swedish travel writer Bill Austin, and British banker Harry Bright. One of the three is Sophie's biological father, though she doesn't know which, and she wants him to give her away at the wedding! The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels our enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! The cast was as follows: Donna - Leigh Bayles Rosie - Morgan Cook Tanya - Meredith Woodard Bill - Gary Weilage Sam - Adam Pierce Harry - Aaron Talley Sophie - Elliana Bastin Ali - Mallory Adams Lisa - Emma Rutter Sky - Gabe Hamilton Pepper - Michael Reagan Eddie - Liam Wentz ENSEMBLE: Mattie Chambers, Lindsey Portillo, Roger Eldridge, Ellyson Wilhite, Brooke Bowen, Taillyn Rippy, Emma Toth, Rylee Rose, Katie Ringvold, Phil Wentz, Sara Stephens, Emma Newberry, Brexden Wood, Leah Wood, Drew Wade, Lacey Steele, Courtney Jordan, Ali Jo Garner |
DINNER THEATRE....So excited to announce the next Dinner Theatre will be a murder mystery. “Murder in the Magnolias”, is being directed by Trent Ranburger, and is a three-act comedy by Tim Kelly that spoofs classic Southern plays and literature, featuring a cast of eccentric characters like a four-hundred-pound sheriff, a poet with multiple personalities, and a faded movie star, all gathered at a decaying Southern mansion to find buried treasure after the patriarch's death. The play is a hilarious lampoon of Southern tropes, blending murder mystery with farcical humor, all while enjoying a delicious dinner and/or dessert prepared by the wonderful Brickyard Café. Production dates are October 30th & 31st and November 1st & 2nd at the Roxy Theater in Franklin, Kentucky. See flyer for times & pricing. Tickets are available at The Gallery on the Square, 110 North Main St. Franklin, Ky. (270-586-8055) or online at www.franklinsimpsonarts.org. (on-line fees apply)
The cast will be as follows: Colonel Rance Chickenwing III—Roger Eldridge Amanda Chickenwing—Vicki Cowles Jezebel — Christy Newberry Voodoo woman — Cassandra Kitchens Pete Bogg— Jacob Walters Thornbird Chickenwing III— Chad Drake Bubba Kamrowski — Ryan Mayhall Lorraine Carruthers — Mallory Adams Lawyer Possum — Phil Wentz Princess Lotta Margo— Lacey Steele Sheriff Billie Jerk— Laura Schueler Blanche Du Blank— Allyson Spears |
The Franklin-Simpson Arts Council presented the Dinner Theatre Production of "Grace & Glorie" on May 30th, and June 1st. (Saturday's performance was cancelled). As Executive Director of the F-S Arts Council, I was thrilled to be able to direct another play, and this one was very special. Starring was Vicki Cowles, who was fantastic as Aunt Eller in last summer’s production of ”Oklahoma”, and Tamara Gann, who was great in her very first production, with her portrayal of Hope Merriwether, in "It's a Wonderful Life”. “Grace and Glorie” is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grace (Vicki Cowles), is a feisty 90 year-old cancer patient, who has checked herself out of the hospital and returned to her beloved homestead cottage to die alone. Her volunteer hospice worker, Glorie (Tamara Gann), is a Harvard MBA recently transplanted to this rural backwater from New York. Glorie is very tense and unhappy. As she attempts to care for and comfort the cantankerous Grace, the sophisticated Glorie gains new perspectives on values and life's highs and lows. Touching and funny, “Grace and Glorie” provided lots of laughs and a handful of tears. The production was sponsored by Hospice of Southern Kentucky and the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority and the delicious dinner and was catered by the Brickyard Cafe.
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The Franklin-Simpson Arts Council held the Dinner Theatre production of “Love Letters” at the Roxy Theatre in Franklin, KY on February 14th, 15th, and 16th. Starring Adam Pierce in the role of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Amy Poston Pierce in the role of Melissa Gardner, “Love Letters," by A.R. Gurney, is a poignant play that delves into the complexities of a lifelong relationship between Ladd and Gardner and explored through the exchange of their letters over decades. The characters are deeply relatable, showcasing the nuances of human connection, missed opportunities, and the enduring nature of love and friendship. This was a wonderful play and a delicious meal catered by the Brickyard Cafe, and was a great Valentines present for that special someone and/or a fun time out with friends! Love Letters was sponsored by Sam Segars State Farm Insurance, the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, and Holly J's Grill.
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The Franklin-Simpson Arts Council performed the Live Radio Play of “It’s A Wonderful Life” as a Dinner Theatre at the Roxy Theatre in Franklin, Ky on Saturday, December 14th and 21st. The play was presented as a live radio broadcast, with actors using their voices to convey emotion and tension. The cast also uses live sound effects and lavish costumes. The story follows George Bailey, a small-town man whose Christmas Eve is saved by his guardian angel, Clarence. George realizes the positive impact he's had on his community and how much he's valued. The play emphasizes the importance of community and caring relationships, especially during difficult times. This is a great play for the times and especially during the holiday season! The Play was sponsored by Debbie Johnson, Keller Williams Real Estate. An awesome meal was catered by The Brickyard Cafe.
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The F-S Arts Council’s Summer Musical production of the beloved classic “Oklahoma” was held on July 19, 20, & 21, 2024 at the historic Goodnight Auditorium in Franklin, KY. Oklahoma was sponsored by the Franklin Bank & Trust Company and Hunt Ford.
Co-Directors were Aaron Talley and Elizabeth Cook. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land. In March, 1943, “Oklahoma” launched a new era in the American musical. It also began the most successful songwriting partnership in Broadway history. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theater. |
We Ccelebrated the Circle of Life in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny!
The Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council's Youth Theatre production of the beloved Disney's LION KING, JR. was held on November 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2024 at the historic Goodnight Auditorium in Franklin, KY. The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, and we gave people the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind musical in our own community. Under the Direction of Elizabeth Cook, she brought the African savanna to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. The Lion King JR. featured classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.”. Lion King, Jr. was sponsored by Wilkins Eye Care, Susan Layne of Legacy Group Properties, and Bowen Tire Company. 
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The Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council’s Youth Theatre Production of Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. was held at the Goodnight, Auditorium March 15th,16th, and 17th. Under the direction of Elizabeth Marie Cook, Finding Nemo, Jr. is a musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go with the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. With a cast of over 60 adorable and talented kiddos, we hope you didn't miss this production. Finding Nemo was sponsored by Franklin Rotary Club, Susan Layne of Legacy Group Properties, Bowen Tire, and the Frosty Freeze.
Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go with the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. With a cast of over 60 adorable and talented kiddos, we hope you didn't miss this production. Finding Nemo was sponsored by Franklin Rotary Club, Susan Layne of Legacy Group Properties, Bowen Tire, and the Frosty Freeze.
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February 16,17,18,2024, the second Murder Mystery Dinner was held at the Roxy Theatre. With a fantastic cast and a delicious meal, once again it was a sellout! Turn the game Clue into a play and you have the masterfully entertaining “Murder's in the Heir”! The basic plot is that an eccentric billionaire gathered his heirs together to tell them that he is changing his will, and they will not receive near as much money. Unsurprisingly, he is found dead later that night, and the investigation ensues. Almost every character in this hilarious mystery has the weapon, opportunity and motive to commit the unseen murder. And it was up to the audience to decide who actually did it! Sponsors were Lighthouse Storage, Farm Bureau Federation, and Franklin Business & Professional Women.
The cast was as follows: Simon Starkweather-Roger Eldridge Fiona Starkweather- Laura Schueler Jordon Starkweather -John Garrett Paula Thompson -Jennifer Hendi Simon Starkweather III -Ryan Mayhall Lois Van Zandt-Lacey Steele Rufus Jones-Leland Minosky Bensonhurst- Ardie Baxter Mrs. Trent -Brownie Bennett Minerva Walker -Nick Cook Nancy Pollard -Kyndrah Shoulders Miss Withers -Dixie Buesching Kathy Collins -Breanna Posey Mike Davis -Trent Ranburger Gene Culprpper -Chad Drake 
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN DEAD
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The F-S Arts Council’s successful Youth Theatre Production of Disney’s “The Descendants” was performed on March 17,18 19, 2023 at the historic Goodnight Auditorium in Franklin, Kentucky. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
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A TUNA CHRISTMAS
In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the town's annual Christmas Yard Display Contest, won 14 times in a row by Vera Carp. A mysterious "Christmas Phantom," known for for vandalizing the yard displays, has the contestants on edge. Among the subplots are Stanley Bumiller's attempts to end his probation and leave Tuna, Bertha Bumiller's struggle to hold her family together at Christmastime, and Joe Bob Lipsey's fight to mount successfully his production of A Christmas Carol despite the town controller of the electric company threatening to turn the lights off. The play is both an affectionate commentary and withering satire of small town, Southern life and attitudes. Many colorful Tuna citizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. The cast includes Roger Eldridge, Ardie Baxter, Sharon Davis Airall, Corinne Owen, George Williams, Laura Schueler, Gabe Hamilton, Shelia Harrington, Michael May, Chad Drake, and Brownie Bennett. Under the direction of Yasmin Choate, A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons.
As part of the F-S Arts Council Retro Series. “Greater Tuna” was performed at the Goodnight Auditorium on May 27, 28, and 29. Greater Tuna is a hilarious comedy about a day in life of some very funny characters who are considered the “upstanding” citizens of Tuna,Texas, the third smallest town in the state. It begins with two radio DJ’s, Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, at the microphones of the local Radio Station, broadcasting at a big 275 watts! Topping their news headlines is the winning entry in the American Heritage Essay Contest, and then you meet the local weatherman, Harold Dean Lattimer, who gives the weather report in a most interesting manner. You are introduced to other residents like Didi Snavely of Didi’s Used Guns, and characters like Petey Fisk of the Humane Society. The comedy continues and you meet other Tuna’s citizens as they parade across the stage in all their outrageous and irreverent glory, commenting on life, politics, and what makes them (and sometimes us) tick. GREATER TUNA CAST was as follows:
Thurston Wheelis—Chad Drake, Arles Struvie—Roger Eldridge. Pearl Burras—Trent Ranburger, Bertha Bumiller—Sharon Airall, Stanley Bumiller—Cody Greer, Charlene Bumiller— Cody Greer, Jody Bumiller—George Williams, Leonard Childers—Tyler Harting, Didi Snavely—Laura Schueler, Vera Carp—Brownie Bennett, Petey Fisk— Gabe Hamilton, Yippy—Sharon Airall, Sheriff Givens—Trent Ranburger, Rev Spikes—Tyler Harting, Hank Bumiller— Chad Drake, Harold Dean Lattimer—Tyler Harting
Chad Hartford—Tyler Harting, Elmer Watkins—Trent Ranburger, Coach—Trent Ranburger, Phinas Blye—Brownie Bennett, R.R Snavely—George Williams
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Disney’s Aladdin JR.............. a Youth Theatre Production was performed at the Goodnight Auditorium on March 25th, 26th, 27th, 2022 and was the first Youth Theatre performance in two years due to Covid. Those boy and girls were really excited to get back on that stage and perform and perform that did with almost sold-out crowds for every performance, Aladdin, Jr, is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story opened up “a whole new world” for the young performers ages 2nd-8th grades as well as the audience of all ages!! The Pageant at Barrington Hills Part II
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The Bigger, Better, Pageant at Barrington Hill was performed on November 19th, 20th, 21st, 2021 at The Roxy Theatre 109 South Main Street in Franklin, Kentucky.
If you saw Part 1, YOU DID NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! If you didn’t, you didn't want to miss it either! With 18 crazy characters played by some of Franklin’s favorite and most talented local actors, the cast was back at the Barrington Hill’s Community Theatre to perform the annual Christmas play. However, things are a bit different this year. The director, who made it all happen, had gone off to Broadway and left the wanna-be-director to run the show. With roles being shifted, and the cast of characters running the show, this play definitely kept you in stitches, and the Christmas Story may never be the same! In the end, it all came together, and the cast certainly helped usher in the Christmas Spirit as they brought it all together in the final moments! The Pageant at Barrington Hills series are comedies written and directed by Stephen Tedeschi. They tell the story of Ella Barrington, a wealthy widow who owns just about everything in Barrington Hills including the small community theatre. She continually feels she has the right to make changes to the annual Christmas production with its cast of crazy characters. Cast included Morgan Cook, Chad Drake, Sharon Airall, Adria Colson, Kira Harlow, Gary Weilage, Leigh Bayles, Nick Cook, Kyndrah Shoulders, Carlesha Robey, Ardie Baxter, Roger Eldridge, Yasmin Choate, Gabe Hamilton, Claude Airall, Cody Greer, James Henry Snider, and Stephen Tedeschi. A delicious dinner was catered by Brickyard Cafe and sponsored by; Debbie Johnson, Keller Williams Real Estate; The Franklin Rotary Club; and Trent Bedding. |
This Place We Call Home 2019
Frozen
In April, 2019. the Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council in conjunction with Lincoln Elementary School was pleased to present the production of Frozen JR. The enchanting modern classic from Disney is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show featured all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! The production will be performed at the Lincoln Elementary Gymnasium on April 26, 27 and 28 and was directed by China Finch and Jamie Neal.
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
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The Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council in conjunction with the Fountain Square Players of Bowling Green, Kentucky presented "An Evening with Poe". It was a enjoyable evening of the e staged reading of his most popular poems. Dinner and drinks were served.
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AN EVENING WITH POE |
HAIRSPRAY
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WILLY WONKA
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HAVING OUR SAY...The Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years
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The Franklin–Simpson Community Arts Council......reliving history with "Having Our Say...the Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years". Starring, NANCY UHLS as 103-year-old Sadie Delany and MAXINE CARTER as 101-year-old Bessie Delany, this play is based on a true story about sisters, who take us on a remarkable journey through the last hundred years of our nation's history, recounting a fascinating series of events and anecdotes drawn from their rich family history and careers as pioneering African-American professionals.
Sarah Louise (Sadie) and Dr. Annie Elizabeth (Bessie) extend an invitation for you to come and visit them in their home. They will enjoy sharing with you their experiences that have spanned over a century. They will tell it like it was; giving an historically accurate, nonfiction account of the trials and tribulations they faced during their century of life. Some are good; some are sad; some will just warm your heart, but always told with wit and wisdom. Sadie and Bessie are daughters of Henry Beard Delany and Nannie James Logan. Henry was born into slavery and was just 7 years old when the Civil War ended. He was very fortunate in the fact that he had been taught to read and write at his young age. After the war, he was able to attend school, and in 1881, Rev. Owen Thackera, funded a scholarship that allowed Henry to attend St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He studied theology, music and other subjects, and eventually became the first African-American to be elected Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US. He met, and eventually married, Miss Logan, they stayed in Raleigh, worked and taught at the College, where he became the Vice Principal. They raised ten children who all went on to achieve advance degrees and became successful professionals. Sadie followed in her parent’s footsteps and became an educator. She moved to New York City where she attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, then transferred to Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1920 and a master's of education in 1925 She became the first African-American to teach domestic science on the high school level in New York City. After graduating from St Augustine’s College, Bessie followed her sister to New York. There she also attended Columbia University and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1923. She was the second black woman licensed to practice dentistry in New York State. The Delany sisters lived together in Harlem, New York for many years, eventually moving to the Bronx while it was still rural, and finally to Mt. Vernon, New York, where they bought a house with a garden on a quiet street. Neither ever married, and the two have lived together all of their lives. Their story is not simply African-American history or women's history, it is our history, told through the eyes of two unforgettable women as they look not only into the past, but also ahead into the twenty-first century. The play was directed by Barbara Shriver who directed "Raisin in the Sun", "Barefoot in the Park", and "Witness for the Prosecution”. The performances were held at the Roxy Theatre in Franklin on February 23, 24 & 25, 2018. . |
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2017
The annual Christmas Concert was held in December
WIZARD OF OZ
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It’s not where you go….it’s who you meet along the way! Last summer in Franklin, we had the opportunity to meet lots of great characters. We met, a man without a brain, another without a heart, one scaredy cat, a conman, and two women fighting over a pair of shoes”. That’s right…..The Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council set off to see the Wizard as they produced the beloved classic musical, “THE WIZARD OF OZ”, under the direction of Jeff Moore with music direction by Elizabeth Cook. “The Wizard of Oz is the original American fairytale brought to life by way of a great American art form, musical theatre". Most everyone can recall seeing this famous movie during their childhood. The well-known score included some of the best loved songs in the American musical pantheon, such as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard.” Our wonderful cast put on a fantastic show and we were even told it was the best musical that the F-S Arts council had ever produced!
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WITNESS FOR THE PROSEECUTION
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In the Spring of 2017, we held one of the most celebrated courtroom dramas of all time, "Witness for the Prosecution", at the Goodnight Auditorium in Franklin, KY on April 28th, 29th, & 30th. "The Witness for the Prosecution" is a short story and play by British author Agatha Christie. The story was initially published as "Traitor Hands" in 1925. In 1933, the story was published for the first time as "Witness for the Prosecution" and in 1948, was finally published in the United States.
When Leonard Vole, a poor, out of work, struggling inventor is arrested for the sensational murder of a lonely and wealthy widowed acquaintance, Emily French, the famous attorney, Wilfrid Robarts, agrees to appear on his behalf. The initial evidence is circumstantial but points to the charming Vole as the murderer. Despite being happily married to East German, Romaine Vole, he fostered the friendship with Miss French in the hopes that she would finance one of his many inventions. It does not help his case when it is learned that Miss French changed her will prior to her murder with Vole being the primary beneficiary of a very large estate. Leonard states that he knew nothing about the will. Romaine is apparently the only alibi Leonard has to his whereabouts at the time of the murder. The usual methods Robarts uses to test his clients' guilt or innocence leads to him believing that Vole is indeed innocent. As the trial progresses, the prosecution calls a surprise witness, one that could place a nail in the coffin of Robarts’ planned line of defense. As he gets deeper and deeper into the case, something doesn't quite sit right with him, although he doesn't know what it is. The primary questions become how far Robarts will go to obtain evidence to acquit Vole and if he will ever discover why he feels that there is something odd about the case. The "WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION" CAST was as follows: GARY WEILAGE as Leonard Vole; MORGAN COOK as Romaine ; CHAD DRAKE as Wilfred Robarts; LARRY GIBSON as Mayhew, another defense attorney; KATHY BAGWELL as Mrs. Carter, Robarts’ office manager; JANE LEWIS as Greta, his secretary; ROGER ELDRIDGE as Mr. Myers, the prosecuting attorney; MICKEY LEWIS, JR. as another Prosecution Attorney; BEN PHILLIPS as Judge Wainwright; DIXIE BUSCHING as Clerk of the Court; STEPHANIE DOWNEY as Janet Mackenzie, Emily French’s housekeeper; JOHN HERMANN as Detective Hearne; NANCY UHLS as Dr. Wyatt; DUTCH MARIS as Mr. Clegg; and BRITTANY BAGWELL as the Young Woman. This is a very diverse cast with a lot of theatre experience. The play was be directed by Barbara Shriver who has also directed Love Letters, Barefoot in the Park and A Raisin in the Sun for the F-S Arts Council. |
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LOVE LETTERS
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"LOVE LETTERS" , written by A. R. Gurney, was held February 10th, 11th & 12th at the Roxy Theatre in Franklin, Ky. Under the direction of Barbara Shriver, whom directed her 3rd play for the F-S Arts Council, the production starred Steve Thurmond as Andrew Mackepeace Ladd, III and Sherry Hall as Melissa Gardner. Steve is the Director of the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Brenda, is a father of three and a grandfather of ten. Sherry is a representative and advocate for Hospice. She is married to Mark Hall and has two children and two grandchildren.
The characters, Andrew (Andy) Ladd and Melissa Gardner, were both born to wealth and position, were childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence began with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continued to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of "good schools." While Andy is off at war, Melissa married; however, her attachment to Andy remained strong and she continued to keep in touch as he married, became a successful attorney, got involved in politics and, eventually, was elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbled in art and gigolos, drank more than she should, and became estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy did become involved in a brief affair, but it was really too late for both of them. However Andy's last letter, written to her mother after Melissa's untimely death, made it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers could have been. As the actors read the letters aloud, what was created was an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what was implied was as revealing and meaningful as what was actually written down. |
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SUMMER MUSICAL 2016 - THE MUSIC MAN
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The F-S Community Arts Council presented The Music Man in July, 2016 It was directed by Jeff Moore with Musical Direction by Eric Doades. This award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to is quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best and this family-friendly story was enjoyed tremendously by every generation in attendance.
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NATIONAL THUMBPICKERS HALL OF FAME
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On June 11, 2016, the F-S Arts Council held a concert with five members of the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame. Members performing were Paul Moseley, Joe Hudson, Larry Stone, Scott Taylor, and Parker Hastings.
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PEARLS OF THE PACIFIC
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The F-S Community Arts Council presented the play Pearls of the Pacific, written by Franklin native, Debra J. Thornton in May, 2016. The play takes place from December 6, 1941 to September 2, 1945. It tells the story of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the years after, as it follows the lives of enlisted men, their wives, families and others serving our great country during World War II. The tone of the play is often somber, yet during difficult and challenging times of war, laughter and gaiety can sometimes be heard as lively jazz and big band music adds pep to their step and rhythm to their bunny hop. With the dawn of a new day, a new generation on America soil came of age, that of bonding together for the war effort. During that time, we learned first-hand, there is indeed strength in numbers!
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BAREFOOT IN THE PARKIn February 2016, the Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council started their 2016 season with the rib-tickling romantic comedy, Barefoot in the Park. The play is a romantic comedy by Neil Simon and was Simon's longest-running hit, and the tenth longest-running non-musical play in Broadway history. The play revolves around newlyweds, Paul and Corie Bratter played by Brett Kemble and Leigh Bayles. He's a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she's a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find-too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a six day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie's loopy mother, Ethel Banks played by Adria Groves, and they decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Victor Velasco played by Trent Ranburger. Then, everything that can go wrong, does. It also co-starred newcomer, Brian Hancock as Harry, the telephone man and William (Bill) Collins as the delivery man. The play combined love and laughs, is clever, hilarious and filled with witty one-liners.
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SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKS COMEDY TOUR
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Little Mermaid Junior |
Romeo and Juliet |
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ANY BODY HOME |
FOOTLOOSE |
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