News
July 11
Matilda The Musical Makes It’s Regional Premiere at The Franklin Theatre
“REJOICE. It is even more glorious than promised.” – New York Times
“Once in a blue moon, a show comes out blazing and restores your faith in Broadway.” – New York Post
TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year, MATILDA THE MUSICAL, is coming to The Franklin Theatre as part of the Act Too Players professional company, AT PRO, August 2-11, 2019.
Winner of 50 international awards including 4 Tony Awards ® and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards ® including Best Musical, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox). It is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Book by Tony Award®-winning playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is directed by Sondra Morton, Theatre Arts Director for the Act Too Players. Reece Benton and Reagan Schmicker share the title role of Matilda, New York based actor Thomas Demarcus will lead the way as Ms. Trunchbull, while Megan Murphy Chambers is set to play the wacky Mrs. Wormwood. Jeremy Maxwell plays the corrupt Mr. Wormwood, Erica Haines plays the kindly Ms. Honey, and Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva plays the lovely Mrs. Phelps. The show features the talents of several Act Too students and children. Jamey Green is Musical Director, while Jayme Smith serves as the production’s Stage Manager.
Performances run from August 2-11.
Tickets run from: $20 – $49, available at www.franklintheatre.com, 615.538.2076
June 7
Heritage Foundation Hires New Interim Executive Director of The Franklin Theatre
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN has hired an interim executive director for its division The Franklin Theatre. Longtime veteran of the theatre industry and executive producer of the Foundation’s 2017 50th anniversary celebration, Paul T. Couch will join the organization this week.
CEO of the Heritage Foundation Bari Beasley said, “Paul brings a tremendous amount of experience, energy and a thoughtful, collaborative nature to The Franklin Theatre. From national touring productions to local theater, he understands what it takes to be in the sometimes-difficult show business but also how to maximize partnerships, sponsorships and the local community to better the entertainment experience for everyone.”
Couch has extensive experience in venue management as well as producing and presenting entertainment, including his time as general manager of the Ryman Auditorium. At Nashville’s most historic live music venue, he booked and promoted a variety of shows, including country, pop, rock, bluegrass and classical music concerts. He also produced the musicals Always…Patsy Cline, Lost Highway—The Music and Legend of Hank Williams, and Bye Bye Love—The Everly Brothers Musical and the Ryman’s first season of repertory musicals.
From there Couch ventured to Savannah, Georgia, where he directed the renovation and opening of the Lucas Theatre for the Arts in the city’s historic district. While there, he presented successful seasons of Broadway shows and classical performances as well pop, rock, country, bluegrass and comedy shows.
Not long after, Dollywood theme park hired Couch as its director of entertainment and executive producer where he became one of the theme park industry’s most award-winning entertainment producers. Dollywood won over 20 Brass Ring Awards and six Golden Ticket Awards during his tenure, from 2003 to 2014. He was also responsible for managing the operations of the park’s eight performance venues. It was there that Couch and Dolly Parton began a creative partnership that includes several major musical productions and a Hallmark Channel television special.
For the past five years Paul has been a Franklin resident where he continues to create and produce musicals. Most notably, he is collaborating with Dolly on the new musical Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, an original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. The work recently sold out three showcase performances at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. Couch graduated from Muskingum University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a minor in Theater and received his MBA from Belmont University.
Couch will replace current Executive Director Dan Hays, following Hays’ last day on Friday, June 7.
To learn more about the Theatre’s upcoming shows and movies, visit FranklinTheatre.com.
May 28
Jumping Into June
Jumpin’ junebugs! Summer is just about here, and June kicks it off at The Franklin Theatre with a full calendar of music, movies and live theater to quench your thirst for entertainment. Here’s a full list of what’s happening in June (more movies to be added as well):
LIVE THEATER
ACT TOO PLAYERS PRESENTS:
FRI 5/31 7 pm: The Wizard of Oz (Non-Musical)
SAT 6/1 12 pm: The Addams Family
SAT 6/1 4 pm: A Chorus Line School Edition
SAT 6/1 7:30 pm: Lucky Stiff
SUN 6/2 12 pm: Lucky Stiff
SUN 6/2 4 pm: A Chorus Line
SUN 6/2 7 pm: The Addams Family
DORIS DAY MINI-FILM FEST
MON 6/3 7 pm: “Pillow Talk” (1959)
TUE 6/4 4 pm: “Calamity Jane” (1953)
TUE 6/4 7 pm: “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (1960)
WED 6/5 4 pm: “Calamity Jane” (1953)
WED 6/5 7 pm: “Pillow Talk” (1959)
MON 6/10 7 pm: “Calamity Jane” (1953)
TUE 6/11 4 pm: “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (1960)
TUE 6/11 7 pm: “Pillow Talk” (1959)
WED 6/12 4 pm: “Calamity Jane” (1953)
WED 6/12 7 pm: “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (1960)
THU 6/13 4 pm: “Pillow Talk” (1959)
THU 6/13 7 pm: “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (1960)
SUN 6/30 3 pm: Nashville Opera Presents: “Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music”
FEATURED MUSIC
Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan
FRI 6/28 7 pm
You may not know who they are – much less spell their name – but Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan are some bluegrass power to be reckoned with.
NOAM PIKELNY has emerged as the preeminent banjoist of his generation. He is a founding member of Punch Brothers and was awarded the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass in 2010 in addition to IBMA’s Banjo Player of the year in 2014 and 2017. Universal Favorite (Rounder Records, 2017) is the fourth record Noam Pikelny has released under his own name, but it’s truly his solo debut. His previous solo efforts-including 2014’s landmark Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe-were full-band affairs that revealed his abilities as a dynamic bandleader while reinforcing his reputation as an inventive accompanist – with both albums receiving Grammy nominations.
Multi-instrumentalist STUART DUNCAN has built upon his bluegrass roots to become an artist who defies categorization and surpasses the limits of any specific genre. The consummate sideman, Duncan has lent his taste and tone to countless artists and projects. Whether trading dizzying instrumental licks with the likes of Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas, or adding complimentary fills for vocalists Alan Jackson and Barbra Streisand, Duncan has found a professional “home” both in the studio and on tour. His playing and influence can be heard among many of today’s top hit makers, from British singer-songwriter Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin to American rock band Panic! at the Disco.
Hearing the sound of “Sold Out” is music to our ears, though we hate for you to miss the fun. You can always call our Box Office and request to have your name added to a waiting list for a show – 615-538-2076, boxoffice@franklintheatre.com.
JUNE LIVE MUSIC:
THU 6/6 8 pm: Keifer Sutherland – SOLD OUT
FRI 6/7 8 pm: Keb’ Mo’ – SOLD OUT
SAT 6/8 8 pm: Keb’ Mo’ – SOLD OUT
SUN 6/9 8 pm: Keb’ Mo’ – SOLD OUT
FRI 6/14 8 pm: BJ Thomas – SOLD OUT
SAT 6/15 8 pm: BJ Thomas – SOLD OUT
THU 6/20 8 pm: Jimmie Vaughan – SOLD OUT
FRI 6/21 8 pm: Paul Thorn Band with Special Guest Bonnie Bishop – Limited Tickets
SAT 6/22 8 pm: Paul Thorn Band with Special Guest Bonnie Bishop – Limited Tickets
SAT 6/28 8 pm: Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan
Visit FranklinTheatre.com or Call 615-538-2076 for full schedule of events and to purchase tickets.
All Music and Movies Produced by the The Franklin Theatre Presented By Jackson National Life
May 22
Movie Mania for Memorial Day Weekend
JOIN US THIS WEEKEND
As schools are dismissing and the warm air settles in, Memorial Day Weekend reminds us it’s time for a little fun. Our weekend here at The Franklin Theatre is full of movies from classic stories to new favorites.
The theatre will be cool, and our beverages even cooler, so carve out a little time to escape to the movies with your loved ones.
NOW SHOWING:
SAT 5/25 10 am: “Dumbo” (PG)
SAT 5/25 1 pm: “Dumbo” (PG)
SAT 5/25 4 pm: “Breakthrough” (PG)
SAT 5/25 7 pm: “Captain Marvel” (PG-13)
SUN 5/26 1 pm: “Dumbo” (PG)
SUN 5/26 4 pm: “Captain Marvel” (PG-13)
SUN 5/26 7 pm: “Breakthrough” (PG)
MON 5/27 10 am: “Dumbo” (PG)
MON 5/27 1 pm: “Dumbo” (PG)
MON 5/27 4 pm: “Captain Marvel” (PG-13)
MON 5/27 7 pm: “Breakthrough” (PG)
WED 5/29 7 pm: “Breakthrough” (PG)
CLICK FOR TICKETS:
“Dumbo” (PG) TICKETS
“Breakthrough” (PG) TICKETS
“Captain Marvel” (PG-13) TICKETS
Visit FranklinTheatre.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Or, call our Box Office: 615-538-2076
April 18
GRAMMY-Nominated Thompson Square to Perform Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Rare Genetic Disorder
May 6 concert will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation
On Monday, May 6, 2019, GRAMMY-nominated, MULTI-PLATINUM Country duo Thompson Square will perform A Night of Hope: A Concert to End NF at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, TN, to raise awareness and money for neurofibromatosis.
Also known as NF, this rare genetic disorder causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. It affects 1 in 3,000 people of all populations and there is no cure. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation the leader in the fight to end NF and a model for innovative research endeavors.
Thompson Square is comprised of husband-and-wife team, Keifer and Shawna Thompson. Since breaking out in 2010 with their 2X-PLATINUM #1 smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” the pair have gone on to score two Top 5 albums and another romantic #1 hit with PLATINUM-certified “If I Didn’t Have You” while also racking up multiple GRAMMY nominations and three trophies as Vocal Duo of the Year from the ACM and CMA Awards. Thompson Square’s third studio album, MASTERPIECE, is out now.
“We’re honored to be performing at A Concert to End NF and helping to bring awareness to this devastating disease,” shared Keifer.
Shawna adds, “Family is everything to us, and it means so much to be a part of something that is bringing the community together, making memories, and helping raise money for research.”
The benefit concert takes place during NF Awareness Month, a month-long awareness campaign that includes online and offline events designed to educate the community about this under-recognized genetic disorder, and bring together those living with NF with their families, friends, the larger community, fundraisers and researchers. As part of the international Shine a Light on NF campaign, the Korean Way Veterans Memorial Bridge (Nashville, TN) will glow blue and green, joining hundreds of landmarks around the world. In prior years, former Governor Haslam has proclaimed the month of May as NF Awareness Month in Tennessee. (Photo credit: Garrett Merchant)
“The Children’s Tumor Foundation is thankful that Thompson Square will perform this benefit concert during NF Awareness Month,” said Annette Bakker, PhD, Children’s Tumor Foundation President. “It takes many different ways of raising money and awareness to make an impact and drive research forward, and we’re ecstatic to have the support of Thompson Square.”
Currently there is no cure for NF, but clinicians and scientists are optimistic that with funding for more research, actionable treatment options to improve the lives of the 2.5 million people living with NF will be attainable. WSMV-TV Features Reporter Terry Bulger will host the evening.
To purchase tickets to see Thompson Square perform in A Night of Hope: A Concert to End NF, CLICK HERE.
To learn more about neurofibromatosis and the Children’s Tumor Foundation, visit www.ctf.org.
March 29
Gateway Chamber Orchestra: America’s Haydn Festival Comes to Franklin
The Gateway Chamber Orchestra’s 10th anniversary season – “Inspiration Abounds.”
The Gateway Chamber Orchestra of Tennessee embarks on a new annual music festival that will feature multiple concerts over five days at various venues in Clarksville and Franklin, Tennessee and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The premiere of America’s Haydn Festival, April 4-8, 2019 will honor the father of the Symphony and the String Quartet, Franz Joseph Haydn.
FRANKLIN PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:
Friday 4/5: String Quartet Concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Monday 4/8: Full Orchestra at The Franklin Theatre
FOR MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & FESTIVAL PASSES, CLICK HERE
Gregory Wolynec, Gateway Chamber Orchestra Music Director commented that the roll-out of the new festival could bring even more national attention to Middle-Tennessee, already known as a music tourism destination.
“This festival will be truly one-of-a-kind; there isn’t one like it anywhere in the country,” he states. “Haydn is a composer that we have dedicated so much of our first 10 years to, with performances of his works becoming a calling card for our orchestra. Celebrating the incredible scope of Haydn’s creations, from beginning to end, with some of Middle Tennessee’s finest musicians is the perfect way to start a new festival. His musical career was so expansive and influential that we’ll have inspiration for years to come.”
This new festival will spotlight performances by string quartets and the full Gateway Chamber Orchestra at venues in Clarksville, Franklin and Fort Campbell.
Wolynec went on to add, “We are especially pleased to present a performance for the military community at Fort Campbell Army Post as part of this first festival. Soldiers, their families and members of the military community are invited to hear some wonderful musicians in a very up close and personal setting.” According to Wolynec the date, time and location for the Fort Campbell event will be announced soon.
America’s Haydn Festival will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 with a String Quartet concert performed at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Clarksville.
The same program will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Franklin.
At 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 the GCO will present Haydn’s symphonies No. 1 and No. 104, the famous London symphony at the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville.
On Monday, April 8th at 7:30 p.m. the same program will be repeated at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin.
GCO Principal Cellist Michael Samis will be featured at both venues performing Haydn’s 2nd Cello Concerto. Samis was previously featured in collaboration with the GCO in his critically acclaimed 2014 debut recording.
America’s Haydn Festival will also be the launching pad for the newly formed Tennessee Military, Veterans & the Arts Chorus. The new choral ensemble will make its premiere appearance to the public at the Sunday, April 7 concert in Clarksville. Members of the chorus include active-duty military service members, veterans and spouses; giving them the opportunity for creative expression through music.
Gateway Chamber Orchestra season ticket holders will have the opportunity to buy String Quartet performance tickets at a discounted rate.
To purchase tickets, visit www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com.
America’s Haydn Festival Franklin Performances:
String Quartet – Friday, April 5, 2019 – 7:30 p.m. – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Full Orchestra – Monday, April 8, 2019 – 7:30 p.m. – The Franklin Theater
For Festival Passes CLICK HERE