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    • July 20

    The Franklin Theatre to Live Stream Last Two Shows Planned for 2020

    Shows and events are on sale now for the 2021 performing arts and live seasons

     

    Before The Franklin Theatre will take an extended programming

    break through the remainder of 2020, it will host two more live shows: The Gatlin Brothers Fan

    Favorites on Saturday, July 25 and Mac McAnally, Friday, July 31. Both shows, which sold seats

    at a greatly reduced capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing requirements, are sold

    out. Each show will also be live streamed from the stage and tickets for the live stream

    performance are available.

     

     

    Paul T. Couch, executive director of The Franklin Theatre, said he and his team were

    investigating doing a combination live show/live stream and these two artists seemed like a

    perfect way to introduce this concept that may become the new norm for many live venues.

    “We had been negotiating these dates specifically as live, socially distanced concerts with an

    added live-stream audience,” Couch said. “Since the idea of a combination live show/live

    stream from our theater is such a new and innovative concept, we felt that it was in the

    theater’s best interest to try this format out as it may influence the theater’s ability to reopen.”

    Both the Gatlin Brothers’ and Mac McAnally’s performances will be live streamed directly from

    the stage of The Franklin Theatre. To ensure the broadcast is transmitted in a high-quality

    format for the online audience, the live stream will be produced by video production veteran

    Alan Reitano and his company, Cypress Creek Creative.

     

     

    Rudy Gatlin, member of The Gatlin Brothers said he is looking forward to the ‘Gatlin Brothers

    Fan Favorites’ concert, even though they won’t be playing to a full-house.

    “We just finished rehearsing and it was so much fun playing with them,” he said. “I hope the

    fans enjoy hearing the songs as much as we’re going to enjoy playing them. So, get your

    tickets!”

     

     

    In addition to having a virtual front row seat for each concert, live stream ticket holders will be

    able to message the artists and the artists will acknowledge and respond to as many of those

    during the concert as time permits. Couch said ticketholders will get details on how this portion

    of the live stream will work prior to the day of show.

     

     

    Admission to the live stream shows is limited. Both shows will begin at 8 p.m. Doors to the

    theater, for those with tickets to seats in the venue, will open at 7 p.m. To reserve your ticket to

    the live stream, visit www.franklintheatre.com, or call the box office at 615-538-2076. Box

    office hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

     

     

    Also, check out the theater’s 2021 season of shows, which contain new dates for many of the

    performances in 2020 that had to be rescheduled due to changes in touring schedules and

    other COVID-19-related issues. Most of the live shows and performing arts season were able to

    be moved into the 2021 season. That schedule can be found at FranklinTheatre.com/All_Events

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    June 18

    A Message From Our CEO

    A Difficult Decision That Impacts Our Community

    Dear friends and supporters,

    Due to ongoing health concerns and continued unknowns created by the COVID-19 global pandemic, I am here to share a very difficult announcement which impacts our community and marks an unprecedented time in the history of the Heritage Foundation.

    The Heritage Foundation has a mission to save places and stories that matter in Williamson County, which includes hosting long-standing signature events that create cultural community engagement. These events also serve to generate much-needed operational revenue to keep our preservation, education and community programs going.

    With a clear focus on the health and safety of our community, and after much deliberation and review of economic impact, virtual options and health and government updates, the Heritage Foundation and our Board of Directors have agreed to cancel all live festivals and events for the remainder of 2020.

    In addition, we will postpone all further programming at the Franklin Theatre effective June 18, 2020 with the exception of two concert events previously scheduled in July.

    The Foundation events which will be cancelled for 2020 include:

    • 37th Annual Main Street Festival scheduled for July 18-19
    • 37th Annual Pumpkinfest on October 24
    • 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas on December 12-13.

    We have also made the decision to cancel the 47th Annual Heritage Ball scheduled for October 3, which is the longest-running black-tie event in Williamson County and the Foundation’s largest fundraiser.

    All remaining programming, movies and events at The Franklin Theatre as of June 18, 2020 will be postponed, with the exception of two concert events previously scheduled in July (details to come).

    The new live performance series slated to launch this fall will also be postponed. We are currently making our best effort to reschedule these events into our 2021/22 season and pledge to keep you informed of our progress along the way. Current ticket holders will be contacted with options, and new dates for the Performing Arts Series and other 2021/22 programming will be forthcoming.

    I know this announcement is terribly disappointing to our community, vendors, local businesses and all of our supporters, but firmly believe this is the best decision to ensure that the Heritage Foundation can continue to serve our community for generations to come.

    I want to thank each and every one of you who have attended any of our festivals, supported our annual fundraiser ball, or visited our beloved Franklin Theatre. Creating community and connecting people with our local heritage is critical to the mission of the Foundation. Without these major community fundraising events and theatre programming for operational revenue, we need your support now more than ever.

    Only with your support can our team continue to bolster advocacy and education for historical preservation, continue our current preservation projects, and support downtown Main Street merchants through this unprecedented season. But we can’t do it without you — our community and our supporters.

    We need you to be part of the story this year, so it will be possible to make 2021 a year of community celebration, reviving our downtown Franklin signature festivals and events, and filling the Franklin Theatre with the new live performing arts season.

    If you would like more information about today’s decision, email info@williamsonheritage.org or CLICK HERE for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
    Our team is here to answer any questions and support our community that we love to serve.

    The role you play this year will be part of our story for generations to come. Please donate, join our Leadership Society, become a member or a volunteer. Just be part of the story and help us keep it going!

    Bari Beasley
    Chief Executive Officer

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    June 1

    Heritage Foundation Announces Franklin Theatre Reopening Plans

    The Franklin Theatre, which has been closed to the public since mid-March in response to state guidelines regarding COVID-19, will reopen to the public on June 12 at 7 p.m. with a showing of Monty Python and The Holy Grail (PG). The theater is also bringing back the popular Silver Matinee series on June 17, with a showing of Some Like It Hot(1959).
    Theater Executive Director Paul T. Couch and his team have been hard at work
    during the closure rescheduling shows that were slated during the latter part of
    March through June and working on how and when the theater could safely reopen
    to patrons. He said many of the live performances have been rescheduled in lieu of
    being cancelled and it was determined showing of movies would be the best way to
    ease safely back into operations.
    When the theater reopens on June 12, patrons, along with the theater staff, will be
    required to wear cloth face coverings while in the theater and seating capacity will
    be limited to achieve social distancing safety measures.
    “We have been preparing behind the scenes while waiting on clear guidelines from
    the state on how and when we are able to reopen the theater,” Couch said. “Our
    first priority is to consider the safety of our staff and guests. We didn’t want to open
    until we were certain we could provide that. We are excited to open with a timeless
    comedy classic and look forward to seeing patrons back in the theater seats in a few
    weeks.”
    In an effort to provide a contact-free experience, tickets for each show will need to
    be purchased in advance at www.franklintheatre.com. All seating will be done with
    respect to social distancing guidelines. Contact-free purchases can be made from
    the theater’s concession stand.
    JUNE MOVIES INCLUDE:

    “Monty Python & the Holy Grail” (PG)

    “The Goonies” (PG)

    “Labyrinth” (PG)

    “Some Like It Hot” (1959)

    “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG)

    “Field of Dreams” (PG)

    “Roman Holiday” (1953)

    “Shoplifters” (R)

    FOR FULL MOVIE SCHEDULE VISIT:  https://www.franklintheatre.com/tickets/movies/

    For COVID-19 Guidelines & Requirements: https://www.franklintheatre.com/coronavirus/

     

    We look forward to announcing details on live performances at a later date.

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    March 31

    Let’s #KeepItGoing

    Join The Franklin Theatre and Heritage Foundation of Williamson County as we work to #KeepItGoing

    As a division of the Heritage Foundation, we are part of their mission of saving places that matter and to serve our community. Our history, our community and our heritage matters now more than ever.

    The Heritage Foundation is why we were able to re-open our doors in 2011. We’ve been bringing you world-class entertainment up close in what we think are the greatest 300 seats anywhere. And, we will not stop. We have been rescheduling shows affected by our temporary closure, as well as adding new ones to a calendar that is promising the rest of 2020 to be filled with exciting Franklin Theatre Live and Performing Arts Season programming.

    This is an unprecedented time for us all as we have been forced to navigate through some tough changes. Music and the arts have the power to heal and bring us together again.

    So, we are saving you a seat right here for when the doors open and the show goes on.

    Join us in our commitment to #KeepItGoing and see what our future holds for you.

    Visit FranklinTheatre.com.

    #SavingYouASeat

    Watch the video message below from our CEO, Bari Beasly.

    Visit the HeritageFoundation.org for blog updates on what the divisions are each doing to #KeepItGoing.

    Read More
    February 26

    Historic Franklin Theatre announces new Performing Arts Series and names Paul T. Couch new executive director

    Theater announces new mission and vision for 2020 and beyond with artistic expansion.

    Since its original opening in 1937, the historic Franklin Theatre has seen many exciting changes, and 2020 is proving to be no different.

    The Franklin Theatre kicked off the year with two major announcements including the naming of Paul T. Couch as the theatre’s permanent executive director as well as introducing an entirely new lineup of performing arts programming which will build upon the excellent track record the Franklin Theatre already has for its live music and movie showings by adding  programming that features diverse musical, dance and family performances.

    Bari Beasley is the CEO of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, which owns the Franklin Theatre. She said bringing Paul Couch to the executive director role was an important step towards the expansion of the entertainment happening in the theatre that focuses on the theatre’s new mission and vision.

    “This theater is such a gem to this entire county, and we want to focus on making it accessible to even more people with even more exciting programming,” Beasley said. “Naming Paul Couch as the executive director is a crucial part of that goal and he brings with him a wealth of knowledge in programming, managing and promoting world-class venues and the shows they offer. One of his first ideas in this role was to introduce this new season of diversified programming and we are so excited to bring this added entertainment to Williamson County and to this beautiful theater.”

    The new season of programming season will begin September 19 with Black Violin and run through April of 2021.  The new season consists of three series, each made up of five shows doing three performances each. Tickets for each series go on sale today, with individual performance tickets going on sale in April.

    “Under the thoughtful guidance of the Heritage Foundation, the Franklin Theatre will welcome a new era of entertainment to its stage with this new season,” executive director Paul T. Couch said. “Our new programming will enrich the cultural offerings available to Williamson County

    residents and visitors. Audiences will have new opportunities to create memories in the heart of downtown Franklin.”

    Another important aspect of the Performing Arts Series is the implementation of educational outreach with these performers. Couch and his team will be seeking opportunities to bring these international acts into schools and working with area non-profits and organizations to offer young people the chance to benefit from the talents, skills and knowledge of these accomplished artists.

    With this new season, the theater has also created new mission and vision statements to better reflect the overarching goals moving into 2020 and beyond. The theater’s vision is to be a catalyst for social change, where diverse peoples are unified, lives are touched, and memories are made. The mission is to provide world-class performing arts experiences to diverse Williamson County residents and visitors and to be a platform for local philanthropic engagement and education, while providing unparalleled guest service.

    The 2020-21 Performing Arts Series schedule is:

    Great Performances Series

    World-class musicians and ensembles will fill the auditorium of The Franklin Theatre with virtuoso musical performances.

    Black Violin

    September 19-20, 2020

    Lead by two classically trained string players, the band uses their unique blend of classical and hip-hop music to overcome stereotypes while encouraging people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together to break down cultural barriers.

    The Academy of St. Martin In The Fields Chamber Ensemble

    October 9-10, 2020

    This London-based chamber ensemble is one of the finest in the world, renowned for their fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest chamber music.

    Julie Fowlis

    October 23-24, 2020

    Renowned for her vocal performance for the Disney/Pixar movie Brave as well as her

    collaborations with James Taylor and Mary Chapin Carpenter, her ‘crystalline’ and ‘intoxicating’ vocals have enchanted audiences around the world.

     

    Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea

    January 22-23, 2021

    A unique, multi-cultural ensemble, this all-female group with its foundation and roots based in Mariachi creates music that is traditional and so much more. Their Grammy-winning music can be heard in venues ranging from Disney parks to the Universal Amphitheatre.

    Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

    February 19-20, 2021

    For more than three decades, the members of this Grammy-winning ensemble have continually set the standard for expression and virtuosity, bringing a new energy to the concert stage with programs ranging from bluegrass to Bach.

    Celebration of Dance Series

    Combining the creativity of artists with the discipline of athletes, these amazing displays of music and movement will bring a whole new energy to Main Street.

    Rhythmic Circus – Holiday Shuffle

    Dec 4-5, 2020

    An internationally renowned, 12-member live music and tap dance ensemble whose magnetic, high-energy shows are all about juggling a combination of dancing, humor and music – all wrapped within a bundle of positive messages. 

    Giordano Dance Chicago

    Feb 12-14, 2021

    Presenting new and innovative jazz dance choreography, often redefining and expanding the very definition of jazz dance, bringing the invaluable American art form to audiences and students of all ages and from all ethnic backgrounds.

    Los Vivancos

    February 26 -27, 2021

    Combining flamenco, ballet, martial arts, street dance, theatre and acrobatics with charisma, showmanship, and an exceptional sense of rhythm, these seven brothers are setting audiences ablaze around the world.

     

    Eireann, A Taste of Ireland

    March 12-13, 2021

    These award-winning Irish Dancers and musicians explore magical tales spanning generations of Irish storytelling and culture.

     

    Pss Pss

    April 23-24, 2021

    Two modern-day clowns play out their hilarious and unique pas de deux through the universal language of gesture and look, as they sweep us up in a timeless and award-winning performance with all the seriousness, innocence, and unkindness of the human condition.

    Family Spotlight Series

    Topflight performances by jugglers, magicians, acrobats and some very big dinosaurs will not only entertain but create experiences that will engage and expand young minds while creating experiences families can enjoy together.

    Mark Nizer 4D Theatre

    September 25-26, 2020

    A new dimension in entertainment combining original comedy, juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding performance.

    JunNk

    October 16-17, 2020

    Using items commonly found in a junkyard, JunNk combines singing, percussion and comedy to create a world of music and laughter that has never been seen before.

    Cirque-tacular’s, Spooktacular

    October 30-31, 2020

    Spooks, specters, and scaredy-cats contort and cavort through a high-flying circus of scare. Vampires soar, skeletons stagger, and acrobatic cats romp through a humorously haunted bazaar of the bizarre. Indulge your inner eerie in this family-friendly, bone-chilling delight!

    Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!

    Nov. 21-22, 2020

    Observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world

    SNAP – Contemporary.Mystery.Performance

    Jan 15-16, 2021

    Playing with space, time and the otherworldly, this eclectic ensemble of South Korean illusionists will boggle your mind with their impressive powers of prestidigitation. Their mixture of dexterous sleight of hand, vaudevillian comedy and ingenious visual effects conjures a marvelous, magical cabaret perfect for the whole family.

    Tickets for the entire series go on sale today, with individual performance tickets going on sale in April. For more information or to buy series tickets, go to www.franklintheatre.com.

     

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    February 11

    The Heritage of Brentwood Becomes New Presenting Sponsor of Silver Matinee Series

    We are pleased to announce The Heritage of Brentwood as the Presenting Sponsor of our Silver Matinee Film Series.

    The Heritage at Brentwood® is a Life Plan Community in Williamson County, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that provides residents with a choice of independent living options, including apartment homes, villas and garden villas, as well as a continuum of care on campus.

    The Silver Matinee Film Series was created in 2019 as a day out for the senior community where seniors are invited to enjoy the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Franklin, along with taking in a classic movie at The Franklin Theatre. Silver Matinees are typically shown once a month on a weekday at 2 PM.   Previous movies included “Singin’ In the Rain” (1952), “High Noon” (1952), “That’s Entertainment” (1974) and “Holiday Inn” (1942).

    WAKM 950AM has played host to the event and coordinated fun contests and giveaways. While the event was created for the senior community, all ages are welcome. It’s been a delight for us to see families and multi-generations enjoying a classic movie together.

     

     

     

    JOIN US FOR THE NEXT SILVER MATINEE:

    “BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S” (1961)

    WED 2/19 at 2 PM

    CLICK FOR TICKETS

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