News

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.

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.

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

In the third concert of the 2019-2020 Masterworks Series, the Gateway Chamber Orchestra will perform ‘Gran Partita’ on January 27.

The GCO tugs at heartstrings in this concert featuring GCO cellist, Meghan Berindean. Works from Felix Mendelssohn and Jacques Ibert lead up to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s powerful Gran Partita serenade, a signature work for the GCO that was featured on our debut recording and received national media praise.

The concert will be held on Monday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre. Individual ticket prices range from $25 to $40 with discounts given to students and active-duty military or reserve. Tickets available here.

The Masterworks Series explores established masterworks, overlooked treasures, and works by contemporary American composers. This season, titled ‘Emotion Abounds,’ presents a slate of powerful and emotional programs featuring favorite composers of the GCO, including Mozart, Schubert, Schoenburg, and, of course, Haydn, who will be celebrated in the annual ‘America’s Haydn Festival’ on April 6, 2020. The season will culminate with the 2^nd annual ‘BBQ, Brews & Beethoven’ featuring Copland’s ‘Appalachian Spring,’ local craft beer and delicious BBQ.

The GCO is a nationally-recognized cultural institution committed to enriching lives through innovative concerts, distinctive recordings, and inspiring educational programs. Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the GCO performs in two permanent homes – the George & Sharon Mabry Concert Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville and The Franklin Theatre in Franklin.

                        For more information about the GCO, visit gatewaychamberorchestra.com.

FOR TICKETS: CLICK HERE.

Or, call the Franklin Theatre box office at (615) 538-2076.

‘Tis the season for Christmas movies, but they don’t stop there. We’re sending 2019 out and ushering in the new year with our after-Christmas, Christmas-y movie fest:  The last holiday hurrah if you will…

We’ll be showing some of the holiday classics, along with some additional festive films.  All seating is reserved, and movie goers are encouraged to get tickets ahead of time. We’ll be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day so our staff can enjoy the holiday with their families.

MOVIE SCHEDULE:

THU, DEC 26

The Polar Express (G) 10:00 AM

White Christmas (1954) 1:00PM

Elf (PG) 4:00 PM

White Christmas (1954) 7:00PM

SAT, DEC 28

It’s A Wonderful Life (PG) 10 AM

SUN, DEC 29

It’s A Wonderful Life (PG) 1 PM

Scrooge (PG) 4 PM

Elf (PG) 7 PM

MON, DEC 30

A Christmas Story (PG) 10 AM

A Christmas Story (PG) 1 PM

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) 4 PM

The Polar Express (G) 7 PM

TUE, DEC 31

Harry Potter and the Scorceror’s Stone (PG) 10 AM

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (R) 1:30 PM

Lethal Weapon (R) 4:00 PM

Love Actually (R) 7:00 PM

THU, JAN 2

Harry Potter and the Scorceror’s Stone (PG) 10 AM

Love Actually (R) 1:30 PM

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (R) 5:00 PM

Lethal Weapon (R) 7:30 PM

FRI, JAN 3

Harry Potter and the Scorceror’s Stone (PG) 10:00 AM

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (R) 1:30 PM

Lethal Weapon (R) 4:00 PM

Love Actually (R) 7:00 PM

CLICK FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND TICKETS