March 10
The Franklin Theatre Launches Phased Reopening for 2021
Beginning with small, private rental events, theater now looking to bring back live entertainment, movies and hybrid live-streamed shows that conform to current COVID restrictions
FRANKLIN, TN (March 10, 2020) – After going dark to public performances last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, parent organization of The Franklin Theatre, is excited to announce the theater’s phased reopening plan for 2021.
Currently the theater is open for private rentals, including Monday nights through April where another local non-profit, Studio Tenn, is hosting its popular virtual talk show: Studio Tenn Talks: Conversations with Patrick Cassidy. In addition, as part of its mission to be a platform for local philanthropy, The Franklin Theatre is currently working in partnership with local video production companies and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) to provide an opportunity for non-profits to film affordable promotional videos to support their participation in The Big Payback, CFMT’s annual 24-hour giving event that kicks off on Wednesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.
The current reopening plan, which will be modified as needed based on any future COVID-related restrictions, will bring back limited-capacity weekend movies, limited-capacity plus livestream performances through June. Until the state guidelines indicate otherwise, the theater’s capacity is approximately 75 guests, which accounts for adequate social distancing.
Beginning in July, the theater will begin presenting movies and live performances with increasing regularity and possible increased capacity. The Franklin Theatre will continue to follow the governor’s Tennessee Pledge and CDC guidelines and update reopening plans as needed.
The theater’s box office will reopen with limited hours beginning on Friday, March 12, in time for Sandi Patty’s ticket on-sale date. The box office’s limited hours will run through April and will be 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to new shows going on sale over the next several weeks, many 2021-2022 shows are currently on sale.
- Sandi Patty (Limited Capacity & Livestream) – Saturday, May 8 | 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Deborah Allen (Limited Capacity & Livestream) – Saturday, June 5 | 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. – ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 2
- The Isaacs – Friday, July 9 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- James Gregory – Saturday, July 10 | 8 p.m. – ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 2
- Jeff Allen – Thursday, July 15 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- Larry Carlton – Saturday, July 17 | 8 p.m. – ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 9
- Farewell Angelina – Thursday, July 29 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- John Ford Coley, Billy Dean & Tom Wurth – Backgrounds and Bridges Acoustic Tour – Thursday, August 5 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- Allie Colleen – Friday, August 6 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- Henry Cho – Saturday, August 14 | 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- Gary Puckett & The Union Gap – Thursday, August 19 & Friday, August 20 | 8 p.m. – ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 16
- David Wilcox – Saturday, August 21 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
- BJ Thomas – Friday, August 27 & Saturday, August 28 | 8 p.m. – CURRENTLY ON SALE
“We are emerging from an incredibly challenging season for The Franklin Theatre,” said Heritage Foundation COO Meg Hershey. “While we had to temporarily close the doors to public events, we are diligently working behind the scenes to reschedule some of the amazing programming that was planned for last year. We couldn’t be more excited about getting this cherished venue back open to continue its mission, bringing inspiring arts and entertainment experiences to our community.”
Hershey went on to say that surviving an unprecedented season which left the theater with very few options for programming has been nothing short of challenging.
“This theater has been sustained by the community’s embrace of underwritten marquee messages, limited small group private rental events and through the commitment of corporate sponsors and donors of the nonprofit Heritage Foundation and its division The Franklin Theatre,” she said.
The Heritage Foundation is also making plans for a 10th anniversary celebration later this year to commemorate 10 years since the theater’s restoration and grand re-opening.
October 9
“Whodunnit!” – The Mafia Experience
Audience participation encouraged at Mafia-themed show…
Backlight Productions, a theater arts program for adults with special needs, will host a mass interactive game experience based on the classic “whodunnit” party game, Mafia, at the Franklin Theatre.
The game will be led by Backlight actors performing alongside professional actors, and will also include audience participants as they seek to weed out the guilty amongst the innocent.
Audience members can choose to be interactive participants or observers, and all levels of tickets can be purchased HERE. It’s sure to be the perfect event for anyone looking to do something fun and unique.
The Mafia Experience will be held on Oct. 27 from 6-9 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.
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
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