Let's Laugh Today - session on Jan 25

Begin the New Year with joyful laughter on Monday, January 25th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Linda and Bill leading a laughter yoga session

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. www.letslaughtoday.com. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

There will not be a session in Franklin in February.

Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Shakespeare’s Othello

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy Othello. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Performances are on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on January 24.
 

FPAC image for Othello event on Facebook

Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of the Moorish warrior Othello, his beloved Desdemona, and the insidious villain Iago is a gripping masterpiece that ranks among his greatest works. The edge-of-your-seat thriller is a passionate and powerful drama full of jealousy, betrayal and heartbreak. 

Aaron Andrade as Othello

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents a contemporary adaptation of Othello, directed by and starring Aaron Andrade in the title role.  

Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is FPAC’s 25th Season Premier Sponsor. 

Tickets are $24, with $15 Student Rush tickets available at the door 15 minutes prior to show time. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

FPAC Slates Open Auditions For Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Wednesday, January 27 at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.   

Auditions begin at 6 p.m. for ages 7-9 (very few roles available) and continue at 6:30 for ages 10-13 (very few roles available), 7:00 for teens ages 14 and older, and 7:45 for adults. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater song in the style of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. For more information, including a character breakdown, please visit www.FPAConline.com.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

 
FPAC will stage the under-the-sea spectacular on March 12-13 and March 19-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 

Based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the classic animated film, the enchanting blockbuster musical brings audiences into a magical ocean kingdom – home to mermaid Ariel, King Triton and a host of memorable characters, including Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab.   

When the beautiful and curious young mermaid falls for a handsome human, Prince Eric, in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, Disney’s  The Little Mermaid features the irresistible songs “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”  

FPAC presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid as part of the company’s 25th anniversary season. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

Dean College Leadership Lecture Series Announces 'Finest Hours' Team as Guest Speakers for March 3, 2016

The Finest Hours

Dean College is honored to host both the producer and the author of Walt Disney Pictures new epic THE FINEST HOURS for the Dean College Leadership Institute Leadership In Action Lecture Series on Thursday March 3, 2016. 

The Leadership Series offers a unique and interactive opportunity for students, alumni, and the local community to interact with today's business leaders. 

Acclaimed film producer Dorothy Aufiero will be joined by bestselling author Casey Sherman to discuss their incredible journey together from page to screen. THE FINEST HOURS is set for worldwide release beginning on January 29, 2016. The film chronicles the greatest Coast Guard rescue in American history in February, 1952 off Cape Cod and stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Eric Bana, Ben Foster and Holliday Grainger. THE FINEST HOURS was filmed entirely in Massachusetts.    

"We are thrilled to be joined by the creative forces behind this major motion picture," said Dr. Paula Rooney, President of Dean College. "Both Ms. Aufiero and Mr. Sherman work here in Massachusetts and the Dean College community looks forward to a memorable event as they discuss  the challenges and the triumphs behind their cinematic achievement."

Dorothy Aufiero has also developed several of the most memorable motion pictures ever filmed in Massachusetts including the Oscar winning The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, and the Oscar winning Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Aufiero also served as executive producer for the smash television hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

  

Casey Sherman is a national bestselling author of eight books including Search for the Strangler (about his re-investigation of the notorious Boston Strangler case), Bad Blood, Animal and Boston Strong. Sherman has also served as a guest analyst on CNN and FOX News. 

Mr. Sherman and Ms. Aufiero are currently working on a feature film project based on Boston Strong to star Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg of Lone Survivor fame. Production is expected to begin this spring. 

The speaking program will begin at 4 PM. in the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA on March  3, 2014. The program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit the Dean College website www.dean.edu.  

Behind the scenes preview can be seen here