April Brings Showers, Flowers, and the Powers of Magical Theater

While Spring tries desperately to bring warmer temperatures to eradicate the snow and foster new growth, Franklin Footlight Theatre shall endeavor to tickle funny-bones and induce introspection with a bevy of theatrical beauties in the form of five one act plays. Friday April 10 and Saturday April 11 at 7:30 PM, and a third show on Sunday April 12 at 2 PM, the Franklin Opera House (inside Franklin City Hall, 316 Central St.) will part its curtain to reveal four comedies and a drama debuting the directorial talents of Annette Andreozzi, Robbie LaPlante,  John Masse, and showcasing the veteran abilities of Ryan Clark and Leigh Webb. The talented ensemble cast includes Summer McGaffigan, Benjamin Heath, Saige Granger, Denise Steadman, Kristine Snow, Jack Finley, Spencer Costigan, Joshua Bradley, Tia Turgeon, Wendy DeSousa, Meaghan Corning, Karielle Anzaldi, Cricket Basha, Sue Bitteto, Rebecca Turmel, Selena Durette, Sheri Collins, Jule Finley, Cameron Brand, and Vince Ribas.

The offerings differ considerably in tone, with Void,  by Donald Tongue, being esoterically and cerebrally tongue-in-cheek.  Accused of Comedy, by Carl L. Williams, relying heavily on clever puns and a touch of slapstick. Find Me, by Dennis Bush, is a thought-provoking drama of insight and revelation. General Hurtspital, by Franklin resident, Leigh Webb, satirically sending up serial soaps and their attendant day-time commercials.  The Real Problem, by Bruce Kane, aiming its comical message at a female audience in tune with the collected works of Shakespeare, somewhat at the expense of men.  Accused of Comedy and Find Me produced by special arrangement with Brooklyn Publishers, LLC.

Behind the scenes, Sue Bitteto, once again put her considerable expertise to work gathering and creating props, Mark Bitteto shines as Stage Manager, Ryan Clark, not only doubles as House Manager, but shot and edited video footage for General Hurtspital. Dan Darling is on lights, Chelsea Proulx and Jack Finley are helping out with sound, and Annette Andreozzi created costumes for The Real Problem.

Tickets are $12., with seniors and students discounted to $10.. Tickets may  be purchased online at the Franklin Opera House web site, franklinoperahouse.org,, by making arrangements with the box office via telephone, 934-1901, or, of course, at the door prior to a performance. Please indicate when making advance purchases if a wheelchair will need to be accommodated. All performances are open seating, “first come, first served”.

Celebrate spring with a heaping helping of comedy and drama at the venerable Franklin Opera House in April!