The Franklin Civic Operetta Association has scheduled a full slate of entertainment for this year at the Barrow- Civic Theatre in Franklin. Its 2017 season of shows includes titles like “The Great Gatsby,” “Young Frankenstein,” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Blithe Spirit,” Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” and “Handel’s Messiah.”
“The Great Gatsby” — 7:30 p.m. March 10-11, 17-18; 2 p.m. March 19; school shows March 16
Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed, and danger. The breathtaking glamor and decadent excess of the Jazz Age come to the stage in Simon Levy’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel.
“Young Frankenstein” — 7:30 p.m. April 28-29, May 5-6; 2 p.m. May 7
“It’s alive!” — The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave the audience in stitches. “Young Frankenstein” is scientificallyproven good entertainment, and the only
place people will witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment in the largest tuxedo ever made.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” — 7:30 p.m. June 16-17, 23-24; 2 p.m. June 18, 25
Beauty and the Beast is a “tale as old as time” that continues to capture the hearts of generations around the world. Nominated for nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, the Disney film turned international sensation has played to over 35 million people in 13 countries. With breathtaking costumes and staging, visitors will “be our guest” for this timeless love story told like never before.
“Blithe Spirit” — 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11-12, 18-19; 2 p.m. Aug. 20
Novelist Charles Condomine conducts a séance with the help of an eccentric medium, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he becomes haunted by the ghost of his temperamental first wife, Elvira, who attempts to disrupt his current marriage to Ruth. This hilarious Noël Coward comedy tests the familiar notion of “till death do us part.”
Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29-30, Oct. 5-7; 2 p.m. Oct. 1
The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring enchanting songs and a colorful cast, “Willy Wonka” is a scrumdidilyumptious musical, guaranteed to delight.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-9; 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10
This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life, one fateful Christmas Eve.
“Handel’s Messiah” — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15
Celebrate the holidays with FCOA’s biennial holiday production of one of classical music’s most cherished works. Handel’s Messiah captivates with iconic refrains from “Comfort ye, my people” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
A LITTLE HISTORY: The Barrow-Civic Theatre is home to the Franklin Civic Operetta Association, an organization that began in 1959 when a group of seven local theater buffs had a vision of expanding the cultural status and appreciation of the arts in the region. From humble beginnings on a concrete slab along Route 8 that served as its very first stage, to its own premier performance venue that is the Barrow-Civic Theatre, the association’s mission remains: to provide leadership and education in cultural development and performing arts to the region, striving to create a legacy of quality entertainment by tapping the resources of all age groups, and encouraging the pursuit of artistic talents. In 2016, more than 16,000 people attended events at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, which was an increase of almost 2,000 from the year before. Visitors were not only local to the area, but the entire western Pennsylvania region, from Erie to Pittsburgh to State College, as well as out-of-state visitors from New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Youth theater
Now in its 24th year of successful operation, the Barrow-Civic Theatre continues to offer events and programs for many different ages and interests. Franklin Civic Operetta Association Youth Theatre starts off this year with its production of “Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, with school shows on Thursday, Feb. 16.
More entertainment…Off-Barrow’s “Liberty Cabaret Returns: Greatest Hits” will be held in the Little Theatre at 7:30 p.m. February 2-3 and 9-11. Keeping It Real Cabaret Lounge, a series of monthly Friday evening events, continues this year starting at 8 p.m. today with local performers, appetizers and a cash bar in the Little Theater. Concerts and special events of the year include The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue on Saturday, Jan. 28, The third annual B&B Dinner Theatre on March 3, O’Malley’s Irish Pub by Enchante’ Cabaret on March 24-25, The third annual Beerfest at the Barrow on May 13, The River City Boys: Songs of the Statler Brothers on July 22, Phil Keaggy in Concert on July 30, David and Terri Lisa Church on Sept. 1, The Country Jamboree on Nov. 1 and more. For tickets or more information about events or programs, people may visit the Barrow-Civic Theatre at 1223 Liberty St. in Franklin, call the box office at 437- 3400, or visit www.barrowtheatre.com.
