Franklin Theatre 10th Anniversary Delivered Showstopping Night of Entertainment
Franklin Theatre announced the naming of The David W. Garrett Green Room and The Emily A. Magid Auditorium
FRANKLIN, TN (August 9, 2021) – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, the parent company of The Franklin Theatre, celebrated the theatre’s 10th anniversary with two showstopping acts produced by Matt Logan including performances of iconic songs by Piper Jones, Laura Matula, John-Mark McGaha, Libby Nevins and Patrick Thomas.
Through the power of dynamic sound and visuals produced by Matt Logan Productions and the premiere of the theater’s mini-documentary film produced by Stonecastle Pictures, guests relived the last 84 years of the theater’s storied history combined with a glimpse of what’s to come for the future of the theater.
Sponsored by Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson), the event featured some of Franklin’s most beloved talent performing songs giving a nod to the theatre that was fondly known as “Home of First Kisses.” Home was the theme that ran throughout the evening which was kicked off with Patrick Thomas’ rendition of Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, the first song performed on the stage in the production of Guys and Dolls during the inaugural reopening season of 2011.
Other hits performed include Kansas City, Loving You, Somewhere Over the Rainbow/When you Wish/As Time Goes By, Hooked on a Feeling, Minnie the Moocher and others. The evening was topped off with a Hamilton Medley.
Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN President & CEO Bari Beasley joined Chairman of The Heritage Foundation Board David Garrett in welcoming the audience, providing historical perspective and future insight on the Franklin Theatre and thanked contributors and Jackson National Life Insurance Company for sponsoring the evening.
During the celebration, The David W. Garrett Green Room and The Emily A. Magid Auditorium were officially christened at the Franklin Theatre in recognition of the leadership and support by Mr. Garrett and Ms. Magid for more than a decade.
The Franklin Theatre opened its doors for the first time during the summer of 1937 when the marquee first illuminated Main Street. Moviegoers enjoyed fresh popcorn, afternoon matinees and walked away with a lifetime of memories.
Throughout the next 70 years, The Franklin Theatre stood as a testament to a simpler way of life. Time eventually took its toll on the venerable movie house, and the doors closed in 2007 under the pressing of rising rents and the trend toward mega-theaters.
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County couldn’t allow Main Street’s crown jewel to cease to shine, so the nonprofit preservation organization stepped in to buy and rehabilitate the historic landmark. After three years of work – and an investment of more than $8 million – the historic Franklin Theatre re-emerged better than ever.
This 10th Anniversary Celebration is the key fundraiser for the theater in this year of post-pandemic recovery with proceeds supporting the ongoing mission of The Franklin Theatre, which is a nonprofit, community-focused theater destined to create lasting memories through the power of the arts.
*More event photos below.
ABOUT THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has been dedicated to preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage as well as promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. The Foundation brings county history to about 3,000 school children each year through the Heritage Classroom program as well as walking tours of downtown Franklin. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, Pumpkinfest and Dickens of a Christmas bring hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, the Downtown Franklin Association, and the organization’s newest division and current restoration project, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.
ABOUT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE
Following a complete restoration by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County in 2011, the historic Franklin Theatre (Est. 1937), re-opened its doors as a state-of-the-art live music venue featuring performances by world-renowned artists. The theatre also honors its heritage by continuing to show movies. The Theatre’s mission is to provide world-class, diverse performing arts experiences to residents and visitors alike and to be a platform for local philanthropic engagement and education, all delivered with unparalleled guest service.
For more information about The Franklin Theatre, visit www.franklintheatre.com.
ABOUT JACKSON
Jackson® is committed to helping clarify the complexity of retirement planning—for you and your clients. Our range of annuity products, financial know-how, history of award-winning service and streamlined experiences strive to reduce the confusion that complicates your clients’ plans. We believe by providing clarity for all today, we can help drive better outcomes for tomorrow. For more information on Jackson, visit www.jackson.com.
