New Professional Theatre Company with a Focus on Local Community Building to Launch with “Twelve Angry Jurors” this Month
Franklin Theatre Fellowship, a semi-professional theatre company with a new vision for the performing arts in Franklin, TN is launching with an inaugural production this month. Our mission is to bring human beings together through the shared experience of live theatre. We strive to bring the kind of arts programming to our city that not only entertains an audience with excellence, but also challenges all of us to be a better community. We believe that the telling of stories and the sharing of laughter, tears, songs, or powerful words help us understand one another more fully. Our productions also include good old-fashioned southern hospitality– with local snacks and beverages lovingly offered free of charge. We also provide an opportunity for thoughtful conversation with our cast, director, and your fellow audience members after each performance. In an era of loneliness, isolation, bitterness, and division we need this kind of interaction more than ever. Welcome to FTF… make yourself at home.” FTF is the vision of Managing Artistic Director Melanie Sutton, and co-founder and executive producer Ben Gregg. Both are longtime Nashville & Williamson county residents with a love for the area and a desire to showcase excellent local professional actors and venues in creating high-quality shows – both old and new- that serve the community they love.
In their inaugural production, FTF presents a new production of Twelve Angry Jurors, the classic drama by Reginald Rose. Originally presented in the mid- 1950’s as a ground-breaking teleplay and Oscar-nominated film, Twelve Angry Men, the story centers around a diverse group of New Yorkers seated on the jury of a murder trial. A troubled teenage boy from a rough background is sentenced to life without parole for the murder of his father. As deliberations unfold, we begin to realize that sometimes “the facts can be colored by the personalities of the people who present them.” Oftentimes justice isn’t blind. The play is a powerful character-study, as well as a thought-provoking look at the beauties and flaws of the American democratic process, and our collective journey toward “truth.” Through the vision of award-winning director Melanie Sutton, this talented cast of local professional actors brings audiences to the edge of their seats. Frought with tension and emotional depth, this is one drama that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. Get your tickets for the limited 4-show run at the Roy E. Barberi Theatre in Cool Springs July 18-20th. Box Office: our.show/ftfjurors
Cast:
Foreman – Phil Fitzgerald Juror 2 – McEwen Baker
Juror 3 – Ben Gregg
Juror 4 – Rebecca Harding Juror 5 – Seneca Lillard
Juror 6 – Matthew Norvin Smith Juror 7 – Austin Correll
Juror 8 – Kay Ayers
Juror 9 – RJ Comer
Juror 10 – Brad Morgan
Juror 11 – Dan Kassis
Juror 12 – Will Henke
The Guard – Patricyonna Rogers
Creative Team:
Director – Melanie Sutton
Executive Producer – Ben Gregg Stage Manager – Annika Drury
Set Design – Jim Manning
Lighting Design – Samantha Weiser
