THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s own professional theater and music venue, has an exciting lineup of plays, musicals, concerts and more in 2023. 

2023 kicks off with the Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of The Wolves. Sarah DeLappe’s wildly popular play runs January 6-8. Directed by New York actress Ali Funkhouser, the all female-identifying cast of 10 is comprised of young professional artists, collegiate actors, and student apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The Wolves follows a girls indoor soccer team. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals. The play will feature soccer movement directed by Franklin’s Calen Frongillo. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Wolves tackles mature themes including characters in honest discussions about relationships, politics, death, and more. Because of its subject matter and strong language, it is not recommended for children. 

The following weekend, THE BLACK BOX will present “Viva Las Elvis” - a tribute concert celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite” featuring multi-award winning tribute artist Dan Fontaine & Memphis Sun Mafia Band on Saturday January 14 at 8:00pm. Dan Fontaine grew up in Massachusetts and was raised listening to the music of Elvis Presley. In 2014, Dan began performing his tribute to Elvis all over New England. He spent those years working his craft which aims to capture the energy, passion, and vocal prowess of The King. Dan is a gifted band leader, originally fronting Fellowship of The King and currently performing his newest tribute show, “Viva Las Elvis” feat. Memphis Sun Mafia Band.

On January 21, THE BLACK BOX is excited to present the 2023 debut of Electric Youth. Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more.

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA.