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Broadway Stars Jessica Grové and Ben Davis to Lead Studio Tenn's "The Sound of Music" Cast

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT FRANKLINTHEATRE.COM FOR MAY 31-JUNE 17 PERFORMANCES

Studio Tenn Theatre Company has announced complete casting for their upcoming musical production, "The Sound of Music," running May 31-June 17 at the historic 300-seat Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. In leading roles are Broadway stars Jessica Grové as Maria and Ben Davis as Captain Von Trapp.

Grové has starred on Broadway in "Les Miserables" (Eponine), "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (Miss Dorothy), "A Little Night Music" (Mrs. Anderson) and "Sunday in the Park with George" (Celeste). She also starred as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" at Madison Square Garden with Mickey Rooney and Ertha Kitt. Last month, Jessica played Cinderella in the third annual ShowHope benefit production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella", directed and designed by Matt Logan and featuring Jake Speck of Studio Tenn at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony.

Ben Davis has starred on Broadway in some of the same shows, including "Les Miserables" (Javert), Thoroughly Modern Millie" (Trevor Graydon), "A Little Night Music" (Mr. Lindquist), "Knickerbocker Holiday" (Brom Broeck) and Baz Luhrmann's "La Boheme" (Marcello).

Other principal cast members include Nan Gurley as the Mother Abbess, Marguerite Lowell Hall as the Baroness, Matthew Carlton as Uncle Max, and recent Belmont University graduates Kelsey Self and Douglas Waterbury-Tieman as Liesl and Rolf. Portraying the rest of the Von Trapp children are seven of Tennessee's most talented young actors, including Jack Alcott as Friedrich, Annabelle Fox as Louisa, Mary Marguerite Hall as Brigitta, Matthew Dyra as Kurt, Virginia Richardson as Marta and Bella Higginbotham as Gretel.

The cast will be rounded out with some of the region's best actors and singers, including such Nashville main-stays as Shelean Newman, David Compton, Emily Webb, Melodie Madden Adams and Linda Sue Simmons Runyeon. Studio Tenn Managing Director Jake Speck will serve as Executive Producer and the company's Artistic Director Matt Logan will design and direct. The production will be choreographed by Emily Tello, Chris Rayis will serve as Music Director/Conductor and Laura Matula will vocal direct.

Studio Tenn's production of "The Sound of Music" runs Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 17 at the Franklin Theatre. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets are on sale now at the Franklin Theatre Box Office (615) 538-2076 or online at FranklinTheatre.com. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. To inquire about group accommodations, pleaseemail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on Studio Tenn and to view the official "Sound of Music" teaser, please visit StudioTenn.com .

Originally built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3, 2011 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. More information is available online at F ranklinTheatre.com.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT:

Leah Dennison, Communications Manager
The Franklin Theatre
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(615) 538-2079
*High-resolution photos and logos available upon request

Published in Local News

Main Street Festival this Saturday & Sunday

29th annual downtown event features 200 artisans, crafters, two stages, two carnivals, lots of food

Downtown Franklin’s 29th annual Main Street Festival is April 28-29, featuring more than 200 artisans & crafters, two stages, two carnivals and a couple dozen food trucks to round out a full weekend of fun on one of America’s favorite Main Streets.

Hours for the free street festival are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, with the Fourth Avenue Street Dance continuing until 10 p.m., and all activities re-opening noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The area of the festival is Main Street from First Avenue to Fifth Avenue, and including portions of Third and Fourth Avenues with a carnival on N. Margin Street.

New Shuttle Service Offered

Presented by First Tennessee and produced by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and the Downtown Franklin Association, the weekend event is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.

To help manage traffic, a new feature of the event is a shuttle service offered by the Franklin Transit Authority, with free parking at Harlinsdale Park on Franklin Road and at The People’s Church on Murfreesboro Road. Shuttle rides to the event are $1 for adults and 50 cents for children and seniors. Both sites will operate on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.; only the Harlinsdale site will operate on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Major sponsors include Chrysler/Dodge, Williamson Medical Center, Erie Insurance, Publix Super Markets, The Grove, and The City of Franklin, with supporting sponsors Fox 17, Clear Channel Radio, The Tennessean/Williamson A.M., BlueSky Journeys, Yelp, Schroder Chiropractic, Hammerstahl, Summerwinds Resorts, and FranklinIs.

Entertainment Schedule:
Saturday, April 28
First Tennessee Stage
9:30 a.m. – B. W. & Company, Dixieland Strollers
9:50 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting
10 a.m. - Ann Carroll School of Dance
11:30 – Columbia State Community College showcase
Noon - Centennial High School Chorus
1p.m. - In Motion Dance Company
2 p.m. – Franklin School of Performing Arts
3 p.m. - Williamson County Community Band
4:45 p.m. Hinckley Brothers

4th Ave Stage
10 a.m. – Kristin Butke School of Irish Dance
11 a.m. – Freedom Elementary “Hot Shots” Jump Rope Team
11:30 a.m. - Moore Elementary “Eagle Jump Force” Jump Rope Team
Noon – Oak View Jump Rope Team
1 p.m. – Bluegrass
2 p.m. – Kelsey Muse
3 p.m. – Williamson County Fair Showcase
3:30 p.m. – Tommy Jackson’s Rocky Top Revue
5 p.m. – Peter Pandemic
6:30 p.m. – 10 Most Wanted
8:30 – 10 p.m.- Make Me Smile

Beer/Wine Tent
11 a.m. – 10 p.m. D.J. Entertainment

Sunday, April 29

First Tennessee Stage
Noon - Calling Glory
2:00 – Anthony Burnhouser
4:00 – Sugar Lime Blues

4th Avenue North Stage
12:30 - Vizcaya
2:30 – Roux du Bayou
4:30 – Reggae Infinity

Beer/Wine Tent
Noon – 6 p.m. D.J. Entertainment

Also--Saturday entertainment on the Red House stage including The Chill Band at 2:45.

For the festival map, click here

The Main Street Festival is produced by The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and it division, the Downtown Franklin Association. Proceeds from the event are used to fulfill the mission of the organization, which is to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation.

The Main Street Festival is located in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tenn., exit No. 65 from I-65, three miles west to the Public Square.

For more information, see www.historicfranklin.com or www.downtownfranklintn.com call 615-591-8500.

Published in Local News

WCS high school graduation times, dates set

Williamson County high schools will bid farewell to the Class of 2012 next month. As always, each high school will hold a special graduation ceremony to mark this monumental occasion. Below are the dates, locations and times for each event.

Brentwood High	Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m.	Lipscomb University (Allen Arena)
Centennial High	Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m.	Lipscomb University (Allen Arena)
Fairview High	Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m.	Williamson County Ag Expo Park
Franklin High	Saturday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m.	Lipscomb University (Allen Arena)
Independence High	Saturday, May 26 at 4 p.m.	Williamson County Ag Expo Park
Middle College High	Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m.	People's Church of Franklin
Page High	Saturday, May 26 at 9 a.m.	Williamson County Ag Expo Park
Ravenwood High	Saturday, May 26 at 11 a.m.	Belmont University (Curb Center)

Published in Education

Adult indoor soccer leagues registering

Registration is now open for Williamson County Parks and Recreation’s adult soccer leagues at the Robert A. Ring Indoor Soccer Arena, 1878 Downs Blvd., in Franklin. A coed league will play on Wednesday nights beginning May 16, and the team registration fee of $400 is due by May 2.

Men’s and women’s leagues start June 4, and a team registration fee ($400) is due by May 22. Women will play on Monday and Thursday nights; men will play on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Registration for adult soccer leagues is first-come, first served. Players must be 18 years old to participate. For more information, call Joseph Leray at (615) 790-5792.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For more information about the facilities and programs of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Published in Soccer

Registration dates set for 'Round the World' summer camps

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The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department is ready to jump into summer with “’Round the World!” This seven-week day camp of adventure, education, athletics, creativity and entertainment is offered Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., June 4 through July 20 (no camp on July 4), for youth ages 5 to 12. (Children must be 6 by September 30, 2012 and cannot be 13 before June 4, 2012.)

Fully staffed camps are held at six elementary schools throughout Williamson County to accommodate an average of 1,500 participating children. Parents may choose a camp location from the following elementary schools: Grassland, Hunters Bend, Lipscomb, Nolensville, Bethesda and Fairview.

Various registration dates and sites coordinate with the school/camp locations of the parent’s choice. All registration is first come-first served and will close when programs are full. Parents can save time by downloading and completing all required forms from www.wcparksandrec.com prior to the registration session.

Registration for the Hunters Bend and Grassland Elementary sites is on Monday, April 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until full) at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road.

Registration for the Lipscomb and Nolensville sites is on Wednesday, May 2 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until full), also at the Franklin Recreation Complex.

If openings are still available for the Hunters Bend, Grassland, Lipscomb or Nolensville sites after Wednesday, May 2, registration will continue at the Franklin Recreation Complex on Friday, May 4 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until all available spots have been filled. Please call ahead to confirm availability: (615) 790-5719, ext. 38.

Registration for the Bethesda site is on Tuesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until full) at the Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Drive.

Registration for the Fairview site is Tuesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fairview Recreation Complex, 2714 Fairview Blvd.

To be eligible for the summer camp program, parents or legal guardians of all campers must live or work in Williamson County and must register in person during the designated times at the locations listed.

Camp fees are $17 per day, per child, with a one-time registration fee of $25 each. Parents are required to pay the registration fee and for at least three days of camp fees per child at the time of registration. Campers may then pay as they go; may purchase multi-day units or “block days” to use whenever they wish; or may receive a discount when purchasing the entire seven weeks up front for $510 for the first camper (a savings of $85) and $450 for each additional camper (an extra savings of $60).

Financial assistance is available, if needed, for Williamson County residents or Williamson County Government employees. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 30 to request a financial aid application or download the forms at www.wcparksandrec.com and follow submission instructions. The deadline for aid applications is Wednesday, April 18.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For more information about the facilities and programs of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Published in Family Life

TDOT halts interstate work for Easter holiday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all interstate construction work this Easter weekend in anticipation of increased holiday travel.

TDOT crews and contractors will stop all road construction work that requires lane closures beginning Thursday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 9 at 6:00 a.m. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to motorists expected to travel across the state this holiday weekend.

“Suspending interstate construction in Tennessee during the Easter holiday will permit a free flow of traffic,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This should lessen travel interruptions for the many motorists traveling on our roadways to spend time with their families this holiday weekend.”

Motorists will still encounter some long term lane closures on construction projects that will remain in place. While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on site in construction zones and reduced speed limits will still be in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits, especially in work zones, for their own safety. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.

Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. Smartphone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go!by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Published in Local News

Titans, state parks partner on youth fitness

Front Row (l-r) Tennessee Titans Executive Vice President Don MacLachlan, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau; Back Row (l-r) Department of Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner, Titans Third-Year Tight End Jared Cook and Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill.

NFL Play60 Campaign Encourages Young People to Lead Healthy Lifestyles

Nashville – This spring Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Titans are partnering in a number of unique ways as part of the NFL Play60 effort, encouraging kids to stay active, eat healthy and become more physically fit – all while enjoying one of Tennessee’s great 53 state parks.

Tennessee is the first state park system to participate in the NFL Play60 campaign, which features outreach into local schools and communities to engage children with messages and activities that promote outdoor experiences, the natural world, healthy lifestyles and fun.

The Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State Parks joined Gov. Bill Haslam for a visit to LP Field, in recognition of the NFL Play60 campaign and its success in promoting healthy lifestyles among Tennessee’s youth.

“I want to thank Gov. Haslam, the Tennessee Titans and the Tennessee Department of Health for helping us educate communities and students on the importance of staying fit and healthy,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “The NFL Play60 campaign has been a great success for Tennessee and a perfect partnership for Tennessee State Parks and all they have to offer. We also appreciate the Titans’ own Jared Cook helping out with our celebration today.”

A highlight of the local NFL Play60 project includes 30 school visits planned throughout the state, pairing T-Rac, the Tennessee Titans award-winning mascot, with Ramble the Raccoon, Tennessee State Parks’ own beloved mascot. The school program is action-packed, with a host and a uniformed Tennessee State Parks’ ranger on hand and includes interactive video footage set up to resemble a live “remote” with Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak and several of the Titans players.

The program also includes a video of T-Rac and Ramble visiting several Tennessee State Parks, as they hike, rappel, bike, canoe and fish. At the end of each visit, T-Rac hands out autographed cards that promote Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger programs, engaging students to remain committed to being physically fit throughout the summer months and to sign up for one of the many opportunities offered by state parks.

The Titans will be taking the “show on the road” beginning April 30 through May 11, as part of this year’s annual Titans Caravan.

“My friend Ramble the Raccoon has always loved the great outdoors and staying active, but he needs to Play 60 in Tennessee State Parks to make sure he’s staying healthy and in shape,” said T-Rac. “With a little encouragement from me and several of my Titans friends, Ramble has hit the trails harder and stronger. He is committed to losing 75 pounds this spring and summer – all in conjunction with Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, which they celebrate this year. I encourage everyone to join Ramble on his ‘get fit’ quest and visit a Tennessee state park near you!”

Support for Tennessee State Parks’ ongoing efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles among the state’s youth is due, in part, to a Project Diabetes grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Health. The grant addresses childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor health indicators through a variety of statewide programs.

“As children have become more inactive, childhood obesity and diabetes continue to rise,” Martineau said. “Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger programs are working to help reverse these trends, while providing fun and educational opportunities.”

In addition to the Titans NFL Play60 partnership, another function of the Project Diabetes grant is Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger programs, which work to help children find their own connection with nature, emphasizing fun, interactive exploration – while becoming more active and developing healthier lifestyle habits. In 2011, the program was piloted at 12 state parks. This year, more than 400 Junior Ranger programs will be held from May to September at all 53 state parks, attracting nearly 10,000 participants. An adventure guide that details Tennessee State Parks’ various Junior Ranger programs can be found at www.tnjuniorranger.com.

This year, Tennessee State Parks will unveil several more components as part of the Tennessee Department of Health’s Project Diabetes grant, including a state park passport program and a family challenge.

In addition to the Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State Parks, other partnerships and programs include the Dairy Council’s Fuel Up to Play 60 program and the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Life.

Published in Health and Fitness

Signs warn parents: Don't be a party to teen drinking

Students in Ravenwood High School's Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS) program have a message for parents: take a stand against underage drinking.

The students are selling $5 yard signs that read "Parents who HOST lose the MOST... Don't be a party to teenage drinking, it's against the law."

Members of the STARS program say the idea behind the effort is to educate parents about the dangers of hosting inappropriate parties for teenagers.

Anyone interested in showing their support for this cause is asked to send $5 along with your name, address and neighborhood to Amanda Muniz at Ravenwood High (1724 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027) by March 28.

Ravenwood High School STARS members will deliver the sign to you on April 14.

Published in Education

High schools compete in 'Hunger Games' food drive

With the new movie Hunger Games set to open this weekend, Williamson County high school students are competing to see which school can collect the most food for the needy.

Students have been asked to bring in one can or box of nonperishable food items, which will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank

final day for the food drive is today. As of Wednesday, Brentwood High School had collected the most, with over 1,300 food items.

Published in Community Cares

Variety of senior programs at Franklin Rec

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites all area seniors to participate in a wide variety of ongoing programs at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road.

Senior programs are designed for residents age 55 and older (unless otherwise noted). For more information, contact Mary Clark at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or view the monthly newsletter at www.wcparksandrec.com. You may also receive up-to-date information by “liking” us on Facebook. Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. Some programs require pre-registration.

Aquamotion - Arthritic/Post Rehab Water Class

Is the pain of everyday living getting you down? Then join Heather Atkinson’s “Aquamotion” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. This class provides an opportunity for people with arthritis and post-rehab conditions to improve flexibility, coordination and muscle strength. No registration required. Please pay at the front desk before class! The fee is $2 for participants ages 55 and older and $3 for ages 54 and younger.

Power Tools

Nancy Rieves, a certified personal trainer, leads this group fitness class designed to increase strength and flexibility for independent living. Power Tools is for ages 55 and older, and no registration is required! Classes are held on ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, (skip 4/4) from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. The fee is $3 per class paid at the front desk. Wear comfortable clothes!

BOWLING

Seniors are invited to join Williamson County Parks and Recreation for drop-in bowling on Tuesday, April 3 and 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the Franklin Entertainment Center, 1200 Lakeview Dr. Enjoy bowling with friends without the obligation of a league. Games are $1, paid to the bowling center, and the fee includes shoes. For more information, contact Mary Clark at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25.

Potluck and BINGO

Seniors are invited to monthly potluck and bingo on Monday, April 16, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Meat and drinks will be provided, and participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Registration is required March 26-April 15. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. Please note: due to potluck preparations, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge for this event!