Concert goers show enthusiasm for the music, acoustics, and opportunity to enjoy a live performance in the comfortable ambiance of the Franco Center. The new 2026-27 season will see repeats of this type of audience reaction, according to France Center staff. Photo credit: Franco Center photo archive.
LEWISTON— Nestled in the heart of Lewiston’s historic Little Canada neighborhood, Franco Center stands as a vibrant celebration of Franco-American culture, community, and the performing arts. Housed inside the beautifully restored former St. Mary’s Church, the Franco Center continues to bring people together through unforgettable entertainment, cultural programming, and shared experiences.
The Franco Center will launch its 2026-27 performance season with Best of Broadway 2 on Sept. 11, 12, and 13. This high-energy musical revue features unforgettable songs from more than 20 beloved Broadway productions, performed by a cast and crew of more than 30 talented performers. Audiences will experience dazzling costumes, dynamic choreography, powerhouse vocals, and beloved music from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Wicked, Hamilton, Cabaret, Rent, Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma!, and many more.
“This production captures the excitement, emotion, and spectacle that make Broadway so magical,” said Jake Hodgkin, production manager of the Franco Center. “Whether you’re a lifelong theater fan or experiencing these songs for the first time, audiences are going to leave energized and inspired.”
On Sept. 27, local favorites Breau Miller West (BMW) will perform in a matinee show. The trio of celebrated Maine musicians — Denny Breau, Mark Miller, and Arlo West — will fill Performance Hall with a blend of musicianship, storytelling, and crowd-favorite songs.
Oct. 10 brings Studio Two: The Beatles Tribute Band to the Franco Center stage. Recreating the sound, look, instruments, and infectious charm of the early Beatles era, Studio Two delivers a nostalgic concert experience that has audiences singing and dancing along to classic hits.
“People don’t just sit and watch these shows — they become part of the experience,” Theresa Shanahan, executive director of the Franco Center said. “From singing along to dancing in the aisles, this season is all about creating joyful memories together.”
Returning Nov. 14 — and again in July 2027 — Dueling Pianos transforms the Lower Level Heritage Hall into an interactive party unlike anything else. With audience seating surrounding the performers, guests can sing along, request songs, clap, dance, and laugh the night away as two talented pianists perform everything from rock and pop to country classics and party anthems.
The holiday season begins Dec. 18 with the Plush Christmas Concert, featuring a powerhouse 10-piece ensemble delivering festive favorites, soaring vocals, and vibrant holiday energy.
On Dec. 19, guests can celebrate the season with a twist during the Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Show. Presented by Mystery for Hire, the interactive evening combines comedy, suspense, audience participation, and dinner for a one-of-a-kind holiday outing.
The excitement continues into 2027 with a lineup packed with music, comedy, theater, and cultural performances.
On Feb. 13, nationally recognized Rod Stewart tribute artist Rick Larrimore brings the legendary singer’s unmistakable sound and swagger to the Franco Center stage for a night of iconic hits and high-energy entertainment.
March 27 features Crowned28, a fast-paced live concert experience starring Jordan Quinn, joined by Aysa Carnucci and Mariah Delage. Through stunning costume transformations and vocal versatility, the performers channel legendary artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Lady Gaga.
Popular comedian Juston McKinney returns in April by audience request, bringing his signature New England humor and relatable storytelling back to Lewiston. Widely known for appearances on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and Amazon Prime stand-up specials, McKinney remains a fan favorite throughout the region.
A new theater dinner production, to be announced, will take the stage April 23-25.
On May 22, internationally acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute artist Patrick Tobin will transport audiences back to the golden age of classic entertainment with timeless standards and interactive showmanship celebrating Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
In June, if all goes as planned according to Shanahan, award-winning Québécois folk trio Genticorum will bring more than two decades of internationally celebrated traditional music to the Franco Center stage with spirited performances rooted in French-Canadian culture.
Summer festivities arrive July 10 with the Franco Center’s outdoor Summer Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy a bounce house, dunk tank, food, drinks, lawn activities, and live entertainment while relaxing with lawn chairs and picnic blankets outside the historic venue.
The season wraps up Aug. 7 with hypnotist Frank Santos Jr., whose wildly interactive and hilarious R-rated show transforms audience volunteers into the stars of the evening.
La Rencontre will also return with three special events throughout the season in December, March, and June, blending French culture, food, language, music, and entertainment into immersive community gatherings.
“La Rencontre has become one of the most meaningful ways we celebrate and share Franco heritage with the community,” Shanahan said. “These events are warm, welcoming, and filled with music, conversation, laughter, and incredible food.”
Returning Nov. 1 is the community-based Fiddle-icious orchestra, led by master fiddler Don Roy and pianist Cindy Roy. The orchestra performs traditional tunes, songs, and dances rooted in Scottish, Irish, Québécois, and Acadian traditions.
In addition to Franco Center-produced programming, the venue continues to host concerts, weddings, business events, and community gatherings throughout the year.
“The Franco Center is more than a performance venue — it’s a gathering place where history, culture, and community come alive,” Shanahan said. “Every event this season was chosen to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy of live entertainment.”
The Lower Level Heritage Hall, featuring a stage, dance floor, and flexible event space, has become a popular location for weddings, parties, and business functions. Upstairs, the former sanctuary has been beautifully restored as Performance Hall and offers excellent acoustics and comfortable seating ideal for concerts, theater productions, and special events.
“The energy inside this building is truly special,” Shanahan said. “Whether someone is visiting for the first time or has supported us for years, we want every person who walks through our doors to feel welcomed, entertained, and connected.”
Tickets may be purchased in person during box office hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, online at Franco Center, or by phone at 207-689-2000. According to Susan Spellman, box office manager, new ticket packages will be available before the new season. “The pricing should make tickets more affordable for our community,” said Spellman.
The Franco Center is handicap accessible through its elevator entrance on the Lincoln Street alley side of the building. Parking is available in the mill lot on Oxford Street. The venue is located at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston.
