Singer/actress Nora Franklin takes center stage at the Whitaker Black Box Theater for the final One Series event of the 2018-19 season on May 4.

Local audiences first encountered her amazing talent when she auditioned and starred as “Anna” in the Averitt Center’s 2013 production of "The King and I."

“The first show that I was ever cast in as a child was 'The King and I,'” remembered the multi-talented Franklin. “I was the youngest child of the King and my mother played Anna. It was wonderful how life turned around for me to play the part I looked up to my mom doing when I was young.”

Tickets for the general-admission performance, which begins at 7:30 p.m., are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They can be purchased in the box office at the Averitt Center main gallery (open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday), by calling (912) 212-2787 or online at averittcenterforthearts.org/performances-events.

Franklin’s considerable dramatic talent is consistently richly displayed. She uses a wide vocal range and distinctive style that sets her apart from the rest. The Michigan native played also played Violet Newstead in "9 to 5: The Musical" and Jesse in "'night Mother."

She worked professionally in Atlanta at The Alliance Theater in the title role of the snow queen and was on tour across the country as the witch in "Hansel and Gretel." Also, she has performed professionally on Hilton Head Island in dinner theater as well as Ruth Condomine in "Blithe Spirit." 

Franklin has been married to her husband Art for 21 years. The couple has two sons in high school.

The One Series, developed by Georgia Theater Hall of Fame member Mical Whitaker, highlights the life and talents of gifted and well-established individuals in the community. The audience shares 90 minutes with the artist, first in a guest-host interview and, of course, a performance. There is also a light reception following the event.

The series featured Vivian Summers in November 2018 and Shaunta Ellis in February 2019.