Franklin's Key, a Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure Brings Philly History, Science and Discovery to the Stage

PHILADELPHIA — The internationally acclaimed, award-winning Philadelphia- based Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin’s Key, written by Dan Rothenberg and Robert Quillen Camp.

This thrilling, magical, sci-fi theatrical adventure explores Benjamin Franklin's hidden discoveries in a parallel universe. Running until June 29 at Plays
& Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia), this electrifying new production transforms some of the city's most iconic landmarks into portals to adventure as two high school prodigies find themselves caught in a struggle between secret societies dedicated to safeguarding Franklin’s discoveries. Fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code, and
National Treasure will enjoy the artistry in this electrifying live stage production.

During the War of Independence, the British feared Benjamin Franklin could control the weather. Franklin’s Key asks what if that were true? A mystery unfolds for audiences in an alternate reality where Franklin's undiscovered technology has been hidden underneath some of Philadelphia’s most treasured landmarks for centuries.

Set in present-day Philadelphia, Franklin's Key follows two teenage
prodigies: Temple, a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo, a gifted musician. The two uncover an ancient mystery, setting off a chain reaction that draws them into a secret battle between rival factions seeking to harness the incredible but volatile powers of Franklin's long-lost technology.

Temple and Arturo, aided by a cast of quirky friends, traverse hidden tunnels under the city, leading them from abandoned subway platforms to the iconic statue of William Penn atop City Hall and the building-sized organ inside the old Wanamaker Department Store. With time running out, the team must navigate the
labyrinth of Philadelphia's forgotten tunnels, evade powerful enemies, and unlock the secrets Franklin left behind before his discoveries fall into the wrong hands.

A love letter to Philadelphia's history, grit, and relentless ingenuity, this delightful and sharply choreographed performance incorporates object transformations and lighting illusions that bring the fantastical world to life.

“Franklin’s Key is like a Marvel movie translated for the stage,” says Pig Iron’s Co-Artistic Director Dan Rothenberg. “We are working with an amazing team of scenic and effects designers to evoke building-sized automatons, Da Vinci Code puzzles, and teenagers with telekinetic powers. While the story is cinematic in scope, audiences can expect Pig Iron’s signature, elegant stagecraft – sometimes disarmingly simple, but always surprising.”

Click here for ticket information! Now playing through June 29, 2025!

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