Pig Iron Theatre Company remounts its Barrymore Award–winning sci-fi adventure 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.
Jameka Monet Wilson (Temple) and Alton Alburo (Arturo) in “Franklin’s Key”. Photo by Johanna Austin
Running from June 11 to 28 at Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia), this electrifying 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.
“This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts. We were so delighted to hear audiences say it was the one show that they could bring grandparents and kids to, and nobody felt left out. While the show offers adventure and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged, the intrigue of secret societies and a story rooted deeply in Philadelphia’s culture is sure to fascinate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.” – Pig Iron’s Co-Artistic Director Dan Rothenberg
Co-writer Robert Quillen Camp wrote the text for Pig Iron’s Pay Up and Chekhov Lizardbrain and is a regular collaborator with downtown New York provocateurs Hoi Polloi. Co-writer and Director Dan Rothenberg is one of the founders of Pig Iron Theatre Company, where he has been instrumental in creating over 30 original works that have toured to 15 countries.
If You Go
- “Franklin’s Key” runs approximately two hours with a short intermission and is recommended for children ages eight and up.
- Previews run from June 11 to 14, with an opening, invite-only performance set for Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.
- Ticket prices start at $45, with 20% discounts for patrons 18 and under or 65+, and group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.
- Tickets may be purchased AudienceView Professional
Pig Iron Theatre Company, founded in 1995 in Philadelphia, has long been recognized for its daring and highly physical approach to theater-making. Its genre-defying works have earned critical acclaim.
Post expires at 10:01pm on Monday June 29th, 2026