PHILADELPHIA, PA — A thrilling mix of science fiction, Philadelphia history, and theatrical spectacle is heading back to the stage this summer as Pig Iron Theatre Company revives its Barrymore Award–winning production Franklin’s Key for a limited run in Center City.
Following a widely praised world premiere last year, the imaginative stage adventure returns June 11 through June 28 at Plays & Players Theatre, an intimate 220-seat venue on Delancey Street. The show blends local history with high-energy storytelling, taking audiences on a mysterious journey beneath Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks.
Set in an alternate reality inspired by the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin’s Key imagines a hidden technology left behind by the famed inventor—one powerful enough to control the weather. When two young prodigies uncover clues to Franklin’s secret discovery, they find themselves caught in a dangerous race between rival factions seeking to control the technology.
“This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts,” said co-director Dan Rothenberg. “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.”
A Story Rooted in Philadelphia
The story follows teenage siblings Temple and Arturo as they uncover Franklin’s long-lost invention and descend into a labyrinth hidden beneath the city. Along the way, they encounter secret societies, mysterious historians, and a group of unlikely allies while racing to keep Franklin’s discovery from falling into the wrong hands.
Philadelphia-based actor Jameka Monet Wilson leads the adventure as Temple, a self-taught scientist, alongside New York actor Alton Alburo as her musically gifted brother Arturo. Much of the original Barrymore Award–winning cast returns for the production, including Alice Yorke as historian Diane Prentiss and Chris Thorn as the crypt-keeper Bill Fordhook.
The show’s design team adds to the spectacle with inventive staging and visual magic. Obie Award–winning special effects designer Skylar Fox—whose credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—helps bring Franklin’s mysterious technology to life, while award-winning composer Rosie Langabeer provides an original score that drives the story forward.
With its blend of historical intrigue, imaginative storytelling, and large-scale stagecraft, Franklin’s Key has drawn comparisons to beloved adventure tales such as The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and National Treasure.
Event Details
- What: Franklin’s Key – Sci-Fi Adventure Stage Production
- When: June 11–28, 2026 (Opening performance June 15 at 7:00 PM)
- Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Cost/Tickets: Tickets start at $45; discounts available for patrons 18 and under or 65+, with group discounts for parties of 10 or more
- More Info: https://pigiron.org
Running approximately two hours with a short intermission, Franklin’s Key is recommended for audiences ages eight and up. Preview performances take place June 11 through June 14 ahead of the official opening night.
Founded in 1995, Pig Iron Theatre Company has built an international reputation for bold, innovative productions that blend movement, design, and storytelling. With Franklin’s Key returning to the stage, Philadelphia audiences will once again have the chance to dive into a fast-paced theatrical adventure that celebrates the city’s long tradition of invention and imagination.
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