PHILADELPHIA, PA — Hidden tunnels, secret societies, and a reimagined Benjamin Franklin are taking center stage this summer as Pig Iron Theatre Company brings back its hit production Franklin’s Key for a limited run in Philadelphia.
Returning after a breakout debut, the Barrymore Award-winning production transforms the city’s rich history into a fast-paced, immersive sci-fi adventure—just in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Running June 11 through June 28 at Plays & Players Theatre, the show invites audiences into an alternate version of Philadelphia where Franklin’s scientific discoveries may have unlocked something far more powerful than history ever recorded.
A Thrilling Journey Through Philadelphia’s Past and Present
Blending history, science, and imagination, Franklin’s Key follows two teenage prodigies—Temple, a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo, a gifted musician—as they uncover a hidden mystery beneath the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Their journey leads them through underground tunnels, abandoned spaces, and historic sites, all while racing against rival forces seeking to control Franklin’s long-lost technology.
Co-director Dan Rothenberg described the production as a story that brings generations together.
“This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts,” Rothenberg said. “Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.”
A Standout Cast and Creative Team
The production reunites much of its original, acclaimed cast, including Jameka Monet Wilson and Alton Alburo as the story’s central characters. They are joined by a dynamic ensemble of performers from Philadelphia and beyond, bringing energy and physicality to the stage.
Behind the scenes, the creative team features award-winning talent, including special effects designer Skylar Fox, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and composer Rosie Langabeer, whose original score adds to the show’s cinematic feel.
With its combination of cutting-edge stagecraft, bold visuals, and imaginative storytelling, the production has drawn praise for its ability to make history feel immediate, exciting, and accessible.
Event Details
- What: Franklin’s Key by Pig Iron Theatre Company
- When: June 11–28, 2026 (Previews June 11–14; Opening June 15)
- Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Cost/Tickets: Tickets start at $45; discounts available for youth, seniors, and groups
- More Info: https://pigiron.org
With its mix of mystery, spectacle, and local storytelling, Franklin’s Key offers audiences a unique way to experience Philadelphia’s past—through a lens that’s imaginative, unexpected, and full of adventure.
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