“Franklin’s Key” is billed as a thrilling sci-fi adventure weaving Philadelphia history, science, discovery, and magic. Pig Iron Theatre is presenting the world premier by Dan Rothenberg and Robert Quillen Camp at Plays & Players Theatre.
We all know the story of how Benjamin Franklin flew a kite with a key attached in a lightning storm and developed the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes. This tale begins with a science fair, the “Teen Design Challenge,” where Temple (Jameka Monet Wilson), a self-taught young scientist of 18 or 19, exhibits her creation, which fails and causes a blackout in many places in Philadelphia. She is told that despite it, she has won the first place prize. So begins her strange journey with her younger brother, Arturo (Alton Alburo).
It turns out that the lights went off in places that were in some way connected to Benjamin Franklin- from Franklin Square (which is real) to the secret building where he did his scientific studies (not real).
When Temple’s project goes awry, she decides to visit that building to see what is going on. She goes with her brother, who is carrying his cello because he has a rehearsal that day. Inside the secret place, she discovers a box with some strange powers. It is called a pyre and has a metaphysical power of its own. And when combined with the three other missing pyres, she later learns that the person who possesses it, can control things in the world. And a key can add to that power.
She learns that there is a group of Prometheans, literally hiding under the ground seeking that same power. Also seeking it is Fordhook (Chris Thorn), a man who has befriended Temple and Arturo. But who can she trust in this surrealistic world? On top of that, a painting of Franklin has been stolen from the Art Museum showing Franklin with kite and key as it is struck by lightning. In time, people will search for the key, not knowing exactly what they are looking for.
I will admit that at times I had difficulty following what was happening on the stage. At the intermission, I asked an audience member a few questions to be sure I wasn’t missing anything. But that is me, not a big fan of science fiction. The younger crowd, of which there were many, seemed to be enjoying it immensely. Then, there were many moments when the Gogglers (they wore goggles and a strange outfit) moved the set around with wonderfully choregraphed moves. It was a treat to watch them with the great lighting effects that followed them.
As the play moves into the second act, we are brought to the underground crypt of Fordhook and to the Wanamaker pipe organ which will play a significant role.
Pig iron Theatre has staged an unusual piece of theater with fine actors. It WILL hold your attention as you try to unravel the strange events.
“Franklin’s Key” by Dan Rothenberg & Robert Quillen Camp at Pig Iron Theatre Company, , 1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-425-1100, pigiron.org Thru June 29, 2025
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 