Benjamin Franklin was such a prominent figure in America’s story. He was an inventor. He was a writer and publisher. He was a diplomat. He was one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence. His son William, born out of wedlock, was a colonial governor of New Jersey and a British Loyalist. “Franklinland,” a play by Lloyd Suh about the troubled relationship between father and son, opened off-Broadway in 2024 and is now making its Philadelphia debut at Lantern Theater.
The play consists of six scenes, spanning over 30 years, beginning in 1752 with Franklin’s kite flying experiment. Father and son are working together, William adoring his father. Benjamin explains to his son that power is in human hands, not God’s hands as they work on attaching the ribbon and key to the kite. William works to absorb all that his father tells him, hoping to emulate him in every way.
We see the clever inventions. Benjamin Franklin is developing including the urinary catheter We realize that it was he who coined the term “Gulf Stream.” We watch as he refuses to wear a wig like the others. He jokes about sex. He belittles New Jersey. But one thing is clear in Suh’s interpretation- Benjamin Franklin is a narcissist who ALWAYS thinks he is right because he IS Benjamin Franklin!
Franklin tells his son that he has acquired land in Nova Scotia. Naming it Franklinland, he hopes to move there with his son some day while he opens the place up for scientists, inventors, and dreamers like himself. It is a most intriguing story. But in time, conflicts develop between father and son.
It begins when Franklin breaks up the engagement of his son and tries to select a bride for him. In fact, he seeks to control every aspect of his son’s life. William is so disgusted with his father’s treatment and interference that when William is appointed Governor General of New Jersey, he insists that his father call him “your excellency.” But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In a later scene, Franklin is not sure where he stands at first regarding a possible revolution and is feeling personally insecure. He seeks his son’s help in repealing the Stamp Act, to regain the faith of his countrymen. It isn’t happening, as William is faithful to the King of England.
` The play though, is less about politics than it is about the deteriorating relationship between a father and his son. I was fascinated as I watched them quarrel but also learned new things about the history of my country. Director Charles McMahon did an outstanding job of telling this story superbly acted by Frank X and Dave Johnson as father and son. It flowed seamlessly from scene to scene. I couldn’t wait to get home to read more about the Franklins. Was I in for a shock!
Playwright Lloyd Suh tells us in the very informative program that this is not a history lesson. “I gave myself permission pretty early on to deviate in certain ways from the historical record, but I wanted everything to be rooted in the truth.” Often, I suggest that the theater goer read the program before the show begins. If you are seeking a story that is a finely crafted historical tale, this is not for you. On the other hand, this presentation is so entertaining in its often-realistic approach and comic approach, that I recommend that you just see and enjoy “Franklinland” and read the program later.
“Franklinland” by Lloyd Suh at Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. 215-829-0399 lanterntheater.org thru June 7, 2026
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 