What: Franklinland
Where: Ensemble Studio Theater
549 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up
When: Through November 3, 2024
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The media has generally accustomed us to think of Benjamin Franklin as a kindly old man with razor-sharp wit and a keen and inventive mind. He is probably one of the most beloved forefathers. Lloyd Suh's play, Franklinland paints a very different picture. His Franklin is an egotistical pompous jerk whose son could never possibly measure up to the impossible standards of his father because he could never be his father.
The show is basically a two-character play revolving around Franklin's relationship with his son, William Franklin although William's son comes into the show briefly towards the very end. The performances are both good. Noah Keyshian is especially good in the role of William. His portrayal of a man who just wants to make his father proud and be loved by him is heartbreaking. His sadness and longing are so clearly written all over his face.
It is a fact that Franklin and his son were on opposite sides of the Revolutionary War. William Franklin was actually the royal governor of the colony of New Jersey. Although we do not know the historical accuracy of this play if the pair's relationship was anything like it is here, it makes it perfectly understandable why the son would want to completely break away from his father.
If you revere Benjamin Franklin you may enjoy the parts of the play that recount his experiment with the key and the kite in the storm and talk of some of his famous inventions. Still, you may want to skip the show if you don't want your allusions about the kind of person he may have been shattered. For the rest of us, we are reminded that our forefathers were not perfect they were just people like us with good and bad sides to their character although we would still like to hope that Benjamin Franklin was a better man than he is portrayed in this show.
For more about Franklinland or to purchase tickets, visit www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/20242025/2024/6/franklinland
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We received complimentary tickets to The Beacon for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
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What: The Beacon
Where: Irish Repertory Theater
132 W. 32nd St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up
When: Through November 24, 2024
Kate Mulgrew is a force to reckon with in this show about a woman hiding secrets from the past. Beiv is an artist who may or may not have killed her husband. Most people seem to think that she did, and her son wants to know the truth.
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Mulgrew shines as always, and she is gloriously supported by a terrific supporting cast. The set, lighting, and sound designers do an excellent job of evoking a sense of place. The waves crashing against the shore of Beiv's island home look and sound so real, and they really help evoke an atmosphere of foreboding and a deep sense of isolation.
If you like a story full of twists and turns and loaded with family secrets, you may enjoy this one. It is wonderfully unpredictable. Even if you think you have it all figured out, you probably don't.
And that's our view. For more about The Beacon or to purchase tickets, visit irishrep.org/show/2024-2025-season/the-beacon-2
Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.
Photo credits:
All Franklinland production photos by Jeremy Daniel
All The Beacon production photos by Carol Rosegg
Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, contact us here, and we will look into the matter.
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