Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery
Adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller
Based on the Book Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff
Through fabulous storytelling and fast-paced comedy, Ben Franklin and his want-to-be-inventor niece, Sarah, travel to France where they use the Scientific Method to test a mystical man’s magical cure-all in MESMERIZED: A BEN FRANKLIN SCIENCE & HISTORY MYSTERY. Kids will laugh as they engage their minds to solve this mystery, fueled with stories about Ben Franklin’s many scientific discoveries and electrifying inventions.
“… it reminds audiences, especially children, to be critical and think scientifically. It reminds us all to trust facts and not rest on belief ... In other words, be careful, so you don’t find yourself mesmerized." ~ Chicago Tribune
"Suzanne Miller’s lovely adaptation is a bonafide hit. The play, with its delightfully humorous characters, completely holds the attention of even the youngest theatergoer." ~ Around the Town Chicago
“...the play is a romp, with laughs for children and grownups coming from callback audio gags, knowing winks to the audience and plenty of puns.” ~ Block Club Chicago
“There’s a great show about a founding father onstage right now in Chicago who is not named Alexander Hamilton. Mesmerized offers valuable lessons on everything from the scientific method to American and French history … delivered with smarts and empathy.” ~ Chicago Reader
Pages: 63
Casting Breakdown: 6 roles
Estimated Run Time: 60 minutes
Originally produced by Chicago Children's Theatre in the 2023-2024 season