World Premiere

January 8 – February 24, 2018

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By Lloyd Suh 

Directed by Chika Ike 

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Philadelphia, 1752. Growing up as the only son of Benjamin Franklin – the greatest scientific mind in the world; inventor of the lightning rod, the odometer, the glass harmonica, bifocal glasses, and, in his spare time, The United States of America – is not all it’s cracked up to be. In the world premiere of this moving new play, Franklinland asks what it’s like to make your way in life knowing your father’s greatest invention wasn’t you.

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★★★! (out of 4)
"A very cool little play. Penned in a breezy, anarchic style."
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Reader Recommended! "Director Chika Ike gives playwright Lloyd Suh’s historical romp a tasty world premiere at Jackalope."
-Chicago Reader

"A revelation and a delight."
- Newcity

"There are passages of Franklinland that positively sing, and the play’s 80-odd minutes of intermission-free theater are some of the best you’ll ever see."
- Chicago Theatre Review

 

One of the Best Plays in Chicago! "Full of snappy dialogue along with monologues packed with heart."
- Picture This Post

Critics Pick! "[Lloyd] Suh accomplishes the task of placing William Franklin in history!" - PerformInk

"Riotously funny... The play comes full circle to a poetic and deeply satisfying conclusion."
-Rescripted