Part farce, part docudrama, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s world premiere fall opener Mesmerized is a fun new introduction for kids to Ben Franklin, one of our country’s founding fathers and most famous scientists.
Witnessing the on-stage pandemonium unfold through the eyes of Ben’s young niece, Sarah, kids will be having such a good time that they won’t even realize they’re learning about science, history, the American Revolution and Ben Franklin’s many scientific discoveries and inventions.
Through fabulous storytelling, fast-paced comedy and audience interaction, Ben and his smart, outspoken young niece, Sarah, embark on a journey to France where they discover that people are being magically cured by a mysterious man – Dr. Mesmer. So Ben and Sarah agree to employ the Scientific Method to put Dr. Mesmer’s mystical powers to the test. Is it science, is it magic, or will we all be Mesmerized?
Watching the on-stage pandemonium unfold through the eyes of young Sarah, kids will be having such a good time that they won’t even realize they’re learning about science, history, the American Revolution and Ben Franklin’s many scientific discoveries and inventions.
Mesmerized runs approximately one hour, and is recommended for ages seven and up.
The team for Chicago Children’s Theatre’s premiere of Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery includes (top, from left) Suzanne Maynard Miller (adaptor), Tommy Rapley (director) and cast members China Brickey, Tony Carter, (bottom) Kasey Foster, Rika Nishikawa, Shawn Pfautsch and Dustin Valenta.
Now playing at Chicago Children’s Theatre through October 22, 2023. You can get tickets and showtime details at ChicagoChildrensTheatre.org.