Review: FRANKLINLAND Holds the Key to Entertainment at B St. Theatre

Forty years of celebrating the iconic B St. Theatre continues with Franklinland, an engaging exploration of power, legacy, and the bonds between parent and child. Lloyd Suh’s play about the complexities of Benjamin Franklin has an emotional core that centers on the volatile relationship between the founding father and his son, William. Director Sean Patrick Nill approaches the show with a balance of comedy and sincerity, wasting no time establishing the imbalance between the characters.

Franklinland largely takes place during the years leading up to the American Revolution. Family dynamics, loyalty, and personal identity are examined through witty dialogue and imaginative storytelling. The play blends humor with history, showing how parental expectations can fracture families while delving into themes of duty, identity, and political division.

Early on, Ben’s cutting insults toward William show us a brilliant man whose intellect doubles as a weapon, but what makes the play especially compelling is how it highlights the shifting of power. When William rises to become governor of New Jersey, the dynamic flips. It’s satisfying to see the previously wounded boy become a commanding figure in his own right; however, the shift doesn’t last long. As the United States comes to be, the balance tips again. With it, William’s personal and professional power wanes, and we see another young boy in a familiar situation rise above his station, proving that history repeats itself. Ultimately, Franklinland offers a sense of hope, reminding us of what the United States stands for: resilience, freedom, and dreams coming true.

As always, the casting in this B St. adaptation is immaculate. Peter Story gives a hilarious performance as Benjamin Franklin, bringing both humor and warmth to the role while making the character feel vulnerable. Tim Liu is equally strong as William Franklin, capturing the character’s frustration flawlessly. Braden Delgado leaves a memorable impression as William Temple. His role is limited to the end of the show, but he delivers with charm, skill, and authenticity.

Franklinland plays at the B St. Theatre through May 24. Tickets may be purchased online at BStreetTheatre.org, at the Box Office at 2700 Capitol Avenue, or by telephone at (916) 443-5300.

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