Ben Franklin In Paris: A Revolutionary Musical celebrates the 250th anniversary of America’s independence on Sunday, September 13 at 7 PM at 54 Below. The show is produced, directed, and hosted by Tony Award© nominee and Theatre World Award winner Walter Willison (Grand Hotel, Two By Two, Pippin) with musical direction by Yasuhiko Fukuok, marking the first time this musical from Broadway’s Golden Age has been seen on a New York stage since the original 1964 production.
Starring are Bistro and MAC Award winner Ann Kittredge (Dessa Rose, A Christmas Carol, King David), Keith Crowningshield (Grand Hotel, Jelly’s Last Jam), Tony Award® nominee Timothy Jerome (Grand Hotel, Me and My Girl, The Rothschilds), plus Keaton Miller, Zoë Parrish, Ron Spivak, Melinda Hopkins and Sheila Wormer.
Ben Franklin in Paris opened on Broadway on October 27, 1964, with lyrics by Sidney Michaels and music by Mark Sandrich, Jr., with additional songs by Jerry Herman and directed and choreographed by Michael Kidd. It’s 1776, the colonies are in peril of losing the Revolutionary War, and America’s First Diplomat is dispatched to Paris to convince King Louis VI to enter into a military alliance with the burgeoning nation. In this uplifting musical retelling of that historic journey, Ben rekindles a former romance, his grandson, Temple, discovers himself, and along with the playwright Beaumarchais they encounter adventure, intrigue, spies and songs of inspiration.
Cover charges are $30.50 (includes $.50 in fees) to $69 (includes $9 in fees). Premiums are $107.50 (includes $12.50 in fees). $25 food & beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available here.
54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street, Cellar, NYC
