Ben Franklin In Paris In Concert
A Revolutionary Musical Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence
September 13, 2026
“A big fat hit!”
–NY Journal-American, McClain
“Freshly charming entertainment.”
-Richard Watts, Jr., New York Post
“Something special in the way of a Broadway achievement…sets the standard of civility and wit.”
-Frederick H. Guidry, The Christian Science Monitor
“It rings with the rich observations and sharp humor of the philosopher-scholar.”
-Ernest Scheir, Philadelphia Bulletin
“Half the Battle is learning to smile”, and audiences are sure to be smiling when 54 Below presents Ben Franklin In Paris In Concert: A Revolutionary Musical Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, marking the first time this historic musical will be presented on a New York stage since the original 1964-65 Broadway production. What better way to celebrate the 2026 semiquincentennial of the birth of our nation than with “The First American,” Benjamin Franklin?
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 colonies. In this fanciful retelling of that historic journey, Ben and his grandson, Temple, find adventure, romance, intrigue, spies, and songs of inspiration (“Half the Battle”), wit (“I Invented Myself,” “God Bless the Human Elbow”), wisdom (“Look for Small Pleasures”), and love (“To Be Alone With You”), with lyrics by Sidney Michaels and music by Mark Sandrich, Jr., with additional songs by Jerry Herman.
Produced, conceived, directed, and hosted by Tony Award® nominee Walter Willison, with a cast of Broadway stalwarts and fresh new faces. Associate direction by Jo Anna Rush and costume coordination by Mitchell Bloom.
Featuring:
Tony Award® nominee Walter Willison (Grand Hotel, Pippin, Two By Two)
MAC Award winner Ann Kittredge (A Christmas Carol, King David, The Music Man at The Jupiter Theater)
Keith Crowningshield (Grand Hotel, Jelly’s Last Jam)
Timothy Jerome (Grand Hotel, Me and My Girl, The Rothschilds)
Keaton Miller (Somewhere, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at the Straz Center)
Zoë Parrish (NYC workshops of YES! The Musical and Zombie Musical)
Ron Spivak (Regional: Man of La Mancha)
Melinda Hopkins (Two By Two regional tour)
Sheila Wormer (The Magic Flute at the Salzburg Music Festival)
Ben Franklin In Paris is represented by Concord Theatricals.
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
Pricing
- $30.50 (includes $5.50 in fees) – $69 (includes $9 in fees)
- VIP Seating: $96.50 (includes $11.50 in fees)
- Premiums: $107.50 (includes $12.50 in fees)
- Additional $6 If Purchased At Venue
- Order Fees: 10% of ticket price, plus $3 facility fee
- $25 Food & Beverage Minimum