[NEohioPAL] "Frankly Ben Franklin" at Theatre in the Circle

[Bill Corcoran]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026

Media Contact:
Theatre in the Circle, Bill Corcoran, Artistic Director/Producer         theatreinthecircle at gmail.com • (440) 247-1359
Theatre in the Circle Announces the World Premiere of the musical Frankly Ben Franklin by Cleveland Musical Writer
CLEVELAND, OH — Theatre in the Circle, a Judson Resident Theatre, proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America on June 5, 6, 7, 2026, with the World Premiere of a new musical, Frankly Ben Franklin, by Cleveland writer Darryl Bojanowski (book, music and lyrics). 
 
INVITATION TO CELEBRATE WITH US
 
Theatre in the Circle’s Artistic Director, Bill Corcoran, invites other organizations in the Cleveland community to collaborate.  The production will be mobile and could easily be transferred to other venues at a special 2026 discounted licensing cost of just $500 for ONE RUN of the musical, plus negotiable stipends for performers. Contact theatreinthecircle at gmail.com for all inquiries or call 440-247-1359.
 
PRODUCTION TEASER 
 
After signing the United States Constitution in 1787, the 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of government he and his fellow framers had created. He famously replied, “A republic—if you can keep it.” The musical Frankly Ben Franklin explores the personal journey that led to that historic moment.
In 1788, Franklin is at work on his autobiography when his memories—and regrets—come vividly to life. He revisits the triumphs that made him a legend: Poor Richard’s Almanack, the kite-flying experiment, his service as postmaster, and his tireless work on behalf of the colonies. But he is also forced to confront the costs of a life devoted to public service, including his painful estrangement from his son William, who remained loyal to the Crown, and his long absences from his beloved wife, Debby, during years spent representing America in Europe. Guided by the wry wisdom of Poor Richard and the steady presence of Debby, Franklin embarks on a deeply human journey of reflection, reckoning, and self-discovery.
By placing a founding father face-to-face with his own triumphs and regrets, Frankly Ben Franklin asks what it truly costs—and what it truly means—to help build a nation.
 
Book, Music and Lyrics by Darryl Bojanowski
Orchestrations by Bill Corcoran
 
The nine-character musical will be presented in Judson Manor’s historic ballroom, accompanied by an eight-piece orchestra.  
 
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
 
DATES:  Friday, June 5 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm
Performances are held in the Judson Manor Ballroom, 1890 E. 107th, Cleveland 44106. An adjacent lot provides free parking.
TICKET INFORMATION:

●      General Admission $25 
     Purchase your tickets at theatreinthecircle.org <http://theatreinthecircle.org/>
     or by calling 440-247-1359
 
●      Judson Residents: $20.00 
     Purchase your tickets by signing up at JM, JP, & SFC 
 
About Theatre in the Circle 
 
For four years (2016-2020), Theatre in the Circle transformed Judson Manor’s ballroom into a professional, intimate stage where residents and the broader community came together through live performances. Then the pandemic hit, and founders Bill and the late Mark Corcoran pressed pause. Now, Theatre in the Circle has returned — reigniting the magic with Always…Patsy Cline and  Some Enchanted Evening – The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Two productions will occur later this year in September and December. Follow us on social media to be among the first to know those shows and dates!
 
Press & Media
 
Press nights, photography access, and interviews with the cast and creative team are available upon request. Contact theatreinthecircle at gmail.com for all inquiries or call 440-247-1359.
 
Theatre in the Circle
Bill Corcoran, Artistic Director/Producer
billcorcoran at me.com
440-247-1359
1890 East 107th Street, #609
Cleveland, OH 44106
 
www.theatreinthecircle.org <http://www.theatreinthecircle.org/>
theatreinthecircle at gmail.com
 
 
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