RUN BEN RUN

From Philadelphia favorites Applied Mechanics comes a spectacular new show, RUN BEN RUN: a maniacal, surreal satire starring famous Bens from throughout American history, from Ben Franklin to Ben Affleck. Thrown together on a film set with the goal of making a movie about the John Gast painting American Progress, the Bens wrestle with identity, fame, and the versions of American identity that live within each of us. The play surrounds the audience with a panoply of different offerings from the different Bens. Will Ben Affleck be able to finish his movie without his star, Ben Franklin? Will Ben Vereen dance his way out of danger? Will Benedict Arnold clear his name? And will Benito Antonio Ocasio Cortez (Bad Bunny) finally write the song to bring us together? The Bens begin to wonder: can they rewrite history? Or should they just… run away? Using drag, choreography, pastiche, and an absurd original script, some of Philly’s favorite performers craft a spectacle that tears apart the underlying assumptions about American Progress. Performances Tuesday, October 6th, 7pm Thursday, October 8th, 7pm Friday, October 9th, 7pm- Opening Night! Saturday, October 10th, 7pm Sunday, October 11th, 2pm Tuesday, October 13th, 7pm- Stay for the Talkback Wednesday, October 14th, 7pm - Mask-required performance Thursday, October 15th, 7pm Friday, October 16th, 7pm Saturday, October 17th, 2pm and 7pm Sunday, October 18th, 2pm- Closing Performance Lead support provided by the William Penn Foundation