The Trickery of Dr. Mesmer

Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery

Adapted by Suzanne Miller for the stage from Mara Rockliff’s children’s book, Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery That Baffled All of France. The storybook features colorful illustrations by Lacopo Bruno and, through this intriguing and imaginative story, makes the scientific method seem almost exciting. Ms. Miller’s exciting and dynamic play depicts a little known episode from World History that involved several big names from the past.

Benjamin Franklin is busy conducting scientific experiments in his Pennsylvania home, while Sarah, his young niece, watches with envy. Instead of learning French and practicing the piano, she would much rather be a part of the scientific world—indeed, any world in which girls are permitted to do the same things as boys. 

When King Louis XVI of France writes to Franklin asking for his help, Benjamin knows that in aiding the French monarch he might be able to secure a favor in return for the Colonies. The King complains in his letter how a charismatic charlatan, one

Dr. Mesmer, is taking business away from all the Parisian physicians with his magic wand. The population believes that, for a fee, this magician can repair any malady. Even though medical physicians at that time believed they could cure an illness by using leeches to drain the “bad blood” from a patient, the King still thinks Dr. Mesmer is an imposter and his methods are simply theatrical tricks.

Franklin arrives in Paris with his niece stowing away, disguised as a young man. Benjamin makes Sarah his valet and assistant. He teaches her the steps of the scientific method, which he then uses to strip away the mask from Dr. Mesmer’s trickery. In return for his clever detective work, Benjamin Franklin coerces a large sum of gold from the King to help pay for the American Revolution. In the end, Sarah finds that she has been a big help to her uncle and that, as she always believed, girls are just as adept at science as boys.

The production is skillfully directed with vim and vigor by Tommy Rapley. The exquisite scenic design by Collette Pollard sets this stunning production in a golden music box of a stage setting, complete with archways, tasseled draperies and gold gilt. Even the floor looks like a geometrically arranged French parquet. The creative costumes by Mieka van der Ploeg are appropriately sumptuous and showy, allowing for the ensemble actors to quickly change from one character to another. And the elegant wigs, as well as assistance in designing the beautiful costumes, are from Megan E. Pirtle. Originally composed music and sound design are the work of Matthew Muniz.

Rapley’s talented cast stars Shawn Pfautsch as Benjamin Franklin. Usually cast at CCT as some species of animal, Mr. Pfautsch is a gentle but in-charge philosopher and scientist, the much-revered discoverer of electricity. Although gout has slightly handicapped the great statesman, Franklin is still able to get around, thanks to the help provided by his eager, young niece. Sarah is portrayed by Rika Nishikawa, a talented young actress who’s been seen in the Goodman’s “A Christmas Carol,” in Marriott’s “The King and I” and even on Broadway in “The Lion King.” She fills the stage with her radiant smile and a childlike joy, wonder and enthusiasm.

King Louis XVI is full of regal vanity and entitlement, as portrayed by Dustin Valenta. He’s also a member of the hardworking ensemble, often playing several additional roles. China Brickey makes her Chicago debut as the lovely, and oh, so silly, Queen Marie Antoinette. Ms. Brickey also plays several ensemble roles, as well. She’s joined by the diligent Kasey Foster as Charles, among several other ensemble roles. And starring as the pompous and popular rip-off artist, Dr. Mesmer, is the always wonderful Tony Carter. Seen in such memorable and contrasting roles on Chicago stages as Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast” and Oliver in Chicago Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” the multitalented Mr. Carter is a standout in any production in which he’s been cast. This is no exception.

Chicago Children’s Theatre has another hit on its hands. Watching the young audience around me on opening weekend, as well as their attentive parents, I noticed that every single person was totally involved in the hour-long play. Tommy Rapley’s exceptional production of Suzanne Miller’s lovely adaptation is a bonafide hit. The play, with its delightfully humorous characters, completely holds the attention the even youngest theatergoer. It’s intended for ages 7 and up. This is an unusual kind of adventure story that might just stir the imagination to want to read the book, from which the play was adapted. It may inspire young minds to try their own hand at employing the scientific method of discovery. Or perhaps this fine production will even prompt some of the youthful patrons to try their hand at acting, as well. And all of these benefits come from the trickery of a man named Dr. Mesmer.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 23-October 15 by Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the door, by calling 312-374-8835 or by going to www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreichicago.com.