Moving Arts Theatre will launch its 2026 season with the world premiere of WHAT PRICE FREEDOM, a new play by Tony Blake, running from April 9 through May 3, 2026, in Los Angeles.
A Clash of Ideologies
Directed by Darin Anthony, the production will feature Rob Nagle as Benjamin Franklin and Brandon Bales as John Adams. The play is set during a fictionalized moment when the two Founding Fathers are compelled to share a bed while on the eve of a diplomatic mission to negotiate peace with Britain, sparking a debate about the future of the newly formed nation.
Performances will include previews on April 9 and 10 at 8:00 p.m., with opening night scheduled for April 11. The production will run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 4:00 p.m.
Looking Ahead
Following WHAT PRICE FREEDOM, Moving Arts’ 2026 season will continue with IN THE TOMB OF TEN THOUSAND CALENDARS by Steven Dierkes, opening August 29 and running through September 20, 2026, with previews on August 27 and 28.
New Play Development
Moving Arts has also announced the five members of its 2026 MADLab cohort: Michael David, Michael León, Isabella Dionne Madrigal, Stirling Nix-Bradley, and Katherine Vondy. The MADLab program is a nine-month initiative dedicated to supporting the creation of new plays through collaboration between playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and actors, with public readings scheduled for September 26, 27, and October 3.
Recent Recognition
This announcement follows a period of recognition for Moving Arts, which received four Stage Raw Theatre Awards, including a Distinguished Artistic Direction award for Darin Anthony, and Ensemble honors for Hello, My Name Is…. The company also received four nominations from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.
About Moving Arts
Founded in 1992, Moving Arts Theatre is dedicated to producing new theatrical work by Los Angeles-based artists, staging productions in both traditional and non-traditional venues throughout the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What play is opening Moving Arts Theatre’s 2026 season?
WHAT PRICE FREEDOM by Tony Blake is opening Moving Arts Theatre’s 2026 season.
Who will star in WHAT PRICE FREEDOM?
Rob Nagle will star as Benjamin Franklin and Brandon Bales will star as John Adams.
When will performances of WHAT PRICE FREEDOM begin?
Performances will begin with previews on April 9 and 10, 2026, with opening night on April 11, 2026.
What role does the MADLab program play in Moving Arts Theatre’s mission?
