Moving Arts Theatre will stage a return engagement of Tony Blake’s What Price Freedom from July 3 through July 20, 2026. The production, directed by Darin Anthony, features Rob Nagle as Benjamin Franklin and Brandon Bales as John Adams, exploring the strained relationship between the two founding fathers during the American Revolution.
Production Details and Schedule
The play centers on a fictionalized encounter where Franklin and Adams are forced to share a bed while attempting covert peace negotiations with Britain. As they debate politics and philosophy, the narrative examines the personal and national sacrifices required for independence. Performances are scheduled at the Moving Arts Theatre, located at 3191 Casitas Avenue in Los Angeles.
The show runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 4:00 p.m. Prospective attendees should note there will be no performance on July 4. The production is produced by Dana Schwartz and Laura Buckles, with a creative team featuring Justin Huen on set and lighting, Warren Davis on sound, Mylette Nora on costumes, and Dana Schwartz handling props.
Did You Know? The production will not hold a performance on July 4, 2026, despite the play’s thematic focus on the American Revolution and the meaning of independence.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: By focusing on a private, confined interaction between two major historical figures, this production highlights the human friction often obscured by historical legacy. The choice to revive this specific work suggests a continued interest in the domestic costs of political decision-making, as the staging forces the audience to confront the philosophical divide between Franklin and Adams in an intimate, shared space.
What May Happen Next
Following this return engagement, the production’s future remains subject to the theatre’s programming cycles. Given the return of the show to the Los Angeles stage, it is possible that the play could see future runs if audience interest remains high. Observers might expect the production team to monitor attendance data from these July dates to determine if the play warrants further regional tours or extended residencies in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the leads in What Price Freedom?
The play stars Rob Nagle as Benjamin Franklin and Brandon Bales as John Adams.
Where is the play being performed?
Performances will be held at Moving Arts Theatre, located at 3191 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles.
Are there performances every day in July?
No, performances occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m., with no show scheduled for July 4.
How do you think the portrayal of private conflict between political figures changes our understanding of historical events?
