We recently sat down with the playwright of Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery, Suzanne Maynard Miller! Suzanne shares how this adaptation came about and why audiences should come see it.
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I studied English at the University of Pennsylvania and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Brown University. But my initial education as a playwright is rooted in my time at Annex Theatre in Seattle. In the early 1990s, I was part of a collective of theater artists who ran Annex, where we created new work and did everything ourselves. We wrote, directed, acted, designed, stage managed, worked the box office and front of house—you name it. It was deeply formative to my work in the theater, and I made friends there who are still very much a part of my life today.
Since 2009, I have taught writing and literature courses at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech), which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY), and where I am now chair of the English department.
How did this adaptation come about?
I was fortunate to work with Jacqueline Russell from Chicago Children’s Theatre on my first play for young audiences, Leo Lionni’s Frederick, first in 2014, then again in 2018 (and again in 2025!). In 2019, as we were looking for another project to collaborate on, Jacqui suggested Mesmerized by Mara Rockliff.
I was immediately drawn to the story of Franz Mesmer, a fascinating historical figure who has largely slipped from popular memory. Ironically, the term “mesmerized” (which comes from his life’s work) is widely used, but not a lot of people understand its origin. This moment is history is chock-full of rich characters, from Mesmer and Benjamin Franklin to the larger-than-life figures of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
I was especially interested in the tension between science and imagination. What is real? What is believed to be real? Then COVID hit and the pandemic unfolded, which gave the story new resonance. Questions about science, evidence, and the power of the mind moved from abstract ideas I was exploring in the script to everyday conversations.
Mesmer and Franklin emerged as perfect theatrical foils, each one representing different ways of understanding the world and each bringing something powerful, and a little bit theatrical, to share with the audience.
What are you hoping audiences will get from seeing this story?
I hope audiences have fun! I also hope they leave inspired by the power of the mind and the importance of collecting data and evidence to form conclusions. And perhaps, most importantly, I hope all audiences (kids in particular, who are often afraid of being wrong) understand that mistakes are essential for learning and growth – and being able to admit to being wrong is a wonderfully freeing superpower!
Why do you think theater for young audiences is so important?
I really believe theater helps kids (and adults) develop empathy. Watching live performances gives us all the chance to be in a room with other people – watching performers dance, sing, and tell stories in real time. Also… no two performances are ever exactly the same, which makes each experience alive and unique. When those lights go down, I hope young audiences feel their imaginations kick into gear!
Finish the sentence: Mesmerized is …
…a chance to look at how we come to conclusions, how we balance imagination and evidence, and how curiosity and critical thinking can help us understand the world and each other just a little bit better.
Any upcoming projects you’d like to share?
I’m just starting work on Groundhog Weather School, from the book by Joan Holub, which is a super fun project. It’s about weather, science, seasons, and the role of tradition and folklore. Like Mesmerized, it explores curiosity, prediction, and how imagination and evidence work together. And, yes, there will be some very opinionated groundhogs, maybe a skunk, perhaps a rabbit, and plenty of theatrical mischief as nature, tradition, and science collide.
How can our audiences stay connected with you and your work?
Please visit my website for updates on all of my projects! www.suzmiller.com
Thank you Suzanne for joining us! Don’t forget to check out our production of Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery, right here at The Growing Stage, running through March 22nd.
