What people are saying about Ben Franklin Alive!
Press & Reviews
Ben Franklin Alive is a hit!
Hundreds of audiences nationwide have enjoyed their personalized encounters with one of the most recognizable figures of the Founding generation. Here are what some of them have had to say about their experiences.
"My event, a bachelor party, was definitely unusual for this type of entertainment but it was made very enjoyable by the excellent performance! Ben Franklin came impressively informed and regaled our party with excellent storytelling and convivial conversation that felt true to the legacy of Dr. Franklin.
Danny S.
"Mr. Smith was an excellent guest as well as performer, [and our community's] response was positive and enthusiastic. We learned so much history, and we need more programs like this! Everything was superb."
Bettye Cook
Museum Educator, Cleburne Texas
GregRobin Smith was fabulous and truly believable as Benjamin Franklin.
The audience was particularly enthusiastic about how he fielded questions in character and "in period" historically. As a teacher, I watched my own students (4th and 5th graders) eagerly coming up with some really good questions and lingering after the performance to talk to him and ask more. It really made history come alive for them! I saw the results in their questions and enthusiasm the next day in school. The class has decided after watching the performance to each choose a person in history, read and research that person, and, in costume and in first person, present their famous "selves" to the class as a project and are very enthusiastic! He provided a perfect "jumping off" step for this project and truly brought my American history unit on Colonial America to life. I highly recommend his
performance as an assembly or, as we did, as a fundraiser in the evening.
Nancy King,
Horizon School - Shoreline, WA
"Thank you for joining the great program about 'An Original American - Ben Franklin' by GregRobin Smith!"
Dr Shirley Hammond, Ph.D.
Director of Education,
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
"Thank you so much for your exceptional presentation of Ben Franklin at the Snohomish Library tonight. Our audience was delighted with your performance and the opportunity
to learn more about Ben Franklin and our country's history."
Rebecca L. Loney,
Managing Librarian, Snohomish Library
Snohomish, WA
"You’ve done so much for us - We can’t thank YOU enough!"
Kayla Schmidt
Program Coordinator, North Dakota Humanities Council
"Your performance was really fabulous! I have heard nothing but rave reviews... My students really loved it and had all types of comments and questions, not only to you that night, but to me the next day. Thank you again so much! Your performance was really appreciated!"
Nancy King
Horizon School - Shoreline, WA
"What a Performance! We were delightfully entertained & equally impressed with the centuries of history shared! We plan to bring our
nieces & nephews next time!"
Lynda & Stan B.
"I have had many comments about how successful your Ben Franklin, Live and In-personated program was.
It is sometimes hard for our North Bend Library to present a program that reaches students and adults as well. I felt you did a great job of speaking to all ages. I would gladly recommend your program to the other libraries in our system...
Thank you again for bringing this rich program to our community.
Lois Hartwig
Asst. Managing Librarian,
North Bend and Snoqualmie Libraries
Article excerpt: An Evening With Dr. Franklin
The junta began at 7p.m. and lasted for about an hour. Dr. Franklin regaled us with his various adventures growing up in and around Boston.
I wish, however, to impress upon you the importance of seeking to meet with Dr. Franklin at one of his local juntas. Trust me... It will be well worth your time and energy. He is engaging, enlightening, as well as entertaining. I especially enjoyed the generous question and answer period. Opening the floor up to questions from the audience, he answered in a way that
only Benjamin Franklin could. Also, if you're a organizer for a community group, school, church or fundraiser, this is an excellent presentation for your event.
In closing, I wanted to personally thank the man behind the costume: GregRobin Smith. It's never easy standing before a room of complete strangers, let alone opening yourself up to their questions. You've taken the time to research Benjamin Franklin and it shows in your conversations. Again, Mr. Smith, thank you!
Don Bangert
Current Observations Blog
Renowned Chautauqua performer GregRobin Smith [brought] history to life this July. A master of the Chautauqua tradition, blending storytelling, theater, and education, Smith embodies Dr Benjamin Franklin with depth, humor, and authenticity, engaging audiences of all ages, both in person and online.
Smith's upcoming tour celebrates the power of living history, offering a unique opportunity to experience the past in an immersive and interactive way. His performances are perfect for history enthusiasts, educators, and families looking to connect with America's rich cultural heritage, whether attending live or viewing remotely.
Caveat* Theatre - Manhattan, NYC