Kirk Simpson as Ben Franklin

Many know Ben Franklin as the man with the kite and the key, but there was so much more to this founding father. On Thursday, April 14th- for four shows, local actor, Kirk Simpson, will bring Franklin to life, returning to the intimate experiential dining stage as one of the most accomplished Americans in history. A pioneer in philanthropy, a community activist, a gregarious inventor, an entrepreneur, a scientist, and a diplomat, there were many sides to Benjamin Franklin. In Clay Hill Farm Presents…Ben Franklin: CITIZEN, a one-man show and dramatic reading drawing upon Franklin's own writings and those of his contemporaries, the eclectic parts of this true Patriot will be explored. The narrative is set against a backdrop of groundbreaking events in which Franklin played a central role: the age of Scientific Discovery, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the Constitutional Convention. Surprising, informative, moving, and full of Franklin's own wit and wisdom, Clay Hill Farm Presents…Ben Franklin: CITIZEN is a high-spirited portrait of a true American original, infused with Simpson’s theatrical genius.

Seating is limited for the four shows, and reservations are required. Tickets are $25 per person plus the cost of food & beverage from an a la carte menu. Evening performances are Thursday, April 14 & 21 @ 6 pm, and matinées on Saturday, April 16th, and Sunday, April 24th @ 1 pm. Doors open a half-hour before the performance. For reservations, call Clay Hill Farm at (207) 361-2272. www.ClayHillFarm.com. ______________________________

Kirk Simpson has over 28 years of experience in entertainment. His talents vary from musical theater, dramas, comedies, interactive theatre, murder mysteries, choral singing, historical recreations, renaissance fairs, children's theatre, voice-over, and so much more. Kirk, originally from Massachusetts, currently resides in So. Berwick, ME with his husband and family. A graduate of Maine College of Art, Simpson freelances as a graphic designer and artist, and is the reigning Monarch- King Richard XI at King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA- in addition to being the star and co-founder of Clay Hill Farm Presents… for the last 10 years. Clay Hill Farm is an award-winning restaurant and event venue on 11 private acres in Cape Neddick, Maine. A certified wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary, Clay Hill Farm is passionate about natural beauty, and the true Maine experience- proudly supporting locally-sourced products, the community and the arts.