The Story of Ben Franklin by J.J. Flowers

The Story of Ben Franklin opens with Ben Franklin waking up writer Jane Roth in the middle of the night. Ben has become a frequent visitor in Jane’s life, appearing at inopportune her young daughter’s piano recital, an important teacher’s conference, and a friend’s wedding. Ben tries to convince Jane to write a play about his life, but as Jane protests, “… Your life, wonderful and meaningful as it was, has all these interesting antidotes, precious moments that illuminate not just you and your remarkable character, but that momentous time in history. I just don’t think it is enough for a play.” Still, they begin a review of the wealth of Ben’s life in search of a story for a play. The journey includes appearances by Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Silence Dogooder and Polly Baker. The hilarity comes not just from the treasure of Ben’s wit, but also from Jane escaping her ordinary life for the ongoing imaginary and infinitely more rewarding conversation with Ben Franklin. In this way, the play is about how art overwhelms real life.

The emotional conclusion to the play takes on a surprising poignancy.