BWW Reviews: Hal Holbrook's MARK TWAIN TONIGHT A Treasure for the MPAC Audience

On Saturday night, April 20^th, the audience at the Mayo Center for Performing Arts (MPAC) was transported to the year 1905 as HAl Holbrook took the stage in his one man show, Mark Twain Tonight. Dressed in Twain's signature white suit and with disheveled gray hair, Holbrook delivered an incredible performance that has been a hallmark of his distinguished acting career. Once again, MPAC provided an extraordinary show for area theatergoers.

Holbrook has toured the show in some part of every year since 1954, making 2013 the 59^th consecutive year performing "Mark Twain Tonight." Holbrook adds to his Twain material every year, editing and changing it to fit the times. He has no set program; he selects material as it goes along. Holbrook proved why his one man show, Mark Twain Tonight, has been popular; it a completely perfect portrayal of the legendary man and his works.

The simple props, a podium, chair, and table, worked perfectly for the audience to focus on the Twain's character. For two hours, the audience was entertained and captivated as Holbrook shared the wit and wisdom of the well known author and his life's experiences. Holbrook recounted Twain's life as a boy growing up in Hannibal, Missouri, his early career as a reporter in San Francisco and his work in the insurance markets in Hartford, Connecticut.

Mark Twain was a man of great ideas, and unflinching views. He discussed the subjects of medicine and politics with the moral depth and humor that penetrates his beloved writings. He spoke of the United States Congress, party loyalties, and the government that doesn't accomplish the work it should for the people. While Twain's comments reflected his own times, the discussion was very pertinent to the present and it drew both laughter and applause from the audience.

Holbrook's performance also punctuated Twain's religious views. He said, "If man is the noblest work of God, who found that out?" He spoke extensively of the "deity" and its influences on man and gave his take on Noah's Ark with insight and a few jokes in between.

After the single intermission, Holbrook returned to the stage to continue his exceptional Mark Twain characterization. His first question to the audience was, "Ever wonder why the human race was created?" And with this query, they heard much of Twain's clever take on humanity. Speaking about family he stated, "We get insanity from our children." This drew a good deal of laughter of from the crowd.

In the second act, Holbrook also performed a reading from Twain's well known book, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The American Classic was written by Twain in 1876. Holbrook also shared Twain's self awareness in the show. "People call me a pessimist but I am not. I am an optimist that did not arrive." He finished the show "in praise of affection" and the entire audience rose to its feet for Holbrook's wonderfully authentic performance.

Metropolitan area audiences will enjoy the eclectic variety of professional dance, theater, and music presentations at the Mayo Performing Arts Center during the month of May. Located at 100 South St, in downtown Morristown, the theater is easily reached by mass transit or by car, with generous parking in the area. For ticketing and more information on upcoming shows, visit their website at www.mayoarts.org. or call (973) 539-8008.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Artist

To post a comment, you must register and login.