Mark Twain Tonight: Antiquity is Contemporary at TheaterWorks

 Mark Twain Tonight: Antiquity is Contemporary at TheaterWorks

By David Pulvermacher

(Disclaimer: All posts are my thoughts and opinions on productions. I will do my best to share an honest and fair review of each show.)



Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas embodies Mark Twain as he performs Mark Twain Tonight at TheaterWorks. Donning the classic white suit, cigar in hand, he seamlessly slides into the persona of Twain as he regales the audience with Twain's stories as if he were the author himself. Known for his work in The Waltons and Ozark, Thomas is the first actor to perform this one-man show since it originated.  Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, join Thomas as he brings Twain’s anecdotes and stories to life. 


The epicenter of the show stands on the powerful performance of Thomas. He captures Twain’s classic wit, satire, and hyperbole as he engages the audience with classic tales, such as Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Thomas’s comedic timing and line delivery accentuate Twain’s clever writing. Each subtle detail, such as Twain’s Missouri Southern drawl, builds a commanding presence that Thomas controls from the first moment of the show through to the end. 


Holbrook’s writing cleverly creates a window to our American heritage while shining a mirror on the world we live in today. The selections of Twain’s writing feel relevant to our modern day. From selections of anecdotes, such as “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” The show discusses topics ranging from personal responsibility to politics, oppression, and autonomy. Holbrook takes the most relevant of Twain’s work and adapts it in a way that leaves the audience in a state of amusement and introspection. 


While Thomas was the sole performer on stage, many supported his work from behind the curtain. Sceneic Designer Brian Prather has a simplistic design to the stage that feels like the audience is listening to Twain’s lecture from his library. From wooden floors to the podium, the room felt authentic to the time. Along with Prather, Costume Designer Sam Fleming creates authentic attire. Twain’s white suit is crisp, yet well-worn. The collaboration between Thomas and the crew manifests in a character that captivates the audience. 


Mark Twain Tonight is a sophisticated and witty show that intrigues the audience from start to end. With a compelling performance by Thomas and support from the crew, TheaterWorks once again presents a successful, thought-provoking show that leaves audiences reflecting on their personal roles and responsibilities to themselves and communities at large. The show is playing through to the 24th. For ticket information, go to https://twhartford.org/ 
Location: 233 Pearl St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

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