Holbrook uses letters and journal entries from Twain’s life
to give modern audiences an idea of the person behind the internationally
adored books. The show is biting, funny, and makes the audience feel like Mark
Twain is really standing there in front of them, talking about his life and his
work.
Holbrook, a critically acclaimed actor for his work on the
stage and on the screen, began this project in the early 1950s as a show where
he played various people from history, interviewed by his wife Ruby. Twain
quickly becoming a favorite of both Holbrook and the audience, the show morphed
into a one man show with Twain. The show premiered in 1954, and he toured
around various colleges and local theatres. He eventually was picked up by
producers and brought the show to New York in 1966. He earned a Tony Award for
Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, and an Emmy Award in 1967 for the
broadcasted version of the show.
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| Poster from Holbrook's original show |
The show is still evolving even fifty years after its
premiere. The original program from the 1959 Off-Broadway engagement included
the note “While Mr. Twain’s selections will come from the list below, we have
been unable to pin him down as to which of them he will do. He claims this
would cripple his inspiration. However, he has generously conceded to a printed
program for those who are in distress and wish to fan themselves.” This still
appears on programs for the show.
Having given this performance at The Palace over 40 years
ago, Holbrook is eager to return. Come and see the work of one man’s incredible
career, in the role that started it all.
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| Holbrook's signature backstage at The Palace from his last visit. |
