Hal Holbrook's Mark Twain is BACK and Better Than Ever!

To kick off our Theatre Series, Hal Holbrook returns to The Palace in the role of his lifetime. On September 26, Holbrook joins us as Mark Twain in Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight! 

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.

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.

Holbrook's signature backstage at The Palace from his last visit.

 

Harry Connick, Jr. to perform at the Palace Theater, June 12 and June 13!

Stamford, CT-Dave Brubeck famously said, “Jazz stands for freedom. It's supposed to be the voice of freedom: Get out there and improvise, and take chances, and don't be a perfectionist - leave that to the classical musicians.” There is no one who embodies this more than the legendary Harry Connick, Jr. The Palace Theater is incredibly excited to have this three-time Grammy-award winner in concert on Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13 at 8pm.

His musical talent is multi-faceted; not only can he bring grade-A jazz vocals, but he is a gifted composer and lyricist. He initially rose to fame for performing the soundtrack to the hit movie When Harry Met Sally, bringing a fresh flair to classics like “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “It had to be You.” This soundtrack won him his first Grammy. Soon after, he released his most popular song to date, “I Could Only Whisper Your Name,” for the classic Jim Carrey movie, The Mask, officially launching him to the acclaim we all know of him today.

Connick is also a talented actor; he was first featured in Independence Day, and most notably starred in Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock. He played Dr. Leo Markus on the hit TV series Will and Grace for four years. Beyond that, he has excelled on Broadway. He was nominated for Best Soundtrack for the musical Thou Shalt not, starred the 2008 revival of The Pajama Game and in the 2011 revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. Most recently, Connick stepped into the critic’s circle, replacing Randy Jackson as a judge for the final few seasons of American Idol with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. Critics often remarked how much Connick improved Idol by doing away with confusing criticisms and implementing technical musical terms to mentor the contestants.  

He is even a generous philanthropist. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, Connick went to New Orleans to begin relief efforts. He organized and performed in the NBC special A Concert for Hurricane Relief. He highlighted struggling shelters and worked to restore a line of homes for musicians. 

Throughout his prolific career, Connick managed to keep with his music. He has released twenty-six studio albums, winning two more Grammys for the Albums “We are in Love” and “Songs I’ve Heard.” His music ranges from the jazz of his New Orleans background to pop-funk, to taking a classic twist on modern hits. The concert will feature original songs from his entire career, as well as classic jazz standards.  Connick often describes how he changes up the arrangements of his music before a concert, so that he can keep what he’s singing fresh and interesting. No two Connick performances are the same; every one is different and special.

He is so revered by all in Fairfield County, and the Palace is truly honored to host him. Please come see one of the most talented musicians in decades, you won’t want to miss it!