[NEohioPAL] Preview of "Presenting Mark Twain!" at Rabbit Run

[Bob Abelman]

At Rabbit Run, the Twain shall meet

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This preview appeared in the News-Herald 9/4/09

 

The Sixth International Conference on the State of Mark Twain Studies took place a month ago at Elmira College in New York.  Missed it?

 

Somewhere around the country the one-man show "Mark Twain Tonight," is playing, which features award-winning actor and Cleveland native Hal Holbrook.  Holbrook has played Mark Twain over 2100 times on the Broadway stage and on tour, including a short stint at PlayhouseSquare this past March.  Missed that too?

 

Fortunately, Rabbit Run Theater in Madison Township is providing one more opportunity to catch the wit and witticisms of one of the most quoted humorists in American history.  Brint Learned, executive director of Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, portrays Twain in his own original one-man performance piece, "Presenting Mark Twain!"

 

Twain's brash optimism and common-sense observations about the human condition, as expressed through his many newspaper stories, travelogues, essays, novels, and speeches during the late-1800s, have provided a treasure trove of clever quips, entertaining anecdotes, and sage counsel.  

 

"Presenting Mark Twain!" includes selections from a number of Twain's speeches and short stories, as well as passages from several of his novels including "Roughing It" and "Adventures of "Huckleberry Finn."

 

Twain himself was a master storyteller with a mischievous, laid-back Missourian manner and trademark appearance.  It is little wonder that he and his work have been featured in one-man shows created by actors and literary historians.   

 

"The challenge in creating this piece has been finding a way to share the many sides of Mark Twain," notes Learned.  "Twain, the writer, was a fascinating mix of gifted humorist and insightful social critic.  His work endures to this day because of his talent for both observing and embracing the human condition.  Twain, the man, was torn between his very public celebrity and a home life that would bring him great joy and devastating loss.  We see both Twains in this production."

 

Unlike Holbrook's perpetual celebration of the man and his musings, "Presenting Mark Twain!" runs Labor Day weekend only, September 4, 5 and 6.

 

As an added attraction, patrons can enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social during intermission and homemade pies will also be available.  Clearly, Twain's belief that "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt" does not apply.  Not if you want to eat pie.

 

Details

 

What:     "Presenting Mark Twain!"

When:   Today through Sunday.

Where:  Rabbit Run Theater, 5648 W. Chapel Rd., Madison Township. 

Tickets  $20

Info:        440-428-7092 or www.rabbitrunonline.tix.com.

 
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