Mark Twain Tonight Tickets

It was painful to watch Hal Holbrook attempt to portray Mark Twain. The show was filled with sustained pauses while he tried to recall dialogue, he often fumbled awkwardly with cheat sheets and there were several occasions where he repeated portions of the monologue. What was once surely a brilliant and entertaining show is now simply beyond his capabilities to successfully execute. Many attendees departed at intermission.

Though there were a couple of "slow spots" in the show, to see a 91 year-old veteran actor deliver two hours of monologue, making Mark Twain come alive "Tonight!", was nothing short of phenomenal. Twain's witty-but-biting commentary on the world of his day -- politicians, Congress, and humanity in general -- leaves little doubt that we fail to learn from the foibles of our past but gives a glimmer of hope for those who believe all is lost for future generations. . . after all, here WE ARE! Hal Holbrook is a marvel . . . and a national treasure!

Having been to the show three times in the past, we were excited about seeing Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain at the Tennessee Theatre on 9/30. The first 20 minutes of the act was good (although not as funny as in the past -- maybe he's getting tired...). Then he went into a very strange segment about an animal ramming someone in the backside for about 15 minutes in which few people were laughing. From there, it went downhill...into a VERY inappropriate segment on current politics where NO ONE was laughing. Specific candidates weren't mentioned but it was obvious who he was referring to. That segment then came back around to again mention the backside ramming (non-funny) segment. I guess it was all "tied together" now... My husband and I left at intermission which was one hour into the show. Interestingly, he just walked off the stage -- didn't say anything and no one from the Theatre announced it was intermission. When we got outside, there were several couples who were leaving because they thought the show was over! They similarly expressed that it was awkward, not funny, and politically inappropriate. We were leaving disappointed and won't try his show again. Maybe its time has passed....

Couldn't understand him thirty percent of the time. And there were the long silent pauses.

I really enjoyed the show and am in awe of Hal Holbrook still touring in it at the age of 91. What an inspiration. The show had some very funny parts, and it's remarkable how much of the humor of that era is still relevant today. The part where he did a monologue from Huck Finn was riveting, he has such stage presence! In a few parts some of his dialogue was a little hard to understand but it didn't diminish the enjoyment of it. One thing I will remind people - he's playing a role and telling stories and acting as other people in the stories some times. Pay attention, some folks didn't seem to follow along. At one point he was telling a story about someone who rambled when he told stories and as he was telling it as if he were the rambler, he was rambling and almost falling asleep. Someone in the audience near me whispered 'did he fall asleep?' - well no, Hal Holbrook didn't fall asleep. But the man Mark Twain was talking about and emulating fell asleep so he as Mark Twain appeared to nod off. It was part of the bit. Anyway, I enjoyed it very much and I'm so glad I got to see it.

Both I and my partner had trouble understanding much of the dialogue, although our seats were centrally located in front of theatre.

I have wanted to see Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain for years and the performances in my area always sold out before I could get tickets. The show was very funny and very serious at times. It got a little slow in areas. There were several moments where it looked like he lost his train of thought and had to pull out his notes. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the show from the legend who has been doing this for over 50 years. At age 91 I'm sure that the show won't go on forever. Thank you Mr. Holbrook for a wonderful evening.

Hal Holbrook is an amazing actor but I don't believe this was a stelar performance. The first half was entertaining. The second half was lacking entertain. The articulation was not clear and very difficult to follow. I have been wanting to see this performance for years as I taught Mark Twain's novel to my students. I was disappointed in the performance.

Hal Holbrook in "Mark Twain Tonight" was brilliant. Even though he has been performing this show for over 50 years, it was fresh and incredibly entertaining. I would highly recommend seeing this show! Phenomenal.

Hal Holbrook and his one-man Mark Twain show are institutions. However, at 91, Mr. Holbrook's energy, clarity of voice and perhaps memory have seen better days. Maybe he should switch to teaching others how to do a one-person show. Still I admire him a lot and I'm happy my wife and I went to the show.