No more results on this page
Emmy-Award® winning Actor and 2025 Theater Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Thomas brings to life "the nation's one true comic genius" (The New York Times) in Mark Twain Tonight!, written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook. Join the millions who have cheered for the legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain's "uproariously funny" and "pungently wise" (Time Magazine) humor.
Most recently seen on Broadway in Our Town, on tour as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, and on Netflix's Ozark, Richard Thomas will return to Broadway in Spring 2026 in David Lindsay-Abaire's The Balusters, directed by Kenny Leon. Beloved to generations as John-Boy Walton, Richard Thomas is the first and only actor authorized to perform Mark Twain Tonight! since the original.
Enjoyed it immensely. On wish he had done the excerpt from "Roughing It" describing the dog and coyote. Volume was a little low during the first part, but much better during the second part.
Hal Holbrook continues to amaze in this tour de force as Mark Twain. I have seen him five times over several decades and have never seen exactly the same performance. Mr. Holbrook brought Twain alive for me in the style, rhythm, and speech techniques of Twain when he appeared on TV years ago. Then I got to see him in person over the years. Twain continues to be spot on in his comments on current issues. His words are as relevant today as they were in 1905. Seeing Mr. Holbrook bring Twain to life is a blessing and a thrill. It was an inspiring and awesome evening.
The One Man Show by Hal Holbrook was tremendously entertatining and we thought his portrayal of Mr Mark Twain was right on. He has given Mark Twain a voice along with his wit, also insights which were then and are as it is in the world today. We thoroughly enjoyed the program from start to finish and will recommend others attend this event.
This performance was truly a memorable one. Hal Holbrook appeared to live his part as Mark Twain - his mannerisms, the pauses to reflect, and the shuffling as he walked - it's all there. Mr. Holbrook definitely exhibited one of Twain's adages "Whatever you say, say it with conviction." I was taken back in time, yet it's amazing how relevant the political events of the late 1800's are to our current political climate. I feel enlightened after seeing this performance and am anxious to read more of Mark Twain!
Mr Holbrook is simply amazing in the role, I believe, he was born to bring to us. This was the second time I'd seen him (plus a few television viewings), and his command of the character, the stage, and his audience was incredible. After fifty-six years, he only needs nineteen more to surpass Samuel Clemons in the title role. Sadly, despite the energy he displayed on our stage, I doubt he'll make it. I wish I could have met him.
We enjoyed Hal Holbrook's performance. He did a really good job of entertaining and educating. We liked the Carpenter centerand we are looking forward to going again.
I had such an enjoyable experience. Hal Holbrook was amazing; his rendition of Mark Twain was so realistic in physical presence. He had the whole audience laughing continuously for the first half of the show (my cheeks hurt.) The second half of the show was a little more dramatic a presentation that made the audience think. Quite a show!
The Hal Holbrook, Mark Twain presentation is an amazing production. Hal Holbrook is the character, himself. What a phenominal actor he is!! He was funny, he was sarcastic, he was philsophical--he totally brought the chatacter to life. Thank you for bringing this experience to Richmond so we had the opportunity to see it.
Hal Holbrook was terrific - it felt like we were in the presence of Mark Twain. Outstanding.
Amazing show!! We didn't care about where our seats were as long as we could hear it. We were not disappointed by what we heard OR by our seats. First time in the theater. Wow!!
Hal Holbrook reaffirmed his exceptional acting skills and knowledge of Mark Twain. He covered a broad range of topics, all while remaining fully 'in character'.
GREAT SHOW! EXCELLENT ACTOR SHARING PROLIFIC THOUGHTS. ONLY WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN HE WAS GOING TO LIGHT THE CIGAR WHEN I BOUGHT 2ND ROW SEATS WITH ASTHMA AND AN ALLERGY TO SMOKE.
Time travel is possible. Mr. Holbbrook walked onto the stage and at first I had a hard time understanding his manner of speach. Within moments I became accostomed to the speech of the day and was transported to the world that is our shared history. The good and bad. It is amazing that he even though the times have changed, the issues have not. Wonderful experience!
The only downside to this evening was that the theater was not packed to the rafters; I felt sorry for all the people who could have attended, and missed it. Hal Holbrook has been performing this role for 50 years; another performer might become stale in the role. There wasn't a trace of that here; Mr. Holbrook's performance was magical. The heritage of the Sovereign Performing Arts Center gave a warmth to the performance, as the audience was slid back in time almost a hundred years, to a time when audiences listened and marveled to the words of Samuel Clements. Hal Holbrook is 82 years of age; older now than the character he portrays. I am genuinely honored to have finally seen her performance; and honored more that I got to shake his hand, and thank him for what he has gives us all.
Hal Holbrook's potrayal of Mark Twain is an amazing tour de force of acting. His spot on selection of Twain's works was especially appropo to what is happening in todays society, despite a seperation of 130+ years. I highly recommend seeing Mr Holbrook who has honed his Twain craft to perfection for close to 50 years.
I bought these tickets for my husband for Christmas and we have both been looking forward to this event! We were not disappointed at all! Mr Holbrook is still sharp and put on an excellent performance...all the more impressive that it is a one man show! Mark Twain's observations on human nature and politics etc...are still relevant today.
This is an opportunity not to be missed. I feel privileged to have seen this show, and I hope he keeps touring so I can see it again! Holbrook is an excellent actor, and audiences get to watch his craft up close and personal. He embodies the spirit of Twain and shares the wealth of decades of research. When he's relating Twain's humor, it is like watching a stand-up comedy show--19th century-style. Audiences also get to see how Twain's commentary is relevant to modern day society (sometimes uncannily so). Come prepared to think at this show--both during and for days afterward. Hal Holbrook has even more of my respect than before I attended this performance. An amazing actor!
He is a legend. The show was fantastic. Funniest moment was when Twain told a woman "you neglected your vices. You have no cargo to throw overboard"! And when he referenced the death of his wife and the audience responded. Very touching
Holbrook's performance, empowered by age and the recent passing of his wife, was poignant. Twain's presence resounded. A masterful performance. Sadly there were echoes and a generally weak sound system for the audience to contend with. Additionally the hearing aids did not reportedly work that night.
I have always enjoyed Hal Holbrook and came to see him do Mark Twain but Mr. Holbrook was not there. I did get to see Mark Twain! I have always loved Mark Twain. I had been told that Mark Twain was a pessimist but now I realize that he was an optimist who has not arrived. Many people laughed thinking that to be humor but I found it to be honesty. Laughter covers the honesty. Mark Twain's observations on abuse by the press were deadly accurate. I wondered if he had read Kierkegaard about the gutter press. I also enjoy Hal Holbrook and his acting in Designing Women. It would be nice to also see him one day.