Act II Playhouse Stages MARK TWAIN UNPLUGGED, Now thru 2/8

Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents the world premiere of Mark Twain Unplugged, today, Jan. 20-Feb. 8. Written by and starring Tom Teti, this new play is a hilarious evening (or afternoon) with America's greatest storyteller.

Act II Playhouse Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite directs the show. "Mark Twain was perhaps the finest wit of his day, and so much of his humor is timeless," Braithwaite said. "We laugh now at things that were written a hundred years ago because they feel like they were written a hundred minutes ago. One of Twain's great gifts was his ability to relate to everyday folks, and that makes his material a natural choice for our intimate theatre here in Ambler."

Mark Twain Unplugged is a recreation of one of Twain's legendary speeches in the mid-19th Century. The show features live music from the time period. Sonny Leo is the on-stage pianist and music director.

Teti previously played Mark Twain at People's Light in 2012's Sacred Cows Make the Best Hamburgers. At the time, the Philadelphia Inquirer said that Teti "imbues Twain's wit with as much sparkle as his white-on-white suit."

"Tom Teti is a funny man, an insightful artist, and one of the titans in Philadelphia theatre circles going on thirty years or so," Braithwaite said. "And yet he is still a charming, lovable regular guy: much like Twain in that regard! I have known, worked with, and admired Tom and his work for decades. Tom has keenly developed playing Twain over the years, and I can't wait to work with him in crafting a piece that's unique for Act II."

Tickets for Mark Twain Unplugged are $24-$35 with discounts available for subscribers, seniors and students. Tickets are available by calling the Act II Box Office at (215) 654-0200, in person at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler, or online at www.act2.org. Box office hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.