Mark Twain News

First Floor Theater has announced its Second Annual LitFest, TWAIN'S WORLD, a kaleidoscope of new work inspired by the life and work of one of America's greatest writers. Last year's GrimmFest brought together some of Chicago's most exciting writers and directors, including Bonnie Metzgar, Seth Bockley, Philip Dawkins and Greg Allen. Given the choice of three classic authors, the attendees of this year's annual season kick-off party selected Mark Twain. This moved an exciting, diverse group of playwrights to bring their voice to a conversation around themes in Twain's work, like establishing a new American identity, racism, and the satirization of civilized society. This year's fest promises a full range of adaptation, with everything from page-to-stage to a shadow puppet musical. The press opening will be Friday, July 11, 2014 at 8 pm. Tickets are available at firstfloortheater.com.

Newgrass/bluegrass/rock quintet the Punch Brothers unleash instrumental and vocal fireworks Sunday, July 6 in the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights concert series. Created by mandolin virtuoso -- and youngest ever MacArthur genius grant winner -- Chris Thile (formerly of Grammy-winning Nickel Creek), this edgy string band features the 20- and 30-something all-stars of a genre loosely defined as bluegrass. Folk singer, Willie Watson, opens the Punch Brothers concert, which starts at 7 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.) at Deer Valley Resort's Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Lawn and reserved seating tickets are available.

Arion Press & Grabhorn Institute invite you to a talk and book signing by Ben Tarnoff.

As part of its Southern Exposure Series, which features new and classic literature by Southern writers with Southern inspiration, Tennessee Shakespeare Company this summer introduces two very special Literary Salons hosted by Memphis' newest Irish restaurant and by one of the city's great patrons of the arts.

Arion Press & Grabhorn Institute invite you to a talk and book signing by Ben Tarnoff.

Adobe Theater has announced the June 20, 2014 opening of Tina Howe's Painting Churches (Pulitzer Prize Finalist 1984), directed by Brian Hansen.

freeFall Theatre's upcoming production of THE BURNT PART BOYS takes you out of St. Pete, Florida and deep into West Virginia's coal mines, following the very human experience of fourteen-year-old Pete, his brother Jake and their friends. As these daring young people journey into the coal mine known as "the burnt part", the same mine that took their fathers' lives, audiences are challenged to experience and perceive the streaks of light and the depths of the darkness that lie in each of us.

The Theatre @ Boston Court and Circle X Theatre Co. present Stupid f**king Bird, by Aaron Posner, directed by Michael Michetti. Opening night is Saturday, June 28, 2014 on the Main Stage at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 North Mentor Avenue.

Lapham's Quarterly Decades Ball: The 1870s took place at Gotham Hall in New York City last night, June 2, 2014. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Below are some of the highlights of another fantastic theatrical summer season in Colorado…

700 Sundays star Billy Crystal took the top audiobook prize last night at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held in New York City.

freeFall Theatre's upcoming production of THE BURNT PART BOYS takes you out of St. Pete, Florida and deep into West Virginia's coal mines, following the very human experience of fourteen-year-old Pete, his brother Jake and their friends. As these daring young people journey into the coal mine known as "the burnt part", the same mine that took their fathers' lives, audiences are challenged to experience and perceive the streaks of light and the depths of the darkness that lie in each of us. By turns magical, inspiring, raucous, and playful it is a coming-of-age tale in the finest vein of the genre that people from all walks of life can relate to.

Animation director and artist Charles Martin 'Chuck' Jones (1912-2002) brought to life some of the most iconic cartoon characters in animation history. He perfected the wisecracking Bugs Bunny and the exasperated Daffy Duck and a host of other characters, including Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and Pepé Le Pew. He brought an unparalleled talent for comic invention and a flair for creating distinctive, memorable characters to the art of film animation. What's Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones, a new Smithsonian traveling exhibition that explores Jones's creative genius, influences, and legacy, will open at Museum of the Moving Image in New York City on July 19, 2014 and will be on view through January 19, 2015.

California Shakespeare Theater continues its 2014 season with Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, directed by Aaron Posner. The Comedy of Errors plays at the Bruns Amphitheater from June 25 through July 20.

American actor/director Frank Ferrante known for his stage performances as legendary comedian Groucho Marx in New York, London and over 400 cities worldwide debuts his 'An Evening With Groucho' in Australia beginning June 27th. The tour plays eleven cities closing July 19th. Dreya Weber directs. Pianist Eric Ebbenga provides musical accompaniment. Australian based Jally Entertainment produces.

Michael Miles performs his acclaimed one-man show, From Senegal to Seeger, a social and political portrait of America through the strings of a banjo, live at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, 2030 Hwy 89A in West Sedona, at 7:30 p.m., Monday June 2. Tickets will be available at the door and online at www.sedonacollaborative.org. Tickets are $35.

Coming right on the heels of its Ovation Recommended production of Roald Dahl's THE MAGIC FINGER, The MainStreet Theatre Company has announced its 2014/2015 season -- the 9th for Rancho Cucamonga's resident company for children and families. Shows will be performed in the company's home, the beautiful City owned and operated 536 seat Lewis Family Playhouse.

Following a sold-out performance in March, iconic funny man Bill Cosby brings his signature comedy back to the Treasure Island Theatre tonight, May 23 at 8 p.m.

Lapham's Quarterly announced complete casting for their annual DECADES BALL: The 1870s on Monday, June 2. Joining the evening's entertainment are Rachel Dratch, Brian d'Arcy James, and Leslie Odom Jr., in addition to the previously announced Glenn Close, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Cerveris, Jonathan Groff, and Taylor Mac.

Unbound Productions, Executive Director Jonathan Josephson, Artistic Director Paul Millet, and Producing Artistic Director Jeff G. Rack have announced details about their World Premiere staged reading of MYSTERY LIT, adapted by Josephson from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories (May 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. and May 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.) and the World Premiere production of Algernon Blackwood's THE DOLL, adapted by Rack and directed by Millet (July 11-26, 2014; Fridays-Sundays, 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.).