Mark Twain News

Books-A-Million, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM: BAMM) shoppers will be able to get a head start on their holiday shopping this year by taking advantage of numerous Black Friday deals a week early. The sneak peek campaign is set to run from November 22 - 24. Customers will find deals on the hottest selling books, toys, tech, and more at their local Books-A-Million. Customers will also have an opportunity to register for a chance to win a $1,000 Books-A-Million gift card to make their holiday shopping experience even sweeter.

Sierra Repertory Theatre will present its annual Songs of the Season event on December 10 at the East Sonora Theatre.

Bill Cosby has been a staple on American TV, featured in such classics as 'The Cosby Show' and 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,' and 'I Spy.' Today, the legendary comedian sat down with TODAY's Al Roker to chat about his long career in comedy

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Florida Rep's Education Department presents A Mark Twain Story Book by Tom Poole as part of the Lunchbox Theatre Series. The story celebrates the life and times of one of America's most celebrated authors! A Mark Twain Storybook plays today, Nov. 21 and the 23rd at 11am in the Arcade Theatre, and the admission price includes the show, an interactive presentation, and a lunch from The Deli.

PICT Theatre's final production of the season is the Pittsburgh premiere of Paul Giovanni's The Crucifer of Blood, a Sherlock Holmes adventure featuring characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Matt Torney directs. David Whalen returns to reprise the role of Sherlock Holmes since his 2011 turn as the master detective. Also returning from the 2011 production is Daryll Heysham as Inspector Lestrade. Justin R. G. Holcomb makes his PICT debut as Dr. Watson.

One Hundred and Twenty-Five years ago this New Year's Eve, America's most celebrated actor, Edwin Booth gave the Deed of 16 Gramercy Park South to The Players. The Players tradition has been to read the deed in front of the Great Hall fire place echoing back to Edwin Booth and the Founding Members. This year, this tradition continues along with live music, dancing, and more festivities as The Players kicks off a new era, sharing a toast to its founders and celebrating 125 years at 'A Certain Club.'

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin today announced the cast and creative team for the Company's newest education initiative, The Tom Sawyer Project. This program involves local high school students in their own production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer which WaterTower Theatre is producing January 24 - February 16, 2014. The cast will be comprised of students from W.T. White High School, Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School and homeschooled students.

The fun and exciting holiday event takes place on Saturday, December 7 in the Mark Twain House Museum Center with two performances--at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The play is written by Joe Landry and is directed by Virginia Wolf.

For eight performances only, both Western Christmas tales come to life when the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company presents 'Christmas with Harte and O. Henry.' The dates are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30; Sunday, Dec. 8; Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 12, 13 and 14 at 8:00p.m., with special Saturday matinees at 2:00p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 14.

Amicus Productions presents this riotous cross-dressing comedy at the Papermill Theatre, at the Todmorden Mills historical site, 67 Pottery Road, running tonight, November 14-16, & 21-23 at 8 p.m. and November 17 and 23 at 2p.m.

Florida Rep's Education Department presents A Mark Twain Story Book by Tom Poole as part of the Lunchbox Theatre Series. The story celebrates the life and times of one of America's most celebrated authors! A Mark Twain Storybook plays Nov. 21 & 23 at 11am in the Arcade Theatre, and the admission price includes the show, an interactive presentation, and a lunch from The Deli.

The adventures of Tom, Huck, Becky and Injun Joe in Mark Twain's famous story written right here in Connecticut will be danced by the state's professional ballet company, Connecticut Ballet, at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, January 25, at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. A perfect intro to story ballet for ages 4-14, this is a tale of a mischievous boy and his friend Huckleberry Finn. This show is part of the Pepsi Children's Series. To round out the day, Piccolo Pizza & Pasta Jazzeria (24 Prospect St., Ridgefield) will serve a free scoop of gelato the day of the show when tickets/stubs are presented. This event is underwritten by Wooster School of Danbury with support from Macaroni Kid. As part of the Playhouse's ongoing outreach program where free tickets are offered to other non-profits, The Union Savings Bank "Arts for Everyone" recipient is Dreams Come True of Western Connecticut.

YahooTV reports that Cosby is at work on two network shows, one which sounds a lot like The Cosby Show, though he insists it won't be a remake -- 'They would like to see a married couple that acts like they love each other, warts and all, children who respect the parenting, and the comedy of people who make mistakes. Warmth and forgiveness. So I hope to get that opportunity, and I will deliver the best of Cosby, and that will be a series, I assume, that we could get enough people week after week after week to tune in to, to come along with us.'

You already know you're going to love Mamma Mia! now on stage at the Fisher Theatre, through November 10. The wildly popular musical takes the massive worldwide hits from ABBA and weaves them into a compelling story about life, love and dreams.

You loved him as the father on TV's 'The Wonder Years.' Now meet him in a new role: The Godfather.

Stageworks Media has announced announce Speakeasy Dollhouse: The Brothers Booth by Cynthia von Buhler. A new chapter to Ms. von Buhler's Speakeasy Dollhouse, which has over the past two years become one of the city's most unique, interactive, and surreal theatre experiences, Speakeasy Dollhouse: The Brothers Booth brings von Buhler's unique brand of immersive theater to the legends of John Wilkes and Edwin Booth. Directed by Wes Grantom (Eager to Lose at Ars Nova), Speakeasy Dollhouse: The Brothers Booth will play monthly performances (on the first Saturday of the month) at The Players Club (16 Gramercy Park South) beginning in March 2014.

Billy Crystal returns to Broadway tonight to kick off a 9-week-only limited engagement of his Tony Award-winning, record-breaking play 700 SUNDAYS. Opening night is set for Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) and the final performance will be Sunday, January 5, 2014. 700 SUNDAYS is performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content byAlan Zweibel and direction by Des McAnuff.

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin today announced the cast for regional premiere of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer running January 24 - February 16, 2014 on the Main Stage at the Addison Theatre Centre. The cast features Andrews Cope (Tom Sawyer), Tabitha Ray (Becky Thatcher), Garret Storms (Huckleberry Finn/Ensemble), Jake Buchanan (Joe Harper/Ensemble), Jeff Wittekiend (Sid Sawyer/Ensemble), Van Quattro (Injun Joe/Ensemble), Nancy Sherrard (Aunt Polly/Widow Douglas) and Tom Lenaghen (Muff Potter/Ensemble).

A legend that needs no introduction, Bill Cosby is coming to Comedy Central for his first television concert special in 30 years. Bill Cosby: Far From Finished will premiere on Saturday, November 23rd at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. An extended Blu-ray and DVD of the special will be released on November 26th by Comedy Central Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Featuring material not seen in the broadcast, the DVD/Blu-ray will also include an interview with Cosby conducted by director Robert Townsend, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and an inside look at the making of his song “Gangbusters.” A CD version of Bill Cosby: Far From Finished will also be released on November 26th by Comedy Central Records, with two bonus tracks titled “Bernadette” and “Otis” contributing to over 40 minutes of additional material.