Mark Twain News

What did our critic think of BERNHARDT/HAMLET at Theatre Pro Rata? Set in 1899 Paris, this play delves into the life of the audacious and acclaimed actress, Sarah Bernhardt. She stands at the pinnacle of her career, having triumphed in numerous theatrical roles and won the hearts of critics.

​​​​​​​The Celebration of Life for Kansas City playwright and screenwriter Nathan Louis Jackson is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10 am.

Playhouse on Park and Hartford Stage Company will collaborate on a panel discussion in conjunction with the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s THEATER WEEK. Learn more about the upcoming event here!

HartBeat Ensemble presents the Connecticut premiere of 'Possessing Harriet,' a Kyle Bass drama. Don't miss this powerful and thought-provoking production.

The Resident Acting Company, formed four years ago by the actors of the award-winning Pearl Theater Company, is announcing their fall lineup of script in hand performances celebrating Shakespeare and the First Folio at The Players, the historic club and home of the great Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth. Learn more about the performance lineup here!

The Playwrights Realm has revealed its 2023-2024 cohort: a dynamic group of storytellers participating in its Writing Fellows program.

Nathan Louis Jackson, playwright and screenwriter, passed away on Tuesday, August 22 at the age of 44.  Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Nathan was a graduate of Washington High School, an alum of Kansas City Kansas Community College and Kansas State University and The Juilliard School where he received his MFA in Playwriting. 

Mark Twain was once quoted as saying, “Comedy equals tragedy plus time.” Well, Ed Byrne is here to test his equation in Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time. Having only seen clips of Byrne on shows like Mock the Week, I was looking forward to seeing a full hour of his standup.

Discover the latest exhibit at ArtServe featuring the works of their talented members and resident artists. Titled 'Sole Perception,' this exhibit runs from October 6th to December 30th, showcasing the interconnectivity of their individual creativity.

Listen to stories by Chester Himes, O. Henry, Elsie Singmaster and Mark Twain while taking in the breeze on the porch of an historic bed and breakfast, drinking lemonade, and enjoying homemade desserts. It's all part of Classic American Tales' (CAT) popular 'Tales at the Dormer House' in Cape May, NJ, every Thursday at 4:00 p.m through August 10.

Award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and television and film producer Dave Chappelle will perform at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 7:30PM, as part of the Dave Chappelle Live tour.

Theatre Pro Rata is producing  Bernhardt/Hamlet  written by Theresa Rebeck at The Crane Theater this September under the direction of Carin Bratlie Wethern. 

Based on many, many interviews with residents of Charlottesville, court transcripts and news reports, the very timely and relevant show Charlottesville was presented with theatrical integrity and complex layers/themes as part of the 2023 Capital Fringe Festival.

Experience the magic of Billie Holiday once again as actress and singer Synthia L. Hardy brings her award-winning one-woman show, Billie! Backstage with Lady Day, to Oceanside Theatre Company's Brooks Theater. Don't miss this sensational return that combines storytelling and song to capture the essence of Billie Holiday's music and life.

WRITE OUT LOUD, an organization founded in 2007 with a commitment to inspire, challenge and entertain by reading literature aloud for a live audience has announced the 14th Annual TwainFest. Twainfest will take place on Saturday, August 19th from 11am - 5pm in Heritage County Park.

Mr. Helgeson will appear as Mark Twain on August 5th at 5:50 pm. as part of the 2023 Yippie Fest in Chicago. 'The Gospel According To Mark...Twain' will be staged at THE PRIDE ARTS.

From June 8 through August 10, Classic American Tales (CAT) is presenting 'Tales at the Dormer House,' formerly known as 'Tales of the Victorians' and 'Tales in the Backyard' when previously produced by East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC).  Guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories by American authors like O. Henry, Zora Neale Hurston, and Mark Twain.  

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced the selection of five Honorees who will receive the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Learn more about the honorees here!

From June 8 through August 10, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents 'Tales at the Dormer House,' formerly known as 'Tales of the Victorians' and 'Tales in the Backyard' when previously produced by East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC).  Guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories by American authors like O. Henry, Zora Neale Hurston, and Mark Twain.

Fulton Theatre will present a Benefit Concert of Ahrens and Flaherty's Ragtime on July 15, 2023. The cast of 64 will be directed by Marc Robin and the 28 piece orchestra will be led by Ben McNaboe.