Samuel Clemens News

Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Boise Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

Voting has opened for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Boise Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of November 27th. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

TV One salutes comedy genius Eddie Murphy with the network premiere of PBS' Eddie Murphy: The Mark Twain Prize tonight, December 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

TV One salutes comedy genius Eddie Murphy with the network premiere of PBS' Eddie Murphy: The Mark Twain Prize on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

Voting has opened for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Boise Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of November 27th. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

Long before his New York City funeral in 1910, Samuel Clemens gave life to Mark Twain, the enduring American character who has never left stage and screen, whose name denotes a coveted prize for celebrity humorists, and whose autobiography became a best-seller in 2010. 

Author Chris Madsen has added the Clemens Medal to a long list of awards for his debut title, 'Rowdy,' a true story of a 1916 yacht and the people who graced its decks over several decades including members of New York society, politicians, and the rich and famous. The yacht was commissioned to Holland Sackett Duell in 1916 and Madsen was able to locate his daughter, Hanny Pierson, who at 93 years of age, flew from the East Coast to the West Coast to board the yacht following a six-year restoration by Madsen. From Hanny, her many descendants, and years of research at libraries, museums, historical societies, Supreme Court cases, newspaper archives, and yacht club records, Madsen was able to piece together an extraordinary story of the family and the yacht. 'The family's forefathers were amongst the first pilgrims that arrived at Plymouth,' says Madsen. 'And Holland's grandfather was instrumental in the formation in the Republican Party giving powerful speeches to Congress for the abolition of slavery, and in support of the Civil War. Holland was himself a highly decorated World War I hero and powerful attorney, New York Senator, businessman and highly respected sailor.' 'This isn't a book I would ordinarily read,' says Ron Fritsch, AiA director and reviewer for the Clemens award program. 'But once I started reading 'Rowdy', I could not put it down. It is a compelling story. The book is also beautifully produced and makes a wonderful coffee table book. The author has clearly invested a considerable sum on editing as the quality of the work is impeccable. 'Rowdy' is a deserving recipient of the Clemens Medal.' 'Rowdy' is a true life colorful 1920's historical biography full of adventure, love stories and scandals, and becomes the first book to be awarded the Clemens Medal. An e-version of 'Rowdy' is in production. The hard cover complete with accented gold leaf stamping, blind deboss and a woven burgundy book mark ribbon reflects the story within and is available at all major online retailers including Amazon.com. About the Clemens Award Program The Clemens Medal is awarded to an author for a book of outstanding literary quality and design. The three elements considered for this award include: - literary quality of work - the cover design and to a lesser extent, interior design - standard of editing Criteria The award is open to all independent (self-published) authors, and authors published by a small or academic press. 1. Prerequisite The nominated title must have won an award - gold, silver or bronze - from one of the award programs recognized for their Honoring Excellence award. 2. Literary Quality The following elements will be considered when assessing the literary quality of the nominated title. Note: not all of these elements will apply to every genre. Plot: is the story well-constructed, is author in control of plot and making wise decisions, do events happen within the limits of the theme and genre, is final resolution credible, and does it honor the story. Style: is the style appropriate to the theme, genre, subject matter, is the dialogue genuine and does it work effectively with the narrative, author's use of literary techniques and contentions, observance of fundamental rules such as Point Of View, accuracy of any factual material, use of language to create atmosphere, settings, characters, actions etc. Characterization: are characters believable, well-developed, do they interact in a convincing way, is their behavior consistent with their biography and consistent throughout the story, are they revealed to the reader in an effective way through action, inner dialogue, thoughts, reactions and responses to other characters. 3. Design 3.1 Cover Design Like story and writing style, design is quite subjective. Covers also need to respond to the elements that are relevant to a particular genre. We will be considering the following aspects of cover design: - a well written, compelling back cover copy (or description for eBook) - a custom, polished, professional design (no templates) - the genre or story is evident in the design 3.2 Interior Design With regard to interior design (print version only), we are not looking for elaborate design when simplicity works just as well. The nominated title will pass this criterion if: - the print is positioned sensibly on the page - the page numbering starts at chapter one - includes a copyright page with relevant content - includes a title page(s) 4. Editing The work must be edited to a very high professional standard. We accept that despite endless edits, rewrites and proofreading that some errors do slip through, and this happens with all books not just self-published books. However, such errors should be minor and limited. About the Clemens Medal The Clemens Medal is in honor of Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain who started his own publishing company (Charles L. Webster & Company) in 1885 to self-publish his books. The Clemens Medal recognizes non mainstream authors ie self-published or authors published by a small or academic press who have published a book of outstanding literary quality and design. About The Association of Independent Authors The Association of Independent Authors (AiA) is the peak body representing, advancing, promoting and supporting independent (self-published) authors globally. Its membership spans six continents with directors based in the USA, UK, Asia, Australia and South Africa. The AiA published a comprehensive guide to self-publishing with 80+ articles from experts in their field. Self-Publishing. Publish Your Book and Avoid the Pitfalls with Advice from Leading Experts and Experienced Authors is available exclusively in the Kindle Store.

B Street Theatre's Family Series, California's only fully professional, resident theater for children, is pleased to present The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Tales by Mark Twain. The production features a collection of stories originally written by prolific American author and humorist Mark Twain. These classic tales have been transformed into an outrageously fun and fast- paced adaptation for the stage by Buck Busfield, Greg Alexander and David Pierini

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 18th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Eddie Murphy on October 18, 2015 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world's greatest humorists, will be given at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, and will be taped for broadcast nationwide. Event tickets will go on sale through the Kennedy Center's Special Events Office on Monday, May 11.

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut announced today that seventeen-year-old Playwright-in-Residence Noah Altshuler will adapt Mark Twain's timeless classic, THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, for the stage, with an eye towards Broadway.

Hal Holbrook presented his iconic one-man show, MARK TWAIN TONIGHT! , appeared at Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center for one show on Saturday, January 17th. Mr. Holbrook delighted the audience with Twain's words skewering Congress, misuse of religion, guns, and people's refusal to think before speaking. Mr. Holbrook has been performing as Twain for 60 years.

Tony and Emmy award winner Hal Holbrook is bringing MARK TWAIN TONIGHT to Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center for one performance, on Saturday evening, January 17, 2015. BroadwayWorld interviewed him by email.

Small-town antics, homespun humor and foot-stompin' fiddlin' come to Sierra Repertory Theatre's Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park today, September 26 - October 26 with Mark Twain's A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage. Set in Deerlick, Missouri, the musical fits Columbia's historic feeling and should delight audiences seeking a taste of the wit of legendary humorist Mark Twain.

Small-town antics, homespun humor and foot-stompin' fiddlin' come to Sierra Repertory Theatre's Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park September 26 - October 26 with Mark Twain's A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage. Set in Deerlick, Missouri, the musical fits Columbia's historic feeling and should delight audiences seeking a taste of the wit of legendary humorist Mark Twain.

Following a successful fifth season with productions at The Side Project Theatre and Collaboraction, The Ruckus Theater is proud to announce its sixth season in Chicago, as well as the appointment of a new Artistic Director and Executive Director. Outgoing Artistic Director Allison Shoemaker, who will now serve as the company's Director of Marketing and Publicity, and incoming Artistic Director Derek Van Barham release today a season of two plays, each investigating the impact of cataclysm on a community. In addition to announcing Barham's appointment, the company also proudly announces the appointment of Catherine Bullard as Executive Director.

Be prepared for Ron Jewell to transport you to another place and time as he brings to life the incomparable Mark Twain. The show is being held at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA tonight, April 12 at 7:30 pm. Remaining tickets are limited, so please reserve your tickets now.

Be prepared for Ron Jewell to transport you to another place and time as he brings to life the incomparable Mark Twain. The show is being held at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 pm. Remaining tickets are limited, so please reserve your tickets now.

Life's fragile vision of the truth abandoned Eleora the day she found Sky. Even then, she knew some of the most fantastical tales were based on some sort of truth; never would she have fathomed that these tales would become her reality. Sky gave her life purpose beyond her own breath. Until now, she thought it was all just whimsical stories. She wanted the same thing that everyone wanted-love. But Eleora is not what she thinks she is and there are also factions trying to kill her.

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.'

The Laguna Playhouse Executive and Artistic Directors Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham present a special event, Val Kilmer starring in CITIZEN TWAIN, for a five-show limited engagement. Val Kilmer, famous for his portrayals of iconic characters such as Jim Morrison (The Doors), Doc Holliday (Tombstone) and Batman (Batman Forever), inhabits the spirit of yet another legendary figure: Mark Twain. "We are thrilled to bring this extraordinary production to our audiences in Laguna Beach," offers Wood. Wareham adds, "Val Kilmer brings to remarkable life one of the greatest legends of all time and we are honored to have him here." CITIZEN TWAIN will perform five performances only beginning on Thursday, November 21 and run through Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.