Mark Twain's Living Legacy Through Hal Holbrook

The theater lights go dark and an overhead speaker announces, "Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Mark Twain."

On March 16, 2007, Hal Holbrook appeared at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, Florida, in Mark Twain Tonight! At 82, Holbrook is in his 53rd straight year of portraying Twain in one of the longest running one man theater shows in history with an estimated 2100 plus performances.

Although Mark Twain died in 1910, Holbrook has kept the author alive and well, quick witted and as reflective as ever. Holbrook, a Tony Award winning actor first portrayed Twain at the Lock Haven Teachers College in Pennsylvania in 1954. His most recent performance, in Daytona Beach, was like stepping back in time. Mark Twain (Holbrook) entered the stage in full makeup and costume, speaking out to his audience, as he fumbled to reach and light his cigar. His only stage props consisted of a desk, pulpit, and chair, circa early 1900, of which he alternated back and forth as he spoke. He was dressed in his classic crème colored 3 piece suit, complete with a pocket watch and matching style shoes. Each story and tidbit he shared carried anticipation of what to expect next. The stage program specifically noted that while a list of possible monologues are provided, Holbrook could not be pinned down for an exact program, he has claimed it would inhibit his creativity. He adds or changes material yearly in order to fit the times, so no two performances are exactly alike. This serves to keep Holbrook and his audience refreshed and engaged.

Any fan of Mark Twain can not help but to feel his presence when Holbrook speaks. His portrayal takes a deeper look at the issues of Twain's day and as he speaks about Teddy Roosevelt's Washington, you almost forget that he is referring to an era of a century earlier. Holbrook captivates his audience with his energy and excitement. I found myself forgetting during the performance that this was Hal Holbrook and not Mark Twain himself before me.

Holbrook, born in 1925, has acted in over 60 movies ( He played "Deep Throat" in All the Presidents Men), and has made many television appearances. He has been married to actress Dixie Carter (Julia, Designing Women) since 1984. Holbrook devoted five years to intense studying of Twain and his euphemisms in order to perfect his performance. Certainly Holbrook has well exceeded his own expectations.

Holbrook's Twain has no fear and his portrayal is honest and true to the author's memory. It is clear that when Holbrook takes the stage he leaves Hal behind the curtain and steps into Mark Twain's shoes. After a thrilling, hilarious, and poignant performance, Holbrook still in full makeup and costume greeted those fans who remained, unable to say goodnight to Mark Twain. Upon his entrance, we clapped for and in honor of him. Mr. Holbrook glided right over to the crowd and began to speak to us with ease. My close friend, Dr. Cindy Lovell Oliver, a college professor and Mark Twain scholar, hugged Mr. Holbrook in awe and excitement, whispering, "Thank you for keeping him [Mark Twain] alive" Holbrook smiled back with a sparkle in his eye, "I could do no less" Indeed Mr. Holbrook, your words speak for you