Richard Clark Brings Mark Twain to Life

Mark Twain visited the this weekend. Well, it wasn't the real Mark Twain, of course, but guests still enjoyed the performance which brought the famed American to life.

Twain was played by Richard Clark, an actor with more than 30 years of experience in New England regional theater, New York theater and television. He is a graduate of Clark University and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, The Actor’s Connection, and the Actor’s Loft in New York City.

Clark's "Keeping History Alive" series brings historical figures such as Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, Clarence Darrow, John Barrymore, Ernest Hemingway and William Shakespeare back to life. His shows are based on biographies, autobiographies personal letters, books and the works of various playwrights.

The Bethany production was billed as a "delightful look at the life and work of America’s foremost humorist. This one-person play is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made him a legend in his time."

And, according to Sarah Shepherd of the Clark Memorial Library, Clark lived up to the hype. "He was exceptional," she said.

The program was sponsored by the Bethany Library Association Board.