Mark Twain Tonight!

With Hal Holbrook after his performance in “Mark Twain Tonight!” I first saw him perform in this role when I was in High School; he is just as powerful in it now that he is 90. The political jokes—still topical after 100 years—filled the hall with laughter, and his rendition of the Shepardson/Grangerford Feud from Huck Finn had the audience utterly silent, rapt with sorrow and pity.  This was Mr. Holbrook’s second appearance to benefit the Eugene Field House Foundation, of which I am secretary. We preserve the home and memory of both Eugene Field, the poet and essayist whose work your mothers read to you, whether you know it or not, of of his father, Roswell Field, who was Dred Scott’s lawyer as he sued for his freedom. An added pleasure at the even was meeting the Scotts’ great-great granddaughter.