I
n the
Spring of 1976, Neil was asked by Theatre Three Productions in Port Jeferson,
New York to create the character of Mark Twain, the original actor being unable
to fulfill his commitment. Neil had helped to establish the local regional
theatre on Long Island and was happy to help out. The original show ran for 7
performances in May and June. He recreated the show in December for The Lake
George Dinner Theatre's Winter Season and even appeared on New Year's
Eve!
Neil toured Mark Twain to schools and organizations providing
everything from commencement addresses to fund raising speeches through1982.
In
2008 Neil was asked by Augusta Prepartory Day School to come to Augusta, Georgia to help celebrate the School's Anniversary. Jack Hall, the Headmaster,
was a student of Neil's at The Stony Brook School and had seen the Mark Twain
show as a teenager.
After deciding he could still do this show, Neil agreed to
go to Augusta for performances September 30 and October 1.
Neil will open the show at The Wood Theater in Glens Falls September 17 and 18. Neil has served as a board member of The Wood since June of
2008.
He will then perform September 22 and 23 at St. David's School in Raleigh, NC where another former student, Kevin Lockerbie, serves as the Headmaster.
On Monday, October 4, Neil will perform at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia.
At left, Worth Gowell's rendering
of Neil's 1979 performance at
The Stony Brook School. Worth's
art work will adorn all promotional
material and programs for the
upcoming revival.
At right is Neil as he appeared 33 years ago as Mark Twain. He will need considerably less make up when he re-creates the role at The Wood Theater in September!
In December, 1976, Bob Rose of the Post*Star wrote:
"A beautifully balanced collection of wit and witticism...giving us a Mark Twain who is playful, brooding, broadly comic and always lovable."- Bob Rose 12/6/76
The show is produced jointly by WrightStage Productions and The Charles R. Wood Theater
View Brochure