Trending
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center presents "Mark Twain Live!" starring Mike Randall as the renowned literary figure, on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Randall began impersonating America's greatest author in 1972 at the age of 17. Five decades and more than 2,000 performances later, Randall continues to enjoy his close encounter with Twain. Randall, as Twain, points his irreverent finger of humor at everything from politics to religion, making it clear why some have called Twain "America's original stand-up comic." Several hours of makeup combined with the actor's mannerisms, speech and Twain's actual words create a startling realistic portrayal.
Randall is the only Mark Twain impersonator to be formally acknowledged by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his authenticity, and the only Mark Twain actor to be a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. "Mark Twain Live!" is endorsed by the Mark Twain Museum of Buffalo; and Randall is the "official Mark Twain" of the Huck Finn Jubilee in Victorville, Calif., and the Annual Mark Twain Birthday Bash & Symposium, in Buffalo.
Critics and audiences nationwide agree that Randall in "Mark Twain Live!" is a delightful experience. "Move over Hal Holbrook, Mike Randall is here ... one of the most remarkable evenings of entertainment to be experienced," notes the Washington News.
When not portraying Twain, Randall is the senior meteorologist at WKBW-TV Channel 7, in Buffalo. He is also and AP and UPI award-winning feature reporter and has been with WKBW since 1983. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2017. Also an award-winning playwright, Randall's plays, including Shoot the Weatherman and Guns and Roses, have been produced at Buffalo's Alleyway Theatre.
This performance is part of the Spotlight Series of events, which is generously sponsored by DFT Communications. Tickets are $20, $10 (Students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m. They also may be purchased anytime online at www.fredopera.org.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to "present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region ... providing access to artistic diversity ... and high quality programming at an affordable price." It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org