Richard Thomas Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Since Twain lived in Hartford for a time, it is copasetic that Thomas's journey with the character begins here. Early on, Twain remarks, "I was born modest but it wore off." Thomas faces his audience throughout and, wearing a cream-colored suit (furnished by costume designer Sam Fleming), he befriends those watching with an inviting Mark Twain who could be irreverent. Thomas never hurries and he moves haltingly, taking small steps, occasionally sitting in a chair but otherwise moving about in unhurried fashion. Thomas's parents were ballet dancers and this performer understands movement. Michael Wilson, listed as creative consultant for the show, might have offered input. Designer Luc Verschueren provides Thomas's white wig.

Thomas has previously noted both Twain's complexity and Holbrook's comprehension of the man who spurred Holbrook's award-winning portrayal. Twain was outraged with selfishly wealthy people and frustrated with, for example, Congress. He, though, went to San Francisco hoping to find gold. He was not adept at retaining money that he did manage to make. He was an insightful novelist, a raconteur, and a born stand-up comic. Thomas, at home on the stage, steps into the role with a combined zest and discipline. His timing is exquisite.

Hal Holbrook evidently composed different versions of Mark Twain Tonight!. Thomas, who has said he enjoys researching, presents a unique distillation. This actor's take finds Twain, during the latter part of the nineteenth century, boldly offering his perspective and criticism of this country. To be sure, there are inconsistencies and contradictions. As he grew older, Twain seemed to become more incensed with injustice. That acknowledged, Thomas's Twain is always ready with a quip and even a wink at theatre patrons.

Richard Thomas is no stranger to Hartford, a city this actor, who is often on tour, very much likes. Artistic Director Mark Lamos brought Thomas to Hartford Stage during the 1980s and the actor starred in Hamlet, Peer Gynt, and Richard III. More recently, he performed in Our Town in New York and as Atticus Finch in the Aaron Sorkin rendering of To Kill a Mockingbird. Now 74, Thomas is pleased that people still recall his role as John Boy in television's "The Waltons." In all, he has enjoyed a formidable run of roles.

Richard Thomas's Mark Twain informs observers that he was born in the same year, 1835, that Halley's Comet arrived and he sort of figured he might very well depart this world when the comet returned about 75 years later. The comet reappeared in 1910, the year Twain died. Thomas, long on skill and stamina, commands attention for a continuous hour and a half. He does so by hooking people immediately with his voice and presence. He holds them with an impactful mixture of humor, political opinion, and even moral commentary.

At one point, he showcases a copy of Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and this leads to a delectably imagined scene between Huck and Jim, once a slave, as they rest upon a raft on the Mississippi River. Thomas alters his voice as he plays Huck, around 13 years of age, and the performer absolutely transports the audience to another time, place, and delectable if fictional habitat.

An ideal fit for this show, Thomas adroitly inhabits two sets of metaphorical shoes. He references Hal Holbrook's expansive exploration of the writer while embodying a unique Mark Twain on stage. The resultant live performance blends investigation with drama and accordingly yields the very best of visual, auditory art.

Mark Twain Tonight! runs through August 24, 2025, at TheaterWorks, Hartford, 233 Pearl St., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-527-7838 or visit twhartford.org. For information on the tour, visit twainplay.com.