Richard Thomas Brings Mark Twain Tonight! to New Jersey This November

Award-winning actor Richard Thomas is set to take on one of America’s most beloved literary voices when he brings Mark Twain Tonight! to New Jersey for two special performances—Wednesday, November 5, and Thursday, November 6, both at 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed production, originally written and performed by the late Hal Holbrook, has long been celebrated as one of the most iconic one-man shows in American theater.

Thomas, best known for his Emmy® Award-winning role as John-Boy Walton on The Waltons, and more recently seen on Broadway in Our Town and on tour as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, now steps into the role of Samuel Clemens—better known to the world as Mark Twain. The show combines wit, wisdom, and storytelling, capturing Twain’s razor-sharp observations of human nature and society.

Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight! became a landmark in stage history, earning critical acclaim for bringing Twain’s humor and humanity to life through passages drawn from his essays, novels, and speeches. For decades, Holbrook’s portrayal defined how audiences understood Twain’s voice. Now, with Holbrook’s blessing, Thomas becomes the first and only actor authorized to carry on this theatrical legacy.

The performance delivers Twain’s timeless commentary with a fresh perspective. Whether it’s his biting satire on politics, his musings on morality, or his reflections on the absurdities of human behavior, the material remains as relevant and powerful today as it was when first performed more than 50 years ago. Thomas’s ability to shift seamlessly between Twain’s humor and depth brings a renewed emotional range to the role, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

In his recent work—from his stirring portrayal of Atticus Finch to his appearances in Ozark and The Americans—Thomas has demonstrated a rare combination of intellect, charm, and gravitas. Those qualities make him a natural fit to inhabit Twain’s world, where laughter often hides deeper truths about justice, conscience, and the American experience.

The New York Times once described Twain as “the nation’s one true comic genius,” and this performance proves why. With a mix of comedy and reflection, Mark Twain Tonight! stands as both entertainment and social commentary—a reminder of Twain’s enduring influence on American culture and the power of storytelling to shape public thought.

Tickets for the performances are expected to sell quickly, as this limited engagement offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of America’s greatest writers brought vividly to life by one of its most accomplished stage actors.

For more information on live performances, concerts, and cultural events across the state, visit Explore New Jersey Music. Whether you’re drawn by the humor, the history, or the legacy of Twain’s words, Mark Twain Tonight! promises an evening that celebrates both literary genius and theatrical artistry right here in New Jersey.