At his writing desk in study, Quarry Farm, Elmira, NY. 1874

WXXI Public Broadcasting, Genesee Country Village & Museum Co-Host Event

WXXI, Genesee Country Village and Museum, and Valley Manor will bring Mark Twain "back to life" with Mark Twain Live!, a one-man show featuring Mike Randall, who has spent 28 years "being" Mark Twain.

Randall will perform in two shows on Sunday, January 13, the first at 2 p.m. at Valley Manor, 1570 East Avenue, Rochester, and the second at 7:30 p.m. at School of the Arts, 45 Prince Street, Rochester.

Randall, who began his impersonation of Twain at the age of 17, has gained raves from critics for his life-like performance. "For nearly two hours, it seems like it is 1906, and you are privileged to witness Mark Twain in his twilight years deliver a mischievous commentary on everything under the sun," said Chris Gladden of the Roanoke Times & World News.

"Randall is honestly phenomenal," said the Buffalo Courier Express.

Tickets are $14; and $12 for members of WXXI and Genesee Country Village Museum. Call now, 585-538-6822, to reserve your tickets to an enjoyable step back in time.

Mark Twain, c. 1884 Courtesy of The Mark Twain Papers, Bancroft Library

Local Connections

Mark Twain lectured extensively. He made a number of appearances in Western, New York.

1868-69 Tour: Western New York stops included:

Geneseo, NY: Twain writes of his meeting the young people of Geneseo.

1871-72 Tour: Western New York stops included:

Geneva, NY: Mark Twain writes to his future wife Livy about the stop in Geneva.

Warsaw, NY: The Warsaw New York reviewed the lecture

1884-85 Tour: Western New York stops included: Rochester, NY. The Rochester Morning Herald provided a review.

See: Mark Twain in His Times for More Information

In Elmira, NY:

Mark Twain Study and Exhibit - Elmira College Campus, Elmira, New
York. (607)735-1941. Study where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) wrote some of his famous novels. Also has photos and furniture.

Woodlawn Cemetery - 1200 Walnut Street, Elmira, New York. Has the graves of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and his family buried in the Langdon family plot.