Tag Archives: Mark Twain Tonight!

Rock the Oscars 2019: Hal Holbrook

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(Photo by Joseph Harris for the AP)

Oscar nominated actor Hal Holbrook’s visits to Little Rock have been fairly regular over the decades.  In the 1980s and 1990s, he came several times in conjunction with the TV shows “Designing Women” and “Evening Shade.”  He also made an appearance at Wildwood in his one man play Mark Twain Tonight.

His first visit to Little Rock was in the mid-1950s.  He was just out of college and on a national tour of schools and small towns performing scenes from Shakespeare opposite his then-wife.

In a lengthy essay reflecting on his early career, Holbrook speaks fondly of his visit to Little Rock and of the grandiose stage and auditorium at Little Rock Central High School.

Rock the Oscars: Hal Holbrook

Posted on by

(Photo by Joseph Harris for the AP)

Oscar nominated actor Hal Holbrook’s visits to Little Rock have been fairly regular over the decades.  In the 1980s and 1990s, he came several times in conjunction with the TV shows “Designing Women” and “Evening Shade.”  He also made an appearance at Wildwood in his one man play Mark Twain Tonight.

His first visit to Little Rock was in the mid-1950s.  He was just out of college and on a national tour of schools and small towns performing scenes from Shakespeare opposite his then-wife.  In a lengthy essay reflecting on his early career, Holbrook speaks fondly of his visit to Little Rock and of the grandiose stage and auditorium at Little Rock Central High School.

ROCKing the TONY AWARDS – Hal Holbrook

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Rock the Tonys

(Photo by Joseph Harris for the AP)

(Photo by Joseph Harris for the AP)

Hal Holbrook

Little Rock connection: In the 1950s, appeared at Little Rock Central High School during an educational theatre tour. Later appeared in Mark Twain Tonight! in Little Rock, most recently at Wildwood Park. Made visits to Little Rock in the 1980s and 1990s in conjunction with “Designing Women” and “Evening Shade” TV shows.

Tony Awards connection: Won the 1966 Tony for Actor in a Play for his performance in Mark Twain Tonight!  That year was the only year the ceremony was held in the afternoon so he accepted his award in a blazer and necktie instead of a tuxedo.  Holbrook has been a presenter at various Tony ceremonies over the years.