The Dixie’s history is rich with talent. With actress Dixie Carter as its namesake and her husband, Hal Holbrook, as the inspiration behind the theatre’s name and a major contributor in its build, it’s no wonder that The Dixie is considered to be a premium venue for the arts.
While many West Tennesseans are familiar with The Dixie’s events, some might not know that deep within The Dixie lies a special collection of Dixie and Hal’s careers. It’s within the lower level’s museum where patrons will find an 1820’s Erard piano that was built in London from Dixie’s private collection and many of Hal’s treasured pieces from his acting career as well. A few of Hal’s most prized possessions on display are from his time portraying Mark Twain, as he was a vital influence for Hal.
It’s easy to see that in many ways Mark Twain has been a part of The Dixie since the beginning. And on Saturday, February 4 at 7 p.m. he’ll be spotlighted once again as Lewis Hankins debuts his own rendition of Mark Twain on the Hal Holbrook stage.
An Evening with Mark Twain presented by Lewis Hankins is a tribute to both Mark Twain and Hal Holbrook. Lewis has been performing as a Riverlorian, or River Historian on the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and American Queen Voyages for over 25 years. His depiction of Mark Twain, with his mass of white hair and bushy mustache, will have the audience captivated as they get a glimpse of what it would have been like to have a conversation with this American icon. In fact, part of the show will include Mr. Hankins fielding questions from the audience, as only Mark Twain could respond. Having been an avid fan of Twain since his childhood, Lewis would admit that he has always been obsessed with the famous writer and rarely a day would go by where he didn’t read or write something about him.
Hal Holbrook first played as Mark Twain in 1954. By 2005, Holbrook had portrayed Twain over 2,000 times in front of a live audience including 3 performances at The Dixie! Performing on the Hal Holbrook Stage is something that Hankins is truly honored to do and The Dixie is privileged to provide an opportunity for the audience to once again be delighted by the words of what some consider the father of American Literature. This performance will also be dedicated to another Twain tribute artist and longtime Dixie Carter PAC supporter, the late John Everett Williams. Mr. Williams along with Gus Radford are credited with the idea of this event after they were fortunate enough to attend one of Hankins steamboat performances. The pair met with Hankins and encouraged him to come to Huntingdon, TN and grace the Hal Holbrook Theatre with the words and humor of the great Mark Twain once again. The audience is invited to a reception with light refreshments after the performance with the actor. This performance is sponsored by Gränges. Tickets are $15 + fees. To purchase, visit DixiePAC.net or visit The Dixie’s Box Office in person at 191 Court Square in Huntingdon or call 731-986-2100, Monday-Friday, 10a-4p.
