Mark Twain House News

• How did Hartford's own William Gillette go from the well-heeled Nook Farm neighborhood of movers and shakers to the New York stage and beyond? How and why did this fine Victorian actor go from farce to historical drama to his defining role of Sherlock Holmes? Find out Dec. 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm when the Mark Twain House & Musiem and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center present the East Haddam Stage Company's original one-act play Sherlock Holmes: From Page to Stage. Follow Gillette (whose Gillette Castle in East Haddam, is a major tourist attraction) from Hartford to San Francisco to New York and London as he plays in and writes quintessential Victorian comedies. Then hear how the stars align for his fateful meeting with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and how Gillette brought to life the super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes. Four actors portray 12 characters in the life of Gillette. Written and directed by Artistic Director Kandie Carle, the play features Jay Selavka of Meriden, Michael Vernon Davis of Niantic, George Lombardo of Wethersfield and Rayah Martin of Hartford. All tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, call 860-280-3130.
• The Mark Twain House is decorated for the holidays through Jan. 2. In the spirit of the season, the admission prices for this one-of-a-kind Gilded Age holiday experience remain the same as for the rest of the year: $16 for adults and $10 for children ($14 for seniors). A Servant's Wing Tour -- in which the kitchen can be seen made ready for holiday entertaining -- may be added for the complete experience at a nominal charge of $6 ($4 for children).
• The  31st Annual Friends of The Mark Twain House & Museum Holiday House Tour is Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 am to 4 pm. The Mark Twain House and six other decked-out area homes are on display. Tickets $30 advance, $35 the day of the tour. They can be purchased by calling 860-280-3130.
• Cabaret Lulu presents "A Holiday Celebration" with Lucille Gould, the original Cabaret Lulu herself, along with Robert Aberdeen from the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof, Cheryl Alexander (Dreamgirls, Once on This Island), and Glenn Turner (High Society, Five Guys Named Moe). Lunch will be served at 11 am with the show at 2 pm. Tickets are $45, and groups are welcome, with discount packages available for parties of 10 or more. For information, reservations and group discounts, call  212-308-8050 or 1-866-LULU-USA (585-8872).
• The Fall Series of Sunday Jazz Brunches, presented by Cafe Eiko at Japanalia, concludes Dec.  11with acclaimed vocalist Kitty Kathryn. Seatings  at at 11:30 am and 1:15 pm.The $35 admission includes the performance, full brunch, soft drinks and hot beverages. Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional charge. Call 860-280-3130 for reservations.
• Tickets still are availble for Juan Williams' Dec. 2 Clemens Lecture. Call 860-280-3130. There will be a booksigning after the lecture. 
• Steampunk, a cultural movement devoted to the playful union of Victoriana and Science Fiction, will invade the Mark Twain House & Museum in the form of an old-fashioned tea party in the Great Hall on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2 to 4 pm. Guests are invited to come in costume, try some tea, and hobnob with delightful members of the Steampunk community. Miss Kitty will be on hand to host the party. Music will be provided by Dr. Grymm. Admission is $10.