Kimi is calling my cell phone. “Did you tell Rich we could find him a Mark Twain impersonator?” I can’t tell by the tone of her voice if this is a good thing or a bad thing. But I’m guilty. I figured we could find an older gentleman, get him a great costume and voila! Mark Twain! (I am confident Mark Twain is not a man commonly impersonated) “I tried to sell Rich on Tina Turner” I defend. (A celebrity who I thought might be a little more recognizable) But “No, no, he said. I definitely want Mark Twain.” I slowly exhale, Sure. No problem. We can find Mark Twain.
You would be amazed to see how many Mark Twain impersonators actually do exist. I am pleasantly surprised and relieved. And honestly, a little bit confused. Why Mark Twain, I wonder? Maybe it is my age (30)….I know Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton impersonators….we can book you a dead on Jack Nicholson(, or Lucille Ball….but Mark Twain? I wouldn’t exactly call Mark Twain a celebrity.
I was lucky enough to be referred to George, a gentleman living in Mark Twain’s actual hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. George’s resemblance to MT is uncanny. (See photos below) It is as if he is not merely an impersonator, but Mark Twain himself, reincarnate. He quotes him freely and I had a hard time distinguishing George from the character he was playing. He even shares the same quirky humor of Twain …or maybe, he so innately embodies the persona of Twain, that I cannot tell when he is himself, or when he is acting. I asked him to tell me his story.
He explains it is as if Mark Twain found him, instead of him finding Mark Twain. When George’s wife was recuperating from an illness, the couple decided to move to Hannibal, Missouri, for a little R &R. George was told he had a striking resemblance to this small town’s most famous resident, Mark Twain. Donning a turn of the century style suit and bow tie, (he needs no makeup, no wig and no funny pieces of hair glued to his face,) George stepped into the streets of Hannibal and was an instant local celebrity
In the end, Rich was right and knew exactly what he needed to make his event a success. I don’t think Tina Turner could have brought the same humor, history, warmth and charm as George/ Mark Twain. Could she have made the ladies blush and the children’s faces squish up in laughter? Maybe. And if you think she could, and that she would be perfect at your next event, well, you know who to call. J
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