MARK TWAIN TALKS: Reviews

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"Thanks so much for being part of our program series.
Hannibal Years was a fabulous program that all enjoyed.  You certainly brought Mark Twain to Middletown NY." 

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"I have looked at all the surveys that our attendees filled out after your performance and without exception, they are all extremely complimentary of your performance at the Thompson Senior Center.  I have had lunch with community members who either attended or who had heard about the program, and again, I have heard nothing but rave reviews.  On a personal note, I send you my thanks for a terrific program.  You are the consummate professional and you really have a knack for engaging the audience. Your passion for your work and subject matter is very evident and you obviously find great joy in your work..so it must not be work!  Thank you for introducing me to the world of Mark Twain "

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"Notes on the Damned Human Race" -- With humour and biting satire he describes our willful nature but is able to explain and excuse it! But then, with love, he forgives it and shows us how we can do the same and finally left challenged and with a desire to rise above it. Bern Budd's compilation works so well. He successfully presents a major part of Mark Twain's philosophy using Twain's own style and approach. He discusses the global alongside the personal, suggesting that the global is contained within the individual ("I am the human race compacted"). And by 'turning things on their head', he enables us to see the mechanics of our civilisation, its society, politics and religion in a new and freshly honest way. It was a privilege to be present at this inspiring lecture.

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"This show is a delight. Bern Budd is Mark Twain and uses his stories and biography to create this lecture. The only disappointment is that it isn't longer."

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"Bern Budd brings an authenticity to his Twain portrayal that is sometimes lacking in modern interpreters of the Midwest genius. This isn't a Mark Twain show...it's an evening with the man himself. His characterization of Twain seems to say, "Come on in and live this with me for this moment." In fact, it's quite easy to be transported to the days when riverboats plied the Mississippi as Budd's performance seems almost non-performance in its ease and naturalness."

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"Thanks so much for providing us with such a delightful evening. Everyone has said what fun it was. You brought Twain alive for us here."

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"The humor and vocabulary he used was remarkable... Mr. Budd spurred my interest in reading more of Mark Twain's works."

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"It was a FABULOUS performance and I hope that we can have you back again sometime in the future. Thank you for being such a delightful guest speaker."

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"You certainly scored a hit here. The audience seemed totally captivated from the very beginning right through to your question and answer segment. I spoke with several people who expressed how much they enjoyed the program and several said they hoped they might be able to attend more of your programs. It was not difficult to imagine that we were listening to and watching the real Mark Twain. A delightful experience, and we at the Cabot Historical Society are very happy we were able to have you with us."

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"Your storytelling skills in character are amazing - our audience members were transported to a different time and place with your convincing portrayal of this witty character."

"The performance of Mark Twain was revealing, seeing him as a younger man makes a difference in the perception of his actual life. Usually, you only see him as he was in the older years, white suit with white hair. Just hearing the dry, yet southern humor of his character was truly magnificent to experience."

"He is a wonderful storyteller, which is a lost art theses days. We really enjoyed the production."

"Very entertaining. The wit and humor of Mark Twain's life experiences was amazingly performed. We really enjoyed the show."

"Bern Budd is a consummate actor-storyteller who brings Twain vibrantly to life."

“We really loved your Mark Twain evening. It was wonderful, the pacing, the humor, the gritty, fascinating character. Bravo!”

“Your interpretation of ... Mark Twain was enjoyed by festival-goers of all ages. And the spell-binding storytelling of the “Jumping Frog” delighted kids and parents alike.”

“Truly, your fine interpretation of a national treasure was the highlight of the evening.”

“Thank you so much for your program last night. I will pass your name along... highly recommending your program. Mark Twain certainly has a kindred spirit in you.”

“Bloody brilliant, I was laughing so hard. Twain had such a great, dry sense of humour, I love it. ... The Mexican Plug - I was crying with laughter. You do a great job! - can I buy another CD from you,
I want to send one to my father in law?"

“Thank you so much for doing the show at RCP. It added so much to our RAAD (Read Across America Day) celebration!

We so enjoyed your Twain presentation... Many commented afterward how much they were impressed by your interpretations. Thank you so much for gracing our meeting house with such delight.