Theatre at the Center Presents MARK TWAIN AND THE LAUGHING RIVER December 27, 2011

December 27th: 2:00 p.m.
December 28th: 2:00 p.m.
December 29th: 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
December 30th: 8:00 p.m.
December 31st: 4:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Munster, IN – Theatre at the Center, located at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana presents actor and musician Jim Post in Mark Twain and the Laughing River. Beginning Tuesday, December 27th and running through Saturday, December 31st, this will mark the first time Theatre at the Center has presented programming during this time period. Join this milestone production as Post takes us on a journey of the American author and humorist’s life using Twainian wit and wisdom paired with the triumphant music that is characteristic of Post’s productions.

After seeing Jim Post’s performance of Mark Twain and the Laughing River, audiences will understand why Twain called his childhood “the wellspring of [his] clearest inspiration.” The show reveals that the Mississippi River was the young writer’s inspiration for his devilish temperament. Finally, audiences discover how Hannibal, with its buckskin spirit of adventure, was a boy’s paradise.

The Smithsonian Institute says, “Post’s depiction of Mark Twain is nothing less than brilliant, and each sentence and song is a gem…nothing but kudos from our audience members of all ages…This is a show that should be on Broadway”. The Chicago Sun-Times calls the performance “Rousing… an ideal family show.” The Washington Post raves, “Jim Post is a one man tour de force – part musical, part drama and thoroughly entertaining.”

Jim Post wrote and performed the international hit song “Reach Out of the Darkness,” which was prominently featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 8 years, and has been included on many movie soundtracks, including “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Mo Money,” and “1969.” It has the catchy refrain, “It’s so groovy to know that people are finally getting together.” Post was a mainstay of the Chicago folk renaissance, centered at the Earl of Old Town club, along with Steve Goodman, John Prine and Bonnie Koloc. He has recorded 27 albums of mostly original material, both for general audiences and for young people. He has performed his theatrical presentations – “Galena Rose,” “Mark Twain and the Laughing River,” “The Heart of Christmas,” and “Mark Twain’s Adventures Out West” -- internationally, including the Civic Opera House in Chicago (“Galena Rose” ran there for 2.5 years); The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis; the Smithsonian Institution in D.C.; The English Speaking Theater in Vienna, Austria; Old Town School of Folk Music; and Northlight Theatre.
Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is Located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking.

The show will take place December 27th, 28th, and 29th at 2:00 p.m. There will also be a 7:30 p.m. show on December 29th and an 8:00 p.m. show on December 30th. Come celebrate New Year’s Eve by coming out to the show December 31st at 4:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for students. A dinner buffet will be served on New Year’s Eve after the 4:00 p.m. show (at 6 p.m.) and before the 8:30 p.m. show (at 7 p.m.) at an additional $25.25 per adult and $12.75 per student (ages 3 to 11). To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions, are also available by calling the Box Office at 219.836.3255. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.