In recent years Dave has taken on a new character, Mark Twain. He dedicates this show to his Dad who always said, "Nobody likes a smartass!" Well Dad, actually they do. Dave has made it a goal to perform his version of Mark Twain to libraries across the country and to date has performed as America's Favorite Storyteller in 22 states. Here's what a Library Director said of one of his recent performances:
"Just a note to thank you SO much for being our special guest on Saturday. Everyone had a great time. Indeed, our phone has been ringing nonstop with glowing comments! I believe that many folks are still laughing at the many jokes, others are still remembering their past and the past of their families and still others are mulling over the Twain wisdom as you so brilliantly portrayed it, and absolutely none of us wanted that wonderful afternoon to end.
Thank you again. You brought far more than an entertaining afternoon, you brought a special joy which will last forever for all those lucky enough to be in your audience."
Gratefully,
Jane
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Jane Genzel, Director
Muskego Public Library
S73 W16663 Janesville Road
Muskego, WI 53l50
jgenzel@ci.muskego.wi.us
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| Dave As Mark Twain |
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Dave Ehlert as “Mark Twain”
Dave Ehlert began performing in 1967 as Elvis in what has become the longest running Elvis Tribute Show in the world. He has performed in 33 states, Mexico and Canada as well as on a cruise ship in international waters. Since 1994 he has operated the first theatre ever built in the tourist mecca Branson, MO. There, he widened his act to include tributes to many other characters including Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Liberace, Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Hank Williams and many more. In 2004, he was “drafted” into the role of Mark Twain when the scheduled performer was unable to make it. He had one week to gather all the Twain background he could find and then walked on stage in full character, cigar in hand. For the first time in over 30 years, Dave felt something different on stage. He felt very nervous! He looked out at the audience and remained silent for two solid minutes. Then, as a Mr. Twain himself said of his own first lecture, “I began to speak.”
And speak he did. Performing 6 Twain programs a week for the first year in Branson and then taking Twain on the road to theatres and libraries across the country in 30 states. He has become absorbed in everything Twain. This is indicated in comments on Dave’s performance made by Professor Ben Click who teaches Twain studies at St. Mary’s College in Maryland: “What I found most refreshing is that you clearly had absorbed the essence of Twain's words, and rather than just repeat them you found refreshing contexts in which to put them. It's obvious that you embrace your subject. One other comment I would make is that your audience were completely engaged in watching and listening to you.” Everywhere Dave has performed as Mark Twain, the consensus seems to be the same as illustrated by comments from library directors below:
"Most successful program EVER!" Patti - Operations Manager Rosalie - Reference Librarian
Lebanon Laclede Public Library 915 S. Jefferson Ave Lebanon, MO 65536 417-532-2148
"Most successful program second only to the Milwaukee Ballet!" Linda A. Bendix, Library Director
Frank Weyenberg Public Library Mequon, WI 262-242-2593 ext 35 director@flwlib.org
"If anyone asks me, I'll say HIRE HIM!" Andrea Hermann Adult Services Director
Crandall Public Library 251 Glen St Glens Falls, NY 12801 518-792-6508
The Phelps Library was thrilled to host "A Visit with Mark Twain". Mr. Ehlert is an accomplished and wonderfully entertaining performer. His knowledge of Samuel Clemens' life and works is extensive and his show was appropriate for all ages. "An awesome program", "I am so glad I came - what a great show" , "truly enjoyed the program, especially the Norman Rockwell connection. Lots of fun" & "from start to finish a genuine delight" were just some of the comments we've received at the library from our clients who attended this wonderful evening.
June Franzen, Director
Phelps Public Library
Phelps, WI 54554
But, you can judge for yourself. Visit the link below to see video clips of one of Dave’s first Twain performances. You can see he has already captured Twain’s persona:
http://www.bransonsuperstars.com/theshows/breakfastwithmarktwain.html
That was 5 years ago and Dave’s portrayal of Mark Twain has evolved into a richer, funnier and more convincing performance as indicated by the comments found above. Many times teacher’s have given their students extra credit just for attending one of Dave’s programs. From Elvis Impersonator to Mark Twain Lecturer, the journey has been a long, wonderful and continuing quest for the complete Mark Twain story for Dave Ehlert.
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