Parker Drew channels Mark Twain and Will Rogers in original show on Saturday, October 26
Prepare yourself for a double dose of wit and wisdom! On Saturday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m., the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center will host a night to remember with the acclaimed show The Twain Shall Meet. Veteran performer Parker Drew steps into the well-worn shoes of two of America’s greatest humorists, Mark Twain and Will Rogers, in a boisterous, one-man tour de force.
As Will Rogers once said, “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by”—but we can certainly clap and chuckle when Drew slips between Twain’s cigar-chomping observations and Rogers’ cowboy witticisms. This is a performance packed with equal parts clever humor and timeless truth, leaving audiences smiling in contented contemplation long after the final curtain.
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, made his mark in the 19th century with stories like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, blending social critique with a good laugh. He reminds us, “Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.” Will Rogers was a 20th-century political satirist who could poke fun at Washington with more accuracy than a seasoned cowboy can aim a lasso. Among his many famous quotes: “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
Parker Drew has spent 50 years on stage perfecting his tributes to these legends, performing Twain in over 500 theaters across 37 states, and winning acclaim as Rogers in numerous shows. Whether it’s Twain’s acerbic wit or Rogers’ folksy charm, Drew delivers both with the captivating confidence of someone who’s been there and done that– twice.
Musician Dan Weaver will provide the evening’s soundtrack, adding a little twang to the Twain and rollick to the Rodgers. His guitar stylings of classical, folk, jazz, and progressive rock will set the mood between each act. And in a true show-stopper, “Will Rogers” himself might just grab a guitar before the night is done, proving he’s equally at ease strapped into a six-string as he is a saddle.
Tickets for this night of unforgettable storytelling, humor, and old-fashioned insight are $27, with student tickets available for $10. Purchase tickets online at ashwaubenonpac.org or by calling (920) 494-3401.
The Twain Shall Meet is sponsored by Kroll’s West and presented as part of the Ashwaubenon P.A.C.’s Kroll’s West Regional Series.
About Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center
The Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a state-of-the-art, 730-seat nonprofit performance venue that presents regional, national, and international touring entertainment as well as serves as home to Ashwaubenon School District and community musicals, plays, concerts, and theatre programs. The PAC is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of our community through a diverse range of performing arts events with a mission to provide exceptional entertainment experiences that inspire, engage, and bring people together.
For more information about the Ashwaubenon PAC, visit ashwaubenonpac.org or follow ‘Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center’ on Facebook or Instagram (@AshwaubenonPAC).