My favorite part is that Twain "seems not all distressed by his own jokes."  Priceless.

(Curious, though -- I had to erase "at" before "all" when I typed the quote.)

Scott -- thank you so much for sharing these gems. 

Sharon

________________________________________
From: Mark Twain Forum [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Scott Holmes [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2015 3:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Twain and Cable at the Powers' Opera House, December 13, 1884

I have acquired a review of this program courtesy the Grand Rapids
Public Library.

Daily Morning Democrat, December 14, 1884

AMUSEMENTS

The "Mark Twain"-Cable Readings.

"The readings by Messrs. Clemens and Cable at Powers' opera house last
evening proved a very pleasant entertainment. Readings usually are
rather tedious affairs, and an audience is sure to get wearied long
before the close of the programme is reached. In the present instance
the time passed away delightfully, and the only regret experienced
seemed due to the fact that the "solemnities" of the occasion, as Mark
Twain put it, had been brought to a close altogether too soon to suit
the pleasure of the very large audience present."

"Of course "Mark Twain" is simply himself, and to be appreciated must be
heard. Being a humorist by profession, he looks a good deal like an
undertaker during a lull in business; his voice is of a low pitch, the
expression of his countenance non-commital, his movements not really
graceful, his gait just a trifle shambling. He talks in a matter-of-fact
way, has a very pleasant smile which lingers with apparent fondness
'neath the cover of a heavy moustache, seems not all distressed by his
own jokes, and goes at his work evidently aware of the fact that
"business is business," and must be looked after. Mr. Cable is of a dark
complexion, slight in figure, rather high-pitched voice, somewhat given
to gesticulating freely while reading, and thoroughly in earnest while
at work."


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