May 3, 1997 To Mark Twain Forum members: The following press release will be of interest to Mark Twain Forum members living in the Los Angeles area or who are planning to visit in June. Bill Erwin brings his original stage show, "Twisted Twain," to Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills from June 2 through July 2. Many of you will recognize Bill Erwin from his illustrious stage, film and television career which spans more than a half-century. Earlier this year, Erwin made guest appearances on "Suddenly Susan" and "Grace Under Fire." His most recent television appearance was on Wednesday, April 30 on "The Drew Carey Show," on which he played Mr. Bradbury, the feisty octogenarian who is retired (reluctantly) from the board of directors. Bill Erwin has portrayed Mark Twain for print ads and television commercials for more than a decade. "Twisted Twain" debuted in Hollywood in April under the auspices of The California Artists Radio Theatre. The Theatre 40 production of "Twisted Twain" is directed by Lorenzo de Stefano. More information about the production follows in the Theater Forty press release. Kevin Bochynski ~~~~~~~~~~ Theatre Forty 241 Moreno Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 CONTACT: Diana Hale 213-876-0227 phone/fax FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BILL ERWIN BRINGS MARK TWAIN'S TWIN BROTHER TO THEATRE 40 Venerable character actor BILL ERWIN, will bring an encounter with Mark Twain's unacknowledged and repudiated mirror-twin brother, Kram, to THEATRE 40 in "TWISTED TWAIN," opening at the theatre on June 2nd. Written and performed by BILL ERWIN, "Twisted Twain," is the mythical tale of Kram Twain, Mark's 162-year-old twin who finds that dying is an accomplishment that is beyond his physical capability. Accidentally separated from the Clemens family as an infant, he grows to manhood with an adoptive family and spends 45 years in a fruitless effort to be re-united with his famous brother. BILL ERWIN, who resembles Mark Twain (nee Samuel Clemens), has had a colorful and prestigious career in theatre, television and film culminated by his Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal on the "Old Man" segment of "Seinfeld." Erwin was also an LADCC and Drama Logue Award winner for his role in "Old Friends" at the Actors Forum. From a very long list of films in which he worked, his co-starring role in "Somewhere In Time" stands out as one of his favorites and most fondly remembered. In fact, Erwin attends the yearly cast reunion at Mackinac Island where the movie was filmed. Bill is highly regarded by Director John Hughes who has cast him in four major films, including "Home Alone." He has starred and co-starred on numerous episodics and sitcoms as well as appearing on stage both in Los Angeles and on tour. Erwin was also the Silver Medalist for the Cannes International Commercial competition for his Dreyer's ice cream "Grampa Break Dancing For Dessert!" "TWISTED TWAIN" opens at THEATRE 40 on June 2nd, plays Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 8 pm and closes July 2nd. Tickets for all performances are $12.00; half-price for students and members of the 4A's with identification on a stand-by basis. THEATRE 40 is at 241 Moreno Drive in Beverly Hills adjacent to Century City. There is ample free parking with a disabled access. Reservations thru THEATIX (213) 466-1767.