Spend an evening with Mark Twain

Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was greatly influenced by the hugely successful businessmen of the period. He envied Morgan, Rockfeller and Carnegie and wanted to become a businessman himself. And he tried, and tried, and what he learned about business could fill a book. A book that tells of the many pitfalls of business and how to survive the experience.

Sutton's performance of "An Evening with Mark Twain" is based on years of research and development. Sutton is unusual in his approach to depicting Twain's wit and wisdom through humorous stories. He includes in the program several of the sing-a-long songs Twain led for his friends and family in his home almost every night.

Mark Twain's performances were designed to entertain audiences with varying interests. Many of Twain's most avid fans do not know that Twain was a musician; playing, guitar, banjo and piano. They are pleasantly surprised to find that the music of his era, now called traditional and folk music makes the show a sing-a-long fun event while keeping the wonderfully witty and humorous stories of Twain.

Sutton was born in Mannheim, Germany, immigrating to the United States in 1950. He grew up in Canton, Ga. He has performed as a speaker, trainer, musician and entertainer for 30 years. His instruments include harmonica, guitar, and banjo.

As Mark Twain he has appeared in theatres from New England to the South pleasing audiences with Twain's wit, wisdom and love for music. Sutton lives in the Atlanta, Ga. area. He tours the country with the various shows he performs.

Show times are Saturday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Jan. 2 and are $18 general admission, $15 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at Columbia Center for the Art during center hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.