By Marisa Long

The Kennedy Lecture Series presents actor Hal Holbrook, who will perform his popular one-man show, "Mark Twain Tonight!" at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The performance is free and open to the public.

Holbrook made a name for himself with "Mark Twain Tonight!," which opened off-Broadway in 1959. The theatrical performance became a huge hit for Holbrook and has continued to receive praise for nearly five decades.

The Cleveland native's renditions of the famed author won him a Tony award in 1966 for best actor in a dramatic role, and his performance was later televised for a CBS special. Holbrook has also appeared in many movies, television shows and plays.

"The addition of Hal Holbrook to the Kennedy Lecture Series is very exciting," said Andrew Holzaepfel, assistant director of the Office of Public Occasions. "His work on Mark Twain is legendary."

Tickets must be picked up at the Box Office of the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium previous to the show to ensure seating.

The Kennedy Lecture Series was established in 1962 by a contribution to Ohio University from Edward L. and Ruth Kennedy to the John C. Baker fund. The purpose of the series is to bring nationally recognized individuals to the University. The lectures are meant to be educational and entertaining, as well as appeal to a broad audience. The Office of Public Occasions manages the series, and a committee that consists of faculty, administration, community members and students choose the speakers.