The Man Who Lost the River is a one-man show with a cast of 10. We refer to this man who, at 74, couldn't get back to the Missouri River, as Mark Twain. He is content with just plain Sam Clemens, a one-time writer, now tired and written out. His two really big hits, about boys Tom and Huck, were published in 1876 and 1885, 25 and more years back.
John Kalb is excellent as Sam, who's waiting for Haley's comet to return. He was born in the year of the comet and intends to die upon its return after a 75-year orbit. Expounding on life in his satirical, occasionally sardonic, humor, Sam comments on the world condition, amuses himself, often at the expense of his listeners, and stubbornly refuses to bend to the demands of others.
Opening both acts is Anne Ketterman as his housekeeper, Katy Leary, dusting and humming to herself. She puts up with his persnickety moods and his amusing way of never making a decision. Their relationship is amusing.
His publisher, desiring just one more manuscript about the Missouri, sends young Harold Atwater (Aaron Derwin) to persuade the stubborn writer. In a definitive scene, Harold attempts to get Sam to focus on the Missouri River by visualizing other bodies of water. Alas, the young man is no match for the aging writer. In every conversation, Sam manages to one-up Harold. Kalb and Derwin parry perfectly.
A mysterious boy, Jody played by Dakota Speas, appears and disappears, swiping a cigar or two each time. Eventually trapped by Sam, they end up in conversation—or is this just a figment of Sam's imagination? Sam visualizes days past with his wife and three daughters (Sharon Lavoie with Addie Hall, Taylor Solomon and Emma Keeley).
At Harold's prodding, Sam decides to return to the land of Huck and Tom before the return of Haley's comet. It is then he is revisited by Tom Sawyer (Adam Crawford) and Huck Finn (Jesus Murrieta) who prod him to return to the river.
While this is old pro John Kalb's show, he is supported by three accomplished actors. Director Yolanda Kalb has given a few young tyro actors an opportunity to have stage debuts and for that, kudos to the Kalbs.
