‘Twisted Twain’ Is Fun Yet Grows Old

Mark Twain fans won’t find any new perspectives in Bill Erwin’s “Twisted Twain,” at Theatre 40. This humorous show lacks focus, wandering far from the cute conceit of a 162-year-old long-lost brother of Mark Twain to include mention of today’s hot celebs (Dennis Rodman and Howard Stern) and clips from Erwin’s television roles.

Writer and performer Erwin does bear a resemblance to Samuel Clemens, and he does the grumpy old man bit well enough to give a superficial portrait of a wannabe Twain. Yet too often, the central premise of an old man straining for the fame his brother had is lost amid Erwin’s self-promotion. Lorenzo DeStefano directs too indulgently instead of tightening up this weakly linked script.

It’s as if Erwin grew tired of his own joke and couldn’t be bothered to take it to its limits.

* “Twisted Twain,” Theatre 40, Beverly Hills High School campus, 241 Moreno Drive. Monday-Wednesday, 8 p.m. Ends Wednesday. $12. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 1 hour, 5 minutes.