Nearly forgotten for a century, American humorist Mark Twain revives not as a literary legend, but as a playwright. With Is He Dead?, a farce comedy, Twain as orator, humorist, novelist and master of the media extends his talents to theater.

Given Twain’s reputation as a humorist, it is no surprise that Shelley Fisher Fishkin, professor of English and American Studies at Stanford University, excavated Is He Dead? from the tombs of the Mark Twain Project at the University of California, Berkeley with a smirk. The west coast-premiere production at the International City Theater of Is He Dead? meets the demands of farcical theater by entertaining the audience with unlikely, extravagant and improbable situations.

Despite Twain’s talent, Is He Dead? would not be stage worthy without some form of treatment. Adapted by David Ives, the play is complete with complications characteristic to a farce comedy and dynamic. Although a somewhat simple story that finds struggling artist Jean-Francois Millet (Perry Ojeda) plotting his death to drive up the price tags of his paintings, Ives successfully understates the character and cuts back the content as the play shows off comedic subtleties good for a giggle or two.

With the help of Agamemnon Buckner, or “Chicago”, a young artist (Brian Stanton),  Phelim O’Shaughnessy, a pupil of Millet (Blake Silver) and Hans Von Bismarck, or “Dutchy”, another pupil of Millet (Chip Bent), an amusing plot unfolds. Millet disguises himself as the widow Daisy Tillou, the only surviving relative of Millet, who is also his twin sister; however, does not realize the effects of this scheme. His girlfriend Marie Leroux (Suzanne Petrela) exhibits transgressive behavior as she finds herself succumb to the sensuous similarity of Daisy. The men in the play, Papa Leroux (Jerry Hoffman) and Bastian Andre, usurer (Steve Marvel) also show sexual transgressions toward Daisy, which complement the characteristics of farce—that is the entertainment.

On the more serious side, Is He Dead? poses questions about fame, greed and the value of art—themes that have not evolved much since 1898. Not necessarily fresh and new, Is He Dead? is fun with word play, a fast-paced plot, and stylized grimaces and gestures. 

Is He Dead? plays at the International City Theater in Long Beach from Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 24 at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. The International City Theater is located at 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. For more information, tickets and performance times, visit the International City Theater Web site: www.ictlongbeach.org. For information or tickets by phone, call (562) 436-4610.