Andrew Carnegie comes to life at Mohr

Richard Clark is an accomplished author and playwright who has portrayed such legends as Mark Twain and William Shakespeare, to name a few.

Last Friday evening he brought to life the story of multi-billionaire Andrew Carnegie at the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library. The Friends of Mohr Library sponsored Clark’s performance.

While Clark stands 6 feet 3 inches, he dazzled some 70 people with his one-person play about Carnegie, who was about seven inches shorter and stockier than the actor.

Just after 7:30 p.m., a white-bearded Scottish gentleman, who was dressed expensively in a black jacket and plaid tie, suddenly became much younger when the masquerade he had been wearing came off in a flip of the hand.

The upper floor of the library was transformed into a theater setting for Clark’s larger-than-life performance.

“What a backdrop,” said Grayce J. Moorehead, the associate director of the Mohr Library who arranged the program. “Our new library and its books were for the man, Carnegie, who had spent his fortune creating public libraries around the world.”

Clark took on Carnegie’s mannerisms and voice and told the story of how a Scottish immigrant who was the son of a weaver came to the United States and worked his way up to become one of the richest people in the world. Carnegie, who died at age 83 in Leonox, Mass., had a net worth of $298.3 billion. He died of bronchial pneumonia.

Moorehead joined the audience, filled with residents of all ages, in giving Clark a standing ovation. David Chalmers stuck around after the show to meet Clark and shared his observations of the billionaire.

“He was trying to buy his way into Heaven,” Chalmers said. “He was trying to make as much money as quickly as he could. But all that money didn’t bring him happiness.”

Chris Brown, who brought his 10-year-old daughter Abigail to the play, offered, “The end of this play was ever so inspiring; it makes you think about everything…and I’m now going to look at life a little different.”

Angie Lanzi had never before been to the Mohr Library but last Friday evening became a fan.

“This was the best performance I’ve ever seen. It gave all of us an appreciation of where we are coming from. It was especially great for children, just like this library,” she said. “We need more programs like this to help people appreciate what life is really all about.”

It was also an educational program for many of the audience members.

“I learned a lot of things tonight that I really didn’t know about Andrew Carnegie,” said Mary Murphy.

Mohr Library will present another program next Tuesday evening at 6:30 entitled “Altered Books.” People are urged to call Moorehead at the library at 231-4980 for more information or to save a seat.