The Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas will stage “Tuesdays With Morrie†starting Oct. 30. The acclaimed drama, which is based on a true story, runs weekends through November.
Mitch Albom is a successful sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press. Mitch sees his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, appear on Nightline, which leads Mitch to phone Schwartz. He is then prompted to travel to Massachusetts to visit Morrie. An ensuing newspaper strike allows Albom to visit Schwartz every week, on Tuesdays.
The play recounts each of the fourteen visits Albom made to Schwartz, supplemented with Schwartz’s lectures, life experiences, and interspersed with both flashbacks and references to contemporary events. Throughout these days, Mitch and Morrie discuss various topics important to life and living.
After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Morrie’s final days are spent giving his former student Mitch his final lesson of life.
“Tuesdays With Morrie†is sponsored by Above & Beyond Home Care and Baltz Bookkeeping & Tax Service. The play is directed by Kelly Grooms, who also portrays Morrie. Downtown Playhouse veteran Derek Phelps plays the part of Mitch.
The production is scheduled for October 30 and November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, and 27. Tickets are $25, tax included, and the cost of admission also covers dessert and a beverage.
Dessert options are Cookies & Creme Pie, Whipped Cheesecake Pie, Sock-It-To-Me Cake and Sugar-Free Parfait.
Reservations can be made by calling 870-758-2282. The Downtown Playhouse is located at 302 North Marr Street in Pocahontas.