Director Scott Windham wants Odessans to come out to the Permian Playhouse and give the production “Tuesdays With Morrie” a try for the humor and wisdom of the touching story.
“This show is relatable to everyone. It is full of humor, wisdom and poignant moments. It is the type of show that allows you to take a moment, breath deep and be filled with gratitude for life,” Windham said via email. “It’s inspiring and humbling all at the same time.”
The show is on stage at the Permian Playhouse, 310 W. 42nd St., and opened Thursday night. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday and also May 31 and June 1. A matinee is also scheduled at 2:30 p.m. June 2. Tickets are $10 and available at permianplayhouse.com
Windham is the director and Carl Beery Moore portrays Morrie while Ben Spencer is Mitch Albom.
Windham said the show was staged at the Playhouse four years ago, but due to a health issue it was not a complete run of the show. “It’s such a beautiful show that we wanted to bring it back to life to give our community one more opportunity to see this fantastic story!”
The play is based on the book “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom.
Albom is a newspaper sports reporter and husband whose busy life is filled with work and travel. He has become so absorbed in his work that it consumes his life.
Morrie Schwartz was Mitch’s favorite college professor at Brandeis University. Although 16 years have passed since that time, he still remembers his graduation day: he says goodbye to Morrie and notices that he is crying as they hug. Mitch promises to stay in touch with Morrie but fails to do so after college.
Morrie has since been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gherig’s disease.
Sensing that death is near, Morrie begins jotting down his ideas and thoughts onto scraps of paper. He also writes his philosophies on life and death. One of Morrie’s friends becomes fascinated with his writings and sends them to a Boston Globe reporter who writes a feature story about Morrie. The story gets the attention of one of the producers of the show Nightline who then does a feature story about Morrie. Mitch happens to see the Nightline show and recognizes his old professor. He calls him to arrange a visit.
During their discussions (every Tuesday for the next few months) they cover many topics, including learning to accept death, loving others and being a better human being. Mitch is so intrigued by Morrie’s philosophies that he starts taking notes and even brings a tape recorder to the second visit. He takes time out of his schedule and faithfully visits Morrie every week. The conversations are powerful and very emotional.
With each meeting, Mitch is learning valuable life lessons but sees Morrie becoming increasingly sick.
