My Tuesday with Morrie

The one act, emotionally moving play based on the best selling book "Tuesdays with Morrie" arrived in Chicago this week. With Harold Gould as Morrie Schwarz and Dominic Fumusa as Mitch Albom - this production is rooted with great talent. 

Based up Albom's book which became a major hit when it was first published in 1997 and was on The New York Times Hardcover Bester Seller list for 205 weeks, "Tuesdays with Morrie" is a poignant account of the relationship between sportswriter Mitch and his former sociology professor Morrie, who has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). After more the fifteen years since Mitch graduated Brandeis University and with no contact with his once loved and greatly esteemed mentor, it wasn't until a chance viewing of Morrie on television speaking did Mitch reconnect. 

Recalling fond memories of their time spent at university, speaking of their lives lived over the past years and Morrie's newest challenge of living with and dying of ALS, the conversations are as sweet and tender as often as they are tearful and heartbreaking. Mitch's once forgotten promise to stay in touch after graduation is dismissed as the two begin to rekindle their great fondness of one another. Mitch begins to look at his own life with the help of Morrie's sage advice and reflections on his own past. The mentor lovingly, albeit at times starkly, realistically reveals the important things in life.

Harold Gould's transformation from dance loving, light on his feet professor to the recliner bound patient of ALS is nothing short of remarkable His resume includes Broadway, television and film, including five Emmy nominations. Mr. Gould is tender, tough and tenacious. You fall in love with the man who became a friend to the entire nation through his many appearances on "Nightline." Through Mr. Gould's performance Morrie Schwarz is alive once again inspiring all who listen to embrace and live this life to its fullest degree.

Playing opposite Mr. Gould as sportswriter Mitch Albom is Dominic Fumusa. Mr. Fumusa made is broadway debut opposite Maris Tomei in "Wait Until Dark" and originated roles in the Tony Award-winning "Take Me Out." His other roles include parts on television and movies – including the soon to be released movie marking the directorial and writing debut of Gwyneth Paltrow entitled "Dealbreaker." Mr. Fumusa's interpretation of Mitch is at times understated but nonetheless equally poignant. He and Mr. Gould must have an excellent relationship off stage to be able to perform such an emotionally wearing show night after night and you can find hints of that friendship throughout this one act story.

This chronicle is an unbeatable emotional tale of two friends, the lessons of living and loving life, and realizing what is truly important. I wish the sets and scenery lived up to this lofty ideal however. Granted the stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre is quite sizeable, nevertheless the set leaves you feeling empty. My guess would be that the company lets the emotional charge of the piece fill the theatre and the stage rather then an overdone set design but there is some room for improvement. At the end of day, "Tuesdays with Morrie" is moving and human piece of theatre that transfers well from its original book and helps you appreciate every day of your life even more then when you stepped inside to be a part of Morrie and Mitch's world.

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