Ian Downie_Jeffrey Wetsch_Tuesdays with Morrie_DFT_2013

An Old Man, A Young Man … And Life’s Greatest Lesson

Tuesdays with Morrie is a poignant and heartwarming play about friendship, love and living life to the fullest.  It is now showing at the Drayton Theatre until July 22nd and transfers to the Huron Country Playhouse from June 27th – July 13th.

The show started much like the novel, which is an autobiographical account written by Mitch Albom.  The play is comprised of two energetic individuals; one in their late teens and the other at the age where appreciation for the blessings in life becomes clear.

Morrie Schwartz was a brilliant college professor who guided his student, Mitch Albom, about the importance of embracing life while urging him to focus on his God given talent of playing the piano.  Alas, Mitch graduates with the promise that they will keep in contact.  That never happened…

Drayton Theatre Tuesdays with Morrie_DFT_2013 (2)16 years later, Mitch sees Morrie on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Mitch makes a decision that will change his whole perspective on life;  He decides to visit Morrie one last time.  This visit progressed into weekly Tuesday visits until Morrie’s passing.   The interactions between the two were humourous and enlightening as Morrie quickly decays from his disease.

Canadian actor Ian Downie is engaging and charming as the aging academic Morrie Schwartz, bringing warmth and wit to his role.   Jeffrey Wetsch plays the role of Mitch Albom, a young man who plows through life focusing on his career goals and competition.  Over his fourteen Tuesday visits with Morrie, Mitch quickly learns how to slow down and appreciate what truly matters in life.

As simple as the performance was, this is probably one of the best theatrical performances that I have encountered to date.  It was a fantastic story that required no more than two actors, two chairs, a piano, and eventually a bed.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre Box Office or by calling (519) 638-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

 

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