Sacramento Theatre Company to present 'Tuesdays with Morrie'

Sacramento Press
by Jonathan Mendick

After leaving sports writing, journalist and author Mitch Albom truly found his niche. His first foray into the non-sports world was the book "Tuesdays with Morrie," the best-selling memoir of all time.

"Tuesdays with Morrie," which recounts Albom's conversations with his former sociology professor who is dying of Lou Gherig's Disease, was subsequently adapted into an Emmy Award-winning television movie as well as a play. Wednesday, the Sacramento Theatre Company will begin staging its run of the Albom-penned play of the same name.

The idea for the book first came to Albom after seeing Nightline's Ted Koppel interviewing Morrie Schwartz, his former professor at Brandeis University. After Schwartz tells Koppel of his life — and imminent death — with Lou Gherig's Disease, Albom is inspired to reconnect with Schwartz, whom he has not seen since college.

Albom schedules time every Tuesday to see Morrie, eventually finding that his time speaking with the professor is liberating and enlightening. Dialogue between Albom and Schwartz juxtaposes humor and life lessons, creating a moving portrait of Schwartz's last days.

Albom relates the life lessons he learns to past and contemporary events, giving the book a universal and timeless philosophical quality. By applying Schwartz's lessons to everyday life, Albom's tone turns indignant and urgent, not mourning loss, but instead inspiring the reader to help make positive social changes.

"Tuesdays with Morrie" will be performed at the Pollock Stage, 1419 H St. through Feb. 28. Tickets cost $15-$44 and can be purchased through tickets.com and at the STC box office.