Mitch Albom’s “Tuesday with Morrie,” has enjoyed success as both a best-selling book and a television movie starring Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria. The memoir focuses on Mitch and his old college professor Morrie discussing what’s really important in life. The story is sentimental but also thought-provoking and, at times, very funny.
Southside Theatre Guild in downtown Fairburn will present the award winning play “Tuesdays with Morrie” for two weekends, beginning this Thursday, Feb. 24 and running Thursdays-Sundays, through Mar. 6.
The show, directed by Jared Wright, features Lance Smith as Mitch and Gary Morgan as Morrie.
It is a fast-paced show, one that thrusts you right into the meat of the story, engages you in the character’s struggles and sticks with you for a long time afterwards.
“The story is pretty strong and I believe we stay true to the story,” said Wright about the play. He acknowledged the humor in the play but added that it was a bit of a tearjerker. “Tissues will probably be a necessity.”
Morrie has ALS and the challenge for Morgan was to chronicle the way the disease ravaged his character throughout the play. For Smith, the challenge was to go from playing a very closed off person to one who opens up completely by the end of the play.
Wright has directed some big shows at Southside, including “Crazy for You,” which featured a massive cast and multiple sets. Being able to work with two characters on a small set made it easier to focus on the particulars of each scene and get the pacing correct.
Performances of “Tuesdays with Morrie” are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets $12 – $15.
For more info, to purchase tickets, or to make your reservations, www.STGplays.com or call 770-969-0956.
