Tuesdays with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie
By Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom. Centenary Theatre Group (Qld). 8 – 28 March 2014

Our early Sunday evening performance had a HOUSE FULL sign out front.

This production comes with many things going for it: a renowned director and older actor who, together, have a reputation for creating top-notch performances; and a familiar, popular book.

 

Most people know the story of the man who heard that a mentor from his college days was dying of motor neurone disease (that’s our name for it). He determined to visit him, and a sort of powerful attraction led him to continue visiting Morrie every Tuesday until Morrie’s death. It is a beautiful, seductive story.

The play lives up to all expectations, enhanced by splendid performances from two charismatic actors. Director Gary O’Neil chose a dignified pace; Jason Nash tackled the formidable role of Mitch Albom and  grew through his role from a busy upwardly mobile journalist to a caring, sensitive human being; while Brian Cannon, as Morrie, softened Albom’s (and our) view of the world with philosophical aphorisms. We can’t avoid taking him and his messages of life to our hearts.

It’s a sad journey for the audience, but life-affirming and joyous. I can’t remember an audience so reverent  ̶  they hung on every word  ̶  you could have heard a pin drop. Seats for the remainder of the season are at a premium.

Jay McKee

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