Rediscover Tuesdays With Morrie at Civic Theatre

Tuesdays With Morrie at Civic Theatre

May 4–20

The bestselling memoir Tuesdays with Morrie celebrated its 20^th anniversary last year, and after two decades, its resonant wisdom on life and death is still fresh food for the spirit. Reprising a production it put on 10 years ago, Civic Theatre of Allentown presents the play based on the memoir with the same actors returning to their original roles.

Sports journalist Mitch Albom is reconnecting with an old mentor who's been diagnosed with ALS. Morrie Schwartz, a professor of sociology in declining health, now shares lessons on the human experience and what really matters in the end. “For me, the play is about connections,” says director Bill Sanders. “Connections with people who are great influences and simpler connections, which we often take for granted.”

Experiencing a story like this one in the intimate setting of live theater brings the message of connection another layer of compassion and empathy. On an abstract set, a composite of Morrie's life adds a constant context to seamlessly present what is essentially a memory play. The impact our lives can have on one another is almost unavoidable in the presence of the actors.

This year, Civic Theatre is undergoing extensive renovation, so its productions are presented at Cedar Crest College's Alumnae Hall Auditorium, a large and comfortable space that's allowing Civic to continue putting on excellent shows while revamping its historic space. “The auditorium will be completely restored to its original grandeur,” says Sanders, who is also Civic's artistic director. “All of the gold leaf and the ceiling and wall coverings will be restored.” And perhaps most significantly for audience members: new seats!

If you loved the book when it first came out or are discovering the story now for the first time, Civic's production will inspire you to celebrate the relationships you have and maybe even reach out to someone you've fallen out of touch with.