Would you like to enroll in a subject called the meaning of
life? No exams, no papers to submit, no surprise quizzes—just lessons, pure and
simple.
Repertory Philippines brings to Philippine shores the theater version of Mitch Albom's heartwarming novel about a dying mentor and his eager-to-learn student. This two-character play stars Jose Mari Avellana as the insightful Prof. Morrie Schwartz and Bart Guingona as the energetic sportswriter Mitch Albom.
Cited as a best-selling non-fiction book, Tuesdays with Morrie tackles the bond of a college professor with his long-lost student after 16 years of separation. When Mitch learns that his Coach Morrie has developed ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a degenerative disease of the nervous system, the student visits his former mentor for old times' sake. What was supposed to be a one-time visit turned into weekly appointments with his Coach for noteworthy sessions filled with wisdom, personal growth, and forgiveness. In a span of a few hours, the audience will be privy to the private conversations between a career-driven sportswriter and an old professor afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease.
The set design of Tuesdays with Morrie is very simple—there is a piano at the left side of the stage; a study with chairs and a desk full of books; a table for two underneath a Japanese maple tree; and a bed that serves as the final resting place of Morrie.
From start to finish, Jose Mari Avellana will certainly capture the fancy of the audience. With his classic dance steps, his witty one-liners, and his convincing portrayal of a person suffering from tremors, Jose Mari portrays Morrie with sensitivity and a sense of humor that injects life into an otherwise serious play.
Through Bart Guingona, we feel Mitch's passion for his chosen career and his desire to learn from his life coach, Morrie. Even though he is not a "touchy-feely" person, Mitch slowly transforms into a man who unabashedly cries and hugs his dear friend as the end draws near. However, when Mitch was finally saying goodbye to Morrie, all he could muster was a gruff "I love you" that sounded forced rather than filled with emotions for his dying mentor.
Watching Tuesdays with Morrie is a good eye-opener and a wonderful way to start the New Year since it will remind you to re-assess your life and answer Morrie's haunting question: Are you at peace with yourself?
For inquiries about Tuesdays with Morrie, contact Lorna at 09179256505 or TicketNet at 8919999.
Venue: Onstage, Second Level, Greenbelt 1, Makati City