When an article in the Summit Daily News recently boasted the Backstage Theatre’s latest production, “Tuesdays With Morrie” as a “MUST SEE,” it wasn’t lying. Heartwarming, funny, soul touching. These are the words that best describe the two-man drama about a student and his dying mentor. Anyone who missed it, truly missed out on an endearing adventure about life and one’s place in it. No strangers to the Backstage Theatre or Summit County, Jon Whitfield and Bob Moore made a wonderful team and their own unique performances are what brought this play to life. Based on the novel by Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher, “Tuesdays With Morrie is about a college student, Mitch Albom, played by Jon Whitfield, who seeks out his “life coach” (before this concept became the popular trend) in the form of a university sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, played by Bob Moore. Morrie, 41 years older than Mitch, was a warm, genuine teacher who yearned to truly connect with his students. Mitch, from the very start of their relationship became Morrie’s favorite. Mitch took everyone class Morrie offered and even majored in Sociology. Classes met on Tuesdays, Mitch and Morrie would often meet after class on Tuesdays, and so the name of the story was born. Mitch too, soon fondly nicked name his favorite teacher, “Coach.” And upon graduation, Mitch promised to stay in touch with Morrie, but, “I didn’t,” Mitch admitted with much disappointment. Instead, life happened. And so, 16 years later . . . now a successful sports reporter with a fiancé he doesn’t seem to have time to stop and marry, Mitch has completely forgotten about his favorite teacher. That is, until he spots Morrie on Night Line and learns he is dying from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It seems Night Light wants to feature Morrie as an old sage who refuses to “deny his own decay.” Feeling guilty about not visiting Morrie after so many years, Mitch decides to look up his old mentor, as if to do his “duty” and pay his last respects. But, Mitch gets more than he bargains for. What was simply meant to be a one-time visit, over the next few years, soon became more frequent visitations to the point the two agreed to meet every “Tuesday” for the short time Morrie had left. With the exception of a few sporadic meetings in between, this time, Mitch kept his promise. It’s through these visits that Morrie challenges his student not just mentally, but emotionally and spiritually. The performance journeys through intense interactions and humorous, light-hearted moments, taking the audience on bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. I wanted to cry, laugh and be still, all at once. But then, isn’t that what life is really all about? Both Jon Whitfield and Bob Moore gave stellar performances, making each of their characters seem so real and genuine. A former Summit High School graduate, Whitfield traveled from his home in Austin, Texas, here to Breckenridge to do the show. His portrayal of Mitch is so convincing and the monolog seems as if he is speaking directly to each individual in the audience personally. And Bob Moore, a long-time local of Summit County and member of the Backstage Theatre – WOW!! What can I say?! He simply captured Morrie’s passion, embracing every smile, every tear, every joy, every pain. Together, Jon and Bob gave a wonderfully compelling performance, the audience an evening to remember. Celebrating its 35th Anniversary, the Backstage Theatre has been turning out award-winning live theatre since 1974. The theatre company not only presents terrific shows and events, but auditions and workshops as well. For more information on future performances or any other theatre event in Summit County, check out the links below. Blog By Christy D. Darling |
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