The Asolo Theatre Company NEWS
April 6, 2005
For Immediate Release
*High resolution images are available for this show by request.
Asolo Theatre Company Presents
Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie
May 7–29, 2005 in the Jane B. Cook Theatre
"A touching, life-affirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous dose of humor." - Variety
Sarasota, Florida (April 6, 2005) – The Asolo Theatre Company is pleased to announce its upcoming production of Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, written by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom (original New York Production produced by David Singer and Elizabeth I. McCann). This theatrical adaptation of Mitch Albom’s enormously popular best-selling book of the same name will run from May 7 to 29, 2005 in the Jane B. Cook Theatre. The play is directed by B.J. Jones, with scenic design by Steven Rubin and costume design by Michele Macadaeg, and features David S. Howard as Morrie and David Breitbarth as Mitch. Corporate sponsor for this production is Sun Hydraulics.
Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, described by many as the story of ‘An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson,’ recounts the touching story of the special relationship between Mitch Albom and his BrandeisUniversity professor, Morrie Schwartz. When Albom graduated from college, he promised Schwartz that he’d always stay in touch. Sixteen years later, he was finally moved to honor that promise when he learned that Professor Schwartz was battling Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). In the weekly meetings that followed, Morrie taught his star pupil his most important lesson of all. Insightful and delightfully funny, Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie is a Master’s class in the meaning of a life well-lived.
B.J. Jones says this about directing the play -- “It’s an exciting opportunity, because I am directing this show for a second time. The production we did in Chicago was great. We won Chicago’s After Dark award for Best Director and Best Ensemble for our production of Tuesday’s With Morrie . . . I’m particularly excited about working with David Breitbarth and David S. Howard. They are sublime, world-class actors.”
Regarding the subject matter, Jones stated, “This is an uplifting play. Don’t come expecting to be depressed. It’s touching and emotional, but it's not a wake and it’s not a funeral. It’s a joyous celebration of a life and an exultation of our own lives!”
The production runs through the month of May, which coincides with National ALS Awareness Month. The local chapter of the Lou Gehrig's Disease Association of Southwest Florida (LGDA) is pleased to be associated with the Asolo Theatre Company production of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie.
During the May 15 matinee performance, the Florida West Coast chapter of the Brandeis University Alumni Association will sponsor a group activity at the Asolo and attend the play. As part of their participation, a speaking engagement, featuring David S. Howard, also will take place at the home of Rabbi Herbert and Esther Rose in Sarasota.
The preview performance for Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie is at 8PM on Friday, May 6. The play opens Saturday, May 7 at 8PM with a champagne reception following the show. It runs through May 29 with performances from Tuesdays through Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 2PM and 8PM, and Sundays at 2PM. Ticket prices are $29 and $31, depending on the performance day and time, with special discounts for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more.
For more details or to buy tickets, stop by or call the Asolo Box Office at 941-351-8000 or toll-free at 800-361-8388. You may also visit the website at www.asolo.org.
The Asolo Theatre Company is located in the FloridaStateUniversityCenter for the Performing Arts at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The FloridaStateUniversityCenter for the Performing Arts is home to the Asolo Theatre Company, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and Sarasota Ballet of Florida.
For a more details on Tuesdays with Morrie Click here.
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The Asolo is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council (TDC), and the Sarasota Arts Council. The Asolo Theatre Company's Shakespeare productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.