Tuesdays With Morrie: The beloved best-selling book comes to the stage

Morrie 1
Magical Theatre Company’s Tuesdays with Morrie features Adam Hoffman (left) as Mitch Albom, and Michael Sonata (right) as Morrie Schwartz.

By Mimi Vanderhaven

Magical Theatre Company continues its season with Tuesdays with Morrie, adapted from the novel by Mitch Albom, a #1 New York Time best seller.

The beloved book has changed millions of lives with the story of friendship, the timeless wisdom of older generations, and healing lessons on loss and grief.

A sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, and his favorite student, Mitch Albom, a successful sports journalist, reunite when a chapter ends for one and begins for another. Their chats become a one-on-one seminar that takes place on 14 Tuesdays at Morrie’s home.

Mitch finds himself questioning his own life when his admired dying professor offers him some powerful wisdom and advice for coping in relationships, careers, and society. What starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

Tuesdays with Morrie is brought to the stage by the Magical team of Dennis O’Connell (Director), Ben Needham (Scenic Designer), Inda Blatch-Geib (Costume Designer), Adam Ditzel (Lighting Designer), Jeremiah Isley (Sound Designer), Stephen Vasse-Hansell (Technical Director), and a talented cast of veteran actors: Adam Hoffman and Michael Sonata.

Sonata returns to Magical Theatre Company after retiring from his 15-year run doing his highly successful Frank Sinatra tribute show. Sonata was a fixture at The Music Box in Cleveland, as well as playing countless clubs and venues in Northeast Ohio and throughout the Midwest. He has played major roles at Magical Theatre Company, including Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird, The Old Man in A Christmas Story, as well as in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Tuesdays with Morrie runs one weekend only, January 27 through 29, and is most enjoyed by families ages 12 and up.

At A Glance

  • WHAT: Tuesdays With Morrie, presented by Magical Theatre Company
  • WHEN: Friday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m.
  • WHERE: Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Avenue, in Barberton
  • TICKETS: $18 and $20 per person, available online at MagicalTheatre.org or by calling 330-848-3708.

Generous supporters include GAR Foundation, Peg’s Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Akron Community Foundation, and Barberton Community Foundation.

Categories: Greater Akron Arts & Entertainment