Powerful “Tuesdays with Morrie” in Gananoque

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher based on Mitch Albom’s book is currently running at the 1000 Islands Playhouse. It’s such a good production of such a good play that this is an easy review to write. All I really want to say is don’t miss it, but I guess that’s a little too brief.

The play is the story of Mitch, a career-obsessed sports journalist, who reunites after many years with Morrie, his undergraduate mentor at Brandies. Morrie is battling ALS and Mitch is consumed by his job. The initial visit becomes weekly as Morrie teaches his former student a final lesson – how to live.

The two actors are exceptional. Mitch is played by Geoffrey Pounsett, making his 1000 Islands Playhouse debut. He gives us a Mitch who is a complex character. He grows and changes as he searches for the answer to Morrie’s question, “Are you at peace with yourself?” He’s also a first-rate pianist.

Ian D. Clark gives a wonderful performance as Morrie. He’s by turns funny and heartbreaking. His glee at his living funeral is infectious, while his effort to eat Mitch’s gift of egg salad is painful to watch.

Gillian Gallow’s spare and effective set with a grand piano upstage center framed with wings of bookcase-like scrim and a lone recliner, lamp, and table is completed by a branch of Japanese maple. Jason Hand’s lighting is excellent, especially the subtle turning of the maple leaves. Christopher Stanton’s sound is equally good.

Director David Jansen, also making his 1000 Islands Playhouse debut, has done a masterful job of directing and staging this powerful and intimate piece. Although dealing with profound questions, he and his two excellent actors have maintained the play’s down-to-earth quality. It’s ultimately very human.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” has a powerful impact. At the end there was a moment of silence in the audience, and then heartfelt applause as we all stood. I don’t usually join in, but this production and play deserve it. Get there if you can.

 

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Jeffrey Hatcher & Mitch Albom

1000 Islands Playhouse through September 19         tkts: 613-382-7020

 

Cast

Morrie: Ian D. Clark
Mitch: Geoffrey Pounsett

Creative

Director: David Jansen
Set & Costume Designer: Gillian Gallow
Sound Designer: Chris Stanton
Lighting Designer: Jason Hand
Associate Lighting Designer: Siobhán Sleath
Stage Manager: Isabelle Ly
Apprentice Stage Manager: Katie Honek
Assistant Director: Luke Brown