Tuesdays With Morrie – Emotional and Quotable

Mar 10, 2024 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susan Rosenbluth, Two Sues on the Aisle

Tuesdays with Morrie, a show based on the book of the same name, written by Mitch Albom in 1997, and an off-Broadway play in 2002, is as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Offering viewers the secrets of life as told by Morrie Schwartz, a professor of sociology with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. “The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.”

This 90-minute two-man production starring Len Cariou as Morrie and Chris Domig as Mitch, explores love, death, and forgiveness. The acting and the script create an emotional connection between the audience and the characters.  Morrie’s quotes were inspired, especially when you realize that Morrie has turned his death into a teaching opportunity. Tuesdays with Morrie is playing at Sea Dog Theatre 209 16th Street until April 20.

The Story

Upon graduation from Brandeis, Mitch Albom promised to stay in contact with his favorite professor Morrie Swartz. But life happened, and Mitch went from an aspiring jazz musician to a driven sports journalist neglecting his college connections for sixteen years. By chance, Mitch heard a Nightline with Ted Kopple speaking about how his old professor had dedicated his remaining time to helping others understand how to live. According to Morrie “Taking makes me feel like I’m dying, giving makes me feel like I’m living.”

Mitch decided to reconnect on Tuesdays. They were Tuesday people; throughout college, lectures and office hours were on Tuesdays. They agreed to continue their tradition with weekly lessons on Tuesdays with Morrie imparting his wisdom with Mitch as his only student.

A Guide to Life

Tuesdays with Morrie is a guide to life outlining how one should act, celebrating life and relationships. One example of how Morrie took control of his remaining days was holding weekly gatherings which he called ‘living funerals.’ He met with friends to discuss how to live while facing imminent death. He said “Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others.” Morrie reminds us that death is just a part of a continuum. We will all die, some sooner than others.

Morrie’s universal truths provide guidelines for healthy relationships, they apply equally across people of all religions. He had developed this wisdom over his life, which was cut short by disease, and by sharing it, he was creating a living legacy.

This performance keeps Morrie’s words, messages, and his memory alive.

A Universal Message

Though Morrie Swartz and Mitch Albom are both Jewish, the lessons apply equally to everyone. Morrie encourages beginning by re-setting your priorities. He points out that having more money, or more things is less important than loving others. You give your life meaning through loving others. Words to live (and die) by. Once you connect with others, you don’t die, you live on in the hearts of everyone you have touched.

We can all relate to similar situations having lost loved ones, lost touch with former friends, or prioritized work over family.  There is something powerful in hearing that it’s not too late to change.

 The Performance

The austere setting, a piano, and a chair, combined with amazing acoustics and two wonderful actors worked absolutely perfectly!  Morrie was played by Len Cariou an internationally recognized, Tony Award-winning, Emmy-nominated actor whose career spans over six decades on Broadway and regional stages, in film, and television. Cariou appeared to visibly age during the performance, his death filled the audience with a palpable hush, choking back tears. His young mentee, Mitch was brought to life by Christopher J. Domig, a pianist, and accomplished actor. This performance was directed by Erwin Maas.

Bring tissues. At the end of the performance, there was not a dry eye in the house. This was an evening to remember. It aligns with Sea Dog Theater’s mission, telling stories that explore alienation and reconciliation, in this case, the powerful connection between Mitch and Morrie.

Tuesdays with Morrie – An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lessons.

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Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed. 

Tuesdays with Morrie – received 5 Challahs

Tuesdays with Morrie at the 
Sea Dog Theater
St. George’s Episcopal Church
209 East 16th Street
Through April 20, 2024