“Tuesdays with Morrie,” under the direction of Gary and Francesca Scarpa, will open at Center Stage Theatre on Oct. 3.
The play will feature Ansonia resident Stan Alpert as Morrie Schwartz and Newtown resident Brett Boles as Mitch Albom.
Alpert has previously appeared at Center Stage in “Twelve Angry Men” and “Harvey.”
Boles is a long time veteran of Center Stage and has appeared in numerous plays there, including “Guys and Dolls,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Inherit the Wind.”
Based on Mitch Albom’s book and television movie (starring Hank Azaria and Jack Lemmon), the autobiographical story tells of a work-consumed sports writer who is inspired to live life more fully after he reconnects with an old college professor,who is dying of ALS.
The play teaches lessons of acceptance, love, communication, values, openness, and happiness.
“Ironically, we chose Tuesdays with Morrie before the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was in full swing,” said Scarpa. “Center Stage plans do our part to contribute to ALS during the run of ‘Tuesdays’ by taking donations from our audiences at every performance.”
“Because Morrie Schwartz is such a familiar and beloved character to people, due to the best selling book, I hope to effectively present and honor Morrie’s essence,” Alpert said.
“Playing Mitch in Tuesdays With Morrie has caused me to examine my own priorities and relationships,” Boles said. “I had a relationship with a college professor that was very similar to the relationship Mitch and Morrie shared. I reached out to him the other day, and I’m not sure I would have had the presence of mind to do so had it not been for this play.”
It’s been an eye-opening and life affirming experience, and Mitch is a role that I know will always hold a special place in my heart,” Boles said.
Center Stage Theatre is a non-profit organization, founded in 2005 by directors Gary and Francesca Scarpa.
The theatre presents a full season of five productions.
Center Stage’s purpose is to enhance the cultural environment within its community; to present high quality theatrical productions at affordable prices; to encourage growth and education through the performing arts; and to provide a means for interested adults, teens and children to experience and participate in various aspects of live theater.
Performance Dates
Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from Oct. 3rd through Oct. 18; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 5, 12, and 19; and Thursday at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16.
Center Stage is located at the former Lafayette School at 54 Grove Street in Shelton.
For further information about the audition or Center Stage, visit www.centerstageshelton.org or call 203 – 225-6079.
