Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of the friendship of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie\u27s appearance in a televised interview and learns that his former professor is battling Lou Gehrig\u27s disease. When Mitch reconnects with Morrie, what begins as a simple visit develops into a weekly pilgrimage and one last class in the meaning of life. Together with Mitch Albom, acclaimed American playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has faithfully adapted the story for performance, capturing all the resonance of the original dialogue and bringing to the stage two of the most genuine and honest characters the theatre has seen in a long time. Described by the New York Daily News as  a touching, life-affirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous dose of humor ...  and by The New York Times as  making the language of the book crisper, cleverer, and more palatable ...,  the play will end the Cedarville University season with a warm and thought-provoking commentary on the gift of everyday life.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/theatre_productions/1015/thumbnail.jp

Clements, Robert

Merchant, Diane C.

English

Digital Commons

C E D A R V I L L E  U N I V E R S I T YDeVries TheatreM arch 26-28 , April 2 -4 , 2009Fr o m  t h e  d r a m a t u r gA n  O l d  M a n  ...Born in 1916 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Morrie Schwartz grew up in poverty. Devastated by the loss of his mother when he was eight, he believed firmly in the need to express emotion and grieve openly. After graduating from City College, a tuition-free school in New York, Morrie pursued graduate work in social psychology at the University of Chicago, receiving his Ph.D. in 1951. Four years later, he started teaching at Brandeis University, a position he held until his death in 1995. Diagnosed with ALS in 1994, Morrie decided to make the most of his experience while letting others learn from his journey toward death. He became a voice of healing, hope, and encouragement, not only to Mitch but also to many others.A  Y o u n g  M a n  ...Mitch Albom was born in 1958. W hen he was just 17, he started attending Brandeis where he became great friends with Morrie and took almost every class he taught. Determined to make something of his life, Mitch completed two masters degrees at Columbia University while finding his niche as a sports reporter. Sixteen years after his Brandeis days, in the midst of his successful yet hectic career, Mitch reconnected with his favorite teacher in a 14-week intense study of human nature, a course that not only transformed Mitchs view of life but also reached millions of readers around the world.A n d  Lif e 's G r e a t e s t  l e s s o n s  ...Jeffrey Hatcher, born c. 1958, is the man responsible for helping Mitch Albom bring Morries story to the stage. While his original aspiration was to be a character actor in New York, Hatcher quickly turned to playwriring, a career decision that transported him to Minneapolis with a fellowship from the Playwrights’ Center. Although most of his work has been for the stage, Hatcher has also written the screenplay for a movie, Stage Beauty, adapted from one of his original scripts.A b o u t  ALS ...The ALS Association, a foundation based in Calabasas Hills, California, exists to pursue treatment research and provide support and care to ALS patients and their loved ones. It defines ALS in the following way: “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as ‘Lou Gehrig’s disease,’ is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal chord.” First discussed in medical papers by the French physician Jean-Martin Charcot in 1869, ALS destroys the body by shriveling the neurons that tell the muscles to move. The loss of these “motor messengers” causes the muscles to shrink, or atrophy, resulting in eventual paralysis. Initial symptoms vary and include the weakening of muscles, muscle cramps and twitches, difficulty using arms and legs, and slurred speech. ALS is diagnosed through a series o f tests eliminating other diseases with similar symptoms, such as Parkinson’s disease. Although there is no known cure, recent medical research has led to the development of an FDA-approved drug that slows the advance of the disease. Physical therapy and equipment such as respirators and wheelchairs can help improve mobility and quality of life, and continued research offers the promise o f enhanced medication and longer life. Individuals with ALS retain full capacity of their minds and emotions —  it is only their bodies that fail. Further information can be found at www.alsa.org.—  Christa Funke, DramaturgTuesdays W ith M orrie is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.Original New York production produced by David S. Singer, Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Joey Parnes, Amy and Scott Nederlander, Harold Thau, Moira Wilson, Shadowcatcher Entertainment.Originally presented by New York Stage and Film Company and the Powerhouse Theater at Vassar College, 2002.Tuesdays W ith  M orrie  was supported by a playwrights residency and public staged readings at the 2001 O ’Neill Playwrights Conference of the Eugene O ’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, Connecticut.“The Very Thought of You”Words and Music by Ray NobleCopyright 1934 by Range Road Music, Inc., and Quartet MusicAll rights in the USA administered by Range Road Music, Inc. (ASCAP)All rights in Canada administered by Redwood Music Ltd. (PRS)Please silence all cell phones and wristwatch alarms. As a courtesy to the actors and those around you, do not text or instant message during the performance. Please set pagers on silent mode.PLEASE NOTE: Tuesdays W ith  M orrie  is performed without an intermission.PLAY ON WORDS, a study and discussion reference resource, has beenprepared by the production dramaturg and is available without charge at the concessions booth in the theatre lobby. Funding for PLAY O N  WORDS is provided by Alpha Psi Omega, the Cedarville University chapter of the national honorary theatre society. These extensively researched guides are provided in order to in nr as e understanding o f each play Cedarville University presents fo r  all who share our passion for theatre.Alpha Psi Omega is also coordinating donations to the M iami Valley Hospital Charitable Foundation, neurosciences division, which provides support for research and treatment o f  ALS, multiple sclerosis, stroke, muscular dystrophy, and many other complex brain conditions. Please consider making a donation to this worthy organization by visiting the donation box in the theatre lobby. We thank you fo r helping us create possibilities fo r  service through theatre.CASTMitchDerek StockwellMorrieStephen EslickVoice o f  JanineBeth Cram PorterPianistKatrina GingerichStage ManagerTimothy Carter*Assistant Stage ManagerRachel Lindsay Hoffman*ARTISTIC STAFFDirectorDiane Conrad Merchant +DesignerDonald N.C. Jones*ComposerStephen EstepLighting DesignJohn R. Black*Robert L. ClementsSound DesignRobert H. Bentley*Dialect ConsultantRuth ChasnovDialect CoachBob ChasnovDramaturgy CoordinatorDiane Conrad MerchantDramaturgChrista FunkeTime: The play takes place mostly in 1995, with flashbacks to M itch’s first year at Brandeis University in the fall of 1975 and the spring of his graduation in 1979.+Member o f  the Society o f  Stage Directors and ChoreographersPRODUCTION STAFFTechnical Director Master ElectricianDonald N.C. Jones* Rebekah Harris*Assistant Technical DirectorTimothy Phipps*Production ManagerTimothy Phipps*Set Construction/DecorationKevin Cain Timothy Carter*Ruth Christiansen Annamarie Elmore Rebakah Harris*Justin B. Hobbs*Lucas Nikkei Joshua Patton Joshua TuckerCostume SupervisorDenise Yvette Serna*Costume CrewStephanie Anderson Alyssa Denen*Properties SupervisorKatherine M. Nelson*Properties CrewAlyssa Denen*Emily Jarvis Sarah Lawton Garrett Rucinski Deborah SalasLighting ProgrammersRobert L. Clements*Rebekah Harris*Light Board OperatorRebekah Harris*ElectriciansJessica Hickling*Jordan Hickling*Katherine Marvin Katherine M. Nelson*Jessica Raymond*Deborah SalasSound TechniciansMegan Cafferty Marissa EisslerHair and Makeup SupervisorDenise Yvette Serna*Hair and Makeup CrewBen Scheerschmidt*Running CrewKyle Haring Sarah Lawton Katherine M. Nelson*House ManagerJazmine Cook*Administrative AssistantDeb BissettSpecial Thanks:Creative Services Marketing Services Dawn Scott and the Information Desk Staff Bradley Anderson Production Services Group Mahlon Merchant and Conrad Merchant*Member o f Alpha Psi Omega, Cedarvilleh chapter o f the national honorary theatre societyROBERT H . BENTLEY (sound designer) is a senior youth ministries and Christian education major from Clifton Park, New York. He would like to thank the sound crew for doing so much of the work and helping him out with everything involved, since “there would be no sound without them.” This summer, Roberts plans include a 10-week internship at East Randolph Baptist Church in Randolph, Vermont. His favorite verse is Isaiah 40:29—31: “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”JO H N R. BLACK (lighting designer) is a senior from Seoul, South Korea, majoring in theatre design. His career goals include working in theatre education, serving students as they develop skills and passions for technical production, and continuing to pursue lighting design. John will be getting married this June and moving back to Seoul to begin his career as the theatre manager for the Seoul Foreign School. He would like to thank his fiancee, Stephanie, for her unwavering support and encouragement in his craft. One of Johns favorite quotations is from Erma Bombeck: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 4 [gave You back] everything You gave me.’”TIM O TH Y  CARTER (stage manager) is a junior theatre major from Tucson, Arizona, who sends special thanks “to all of my friends who have helped me in my exhaustion and have had to deal with me through my bad days, especially my roommate!” Tim’s plans for the summer include a five-week missions trip to the Amazon, which will include bathing with the piranhas, and then possibly working at a camp for the rest of the summer. Tim’s favorite verse is I Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Tim’s plans after graduation include hoping to move back to a warmer climate!STEPHEN ESLICK (Morrie) is a junior middle childhood education major from Cincinnati, Ohio, whose future goals include teaching young people and leading them to Christ. He would like to thank his family “for their support in every aspect of his life and God for His grace and giving me the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do.” After graduation, Stephen hopes to begin his career in education and also work in youth ministry. His summer plans include working at Spring Hill Camps as assistant activity director. One of Stephen’s favorite quotations is, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do,” by John Wooden.STEPHEN ESTEP (composer) wrote original music especially for the Cedarville University production of Tuesdays With Morrie. Stephen graduated from Cedarville in 1997 with a B.A. in piano performance and studied at Miami University for his M.M., also in piano performance. Stephen is currently a freelance composer, web designer, accompanist, and music critic for American Record Guide. He resides in Xenia, Ohio, and is a frequent contributor to Cedarville University’s music program. He most recently performed as the accompanist for the Cedarville production of My Fair Lady.CHRISTA EUNICE (dramaturg) plans to graduate this spring with a major in theatre design and performance. She hopes to someday establish her own theatre company and after graduation will begin preparation for a career in theatre by pursuing graduate education in arts management. Christa would like to thank God “for the amazing opportunities and lessons He has given me while a student at Cedarville. I would also like to thank my parents for their generous support of my theatrical endeavors.” Her favorite quotation from the script of Tuesdays With Morrie is, “Farhaltnisht deine licht unter a shorten!”KATRINA G IN G ER IC H  (pianist and piano coach) is a sophomore from Plain City, Ohio. Her major is piano performance, and her future goals include becoming a collaborative pianist and professor of piano. After graduation, Katrina plans to attend graduate school. Early summer plans include working at a performing arts camp and then to do nothing (besides practice!) for the rest of the summer! Katrina would like to thank her family (biological, musical, and spiritual, and especially parents Zendall and Karla) for their love and support and Dr. Charles Clevenger for“teaching me how to be a musician.” One of Katrinas favorite quotations is, “God tells me how He wants the music played — and you get in His way,” by Arturo Toscanini.RACHEL LINDSAY H O F F M A N  (assistant stage manager) is a sophomore theatre performance and design major from Woodbridge, Virginia. She plans to pursue theatre as a profession and hopes to attend graduate school in acting after graduating from Cedarville. Rachel plans to work and possibly complete a theatre internship this summer. She would like to thank “my God for showing me where He wants me to be, my parents for all the support and encouragement, and my friends for being there when I needed them most.” One of Rachels favorite quotations is, “Some people walk in the rain; others just get wet,” by Roger Miller.b e t h  C r a m  p o r t e r  has earned a splendid reputation as a soloist and recitalist. She toured France with Maestro Robert Shaw, performing and recording Bachs B Minor Mass and Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes. At the Oregon Bach Festival, she sang in the North American Premiere of Mendelssohn’s opera Der Onkle Aus Boston with Maestro Helmuth Rilling and was the soprano soloist for the 2007 production of King David. In 2004, she was invited to be the featured soloist at the White House National Day of Prayer ceremony where she sang for President George W. Bush and 200 of his invited guests. On faculty at Cedarville University since 1997, Porter is currently associate professor of music and serves as chair of the department of music, art, and worship.DEREK STOCKWELL (Mitch), a junior history education major, is from Washington Court House, Ohio. He is also interested in writing. After graduation, Derek plans to pursue professional education as a career, “living life as best I can, teaching, acting, and laughing.” Derek would like to thank “my family for all of their support and love.” He plans to work this summer at Spring Hill Camps in Seymour, Indiana, with middle school boys. His favorite quotation is, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one,” by Albert Einstein.U p c o m in g  T h ea tr e  p r o d u c t i o n sThe Miracle Workerby William Gibson October 1—3 and 8—10, 2009Much Ado About Nothingby William Shakespeare January 28—30 and February 4—6, 2010You Can rt Take It With Youby George S. Kaufman and Moss H art March 25-27  and April 8-10, 2010The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival™XLIIsponsored in part byStephen and Christine Schwarzman The Kennedy Center Corporate Fund U.S. Department of Education The National Committee for the Performing Arts Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols FoundationThis production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for inclusion at the KCACTF regional festival and can also be considered for invitation to the KCACTF national festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC in the spring of 2010.Last year more than 1,300 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.C E D A R V I L L E  U N I V E R S I T YHome to 3,000 students, Cedarville is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, professional, and graduate programs located on a beautiful 400-acre campus in southwest Ohio.www.cedarville.edu9 '

Tuesdays with Morrie

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Tuesdays with Morrie

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