Mr. Holland's opus: Tuesdays with Morrie review

BY JOSEPH PLANTA

Monday, 26 June 2006

VANCOUVER - Oprah Winfrey gave Tuesdays with Morrie prominence in her book club when it first came out in 1997, thereafter allowing millions of copies to be sold, and a popular, award-winning television movie adaptation starring Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria. The book, perhaps because it was so popular, has never been regarded as anything terribly high minded. But popular it was, and along with sales and greater fame for its author, sports journalist Mitch Albom, it seems to have touched a chord amongst those who've read the book. Perhaps because the story was real or because it was a needed glimpse how to live life knowing that death is imminent, Tuesdays with Morrie quickly became landmark in the popular culture.

The Arts Club Theatre Company brings to the stage an adaptation by Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher, starring Antony Holland and Warren Kimmel. Holland plays Morrie, the charming, lovable and wise professor who befriends and mentors Mitch, his sociology student at Brandeis University, played by Kimmel. Mitch loses touch with his old professor, dubbed Coach, and very nearly forgets about him until one night flipping through television he sees Ted Koppel interview Morrie on the subject of dying. Schwartz it seems was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, and in his dying, was so much a fount of wisdom, that ABC featured him on the old Nightline.

Albom feels guilty allowing 16 years to pass without contacting his old prof, despite many promises to do so on graduation day. Therein begins the journey from a perfunctory visit, to rekindling the closeness that they naturally fall into again. As Morrie deteriorates, Mitch visits each week, Tuesdays, just like in college, for office hours, if you will. This time however the subject is life itself, and dying. Soon the driven, ambitious, but directionless Albom finds what he needs but wasn't really looking for.

The book, which I read while in the tenth grade, just to see what all the fuss was about, moved me, as it did many. This production would be interesting if only to see if the pathos, humour and wisdom would translate to the stage. It does. It's a different medium, so the effect is different, but at its core the discussion of life and death, the relationship that two guys can only have, and the appeal of Morrie ring through, making for an affecting play and formidable performances from Kimmel and Holland especially. There are a couple of scenes that do it for the average theatregoer. One scene in the first act is particularly heartbreaking, where the less than touchy-feely Mitch is asked by Morrie to merely hold his hand. As well, another scene where Morrie is carried by Mitch across the stage is muted thanks to the low lights, but nonetheless dramatic and compelling.

From the initial appearance of Holland dancing as Morrie loved to do, to the remarkable scene of pathos and wisdom between Mitch and Morrie at their last Tuesday, Holland's frail 86-year old frame dominates the stage. Even in scenes where Holland's task is to merely sit on stage, eyes closed, he is captivatingly powerful. The standing ovation both actors received on opening night was inevitably deserved for Holland, who brings a unique wit that makes the show all the more disarming. Holland's timing at delivering quick witticisms and devastating lines is excellent, adding something new to Morrie, as the book and television adaptation aren't remembered as being so funny.

If there's anything you ought to do this summer, at least up to the 29th of July, it's to go see Tuesdays with Morrie.

Perhaps the whole Tuesdays with Morrie phenomenon is regarded as trite having been Oprahised, but that shouldn't discount the wonderful relationship between Albom and Schwartz. In Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch learns about life through Morrie's death. Now with this play and its strong performances, audiences not only learn, but see and feel it up close at the Arts Club's Granville Island Stage.

***

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher, starring Antony Holland and Warren Kimmel, at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston St.) until 29 July 2006. Tickets are $25-35.50, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets and further information can be had by calling Ticketmaster, or the Arts Club Box Office, 604-687-1644, or by visiting www.artsclub.com.

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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE.