Soulstice Theatre’s Inspirational ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’

In an intimate theater located four stories above street level, the lights rise on Matt Zembrowski behind a synthesizer. It’s the opening moment of Soulstice Theatre’s production of Tuesdays with Morrie. Zembrowski is playing journalist Mitch Albom as he tells the story of his relationship with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz (Don Devona). Morrie, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—provides wisdom and peace in the face of death during a series of conversations with Albom toward the end of Morrie’s life. Albom wrote a book about this experience, which he later turned into a play with the aid of playwright Jeffrey Hatcher.

Between Morrie’s sense of humor and the tragedy he’s facing, there’s a lot going on for a two-person drama. By mixing equal portions of comedy, tragedy and inspiration, Albom and Hatcher’s theatrical script for Tuesdays with Morrie leaves the precise mood of the play up to each production. The Soulstice Theatre version, running through Oct. 10 at the Marian Center for Nonprofits, aims more toward the inspirational end of the script.

Zembrowski has a charismatic stage presence, but he doesn’t reach into the deeper conflicts of Albom’s character. Instead, he focuses much of his energy on the character’s fascination with Morrie. Devona, who neither amplifies the darker end of Morrie’s affliction nor emphasizes Morrie’s unique sense of humor, is at his best when facing the reality of the illness. His performance brings across the profound sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing someone on the verge of death embracing life with open arms.