The Pittsburgh Chapter of the ALS Association and Prime Stage Theatre are teaming up for Prime Stage?s next production, "Tuesdays With Morrie." Written by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, "Tuesdays With Morrie" is the very moving story of a man with Lou Gehrig's Disease and his friendship with Mitch, a former student. Mitch always admired Morrie during his college days and took every class that Morrie taught. In later life, the two cross paths and realizing the gravity of Morrie?s condition, Mitch visits him each Tuesday. What takes place is both humorous and
emotionally touching. Each man learns about life from the perspective of the other; Mitch a young and vibrant man progressing through an exciting career; Mitch a learned man of many years ?ghting a debilitating disease for which there is no cure.
The Pittsburgh Chapter of the ALS Association is a Production Partner on the production. ALS, or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that effects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The effects of the incurable disease eventually lead to death. Prime Stage is very happy to have the ALS Association on board for this important production.
Prime Stage has become the premier theater in the Pittsburgh area in bringing literature to life.
With a long history of quality productions, Prime Stage tackles shows which many theaters may shy away from. "Tuesdays With Morrie" falls into that category. Morrie talks about the importance of staring out a window rather than at your computer; and that it is natural to die but it is via love that we stay alive. He treats the audience with respect, does not preach, and that is why they listen "Tuesdays With Morrie" stars Robert Haley as Morrie and Justin Fortunato as Mitch. Robert has appeared with many local companies and was in the ?lm "The Shawshank Redemption." Justin, who plays Mitch, is an accomplished acting major and jazz pianist at Point Park University. Under the direction of Richard Keitel, they will take audiences on a journey with both touching and humorous moments. "Tuesdays With Morrie" is the true story of Morrie who courageously ?ghts Lou Gehrig?s Disease as he and Mitch,. his former student, and inspiration in their
weekly conversations and life?s lessons on Tuesdays.
"Tuesdays With Morrie" opens on Saturday, February 20, at the New Hazlett Theater on the Northside of Pittsburgh, and runs for two weekends through February 28. For ticket reservations call ProArts at 412-394-3353 or go online to www.primestage.com.
To ?nd out more about ALS go to the ALS Local Chapter website at: www.cure4als.org.
Prime Stage Theatre - Where Literature Comes to Life.
