Once you know how to die, you know how to live.
It's a life lesson learned by American writer Mitch Albom from his former college professor Morrie Schwartz.
Armstrong's Asparagus Community Theatre presents Tuesdays With Morrie, same title as Albom's best-selling autobiographical book released in 1997, for a run in early May at Centennial Hall.
Albom, author and longtime Detroit Free Press columnist, tells the story of reconnecting with Schwartz, who is dying of Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). During their weekly visits, Schwartz shares his life lessons.
"This story is a touching exploration of mentorship, mortality and human connection that will resonate with so many people, absolutely," said Cara Nunn, who is directing the play. "How is it we manage ourselves when everything is in turmoil? It's completely appropriate for this day and age, and for life in general."
Asparagus Theatre was looking for a play for this particular spring time slot, and Nunn originally approached a director friend about Tuesdays With Morrie. When the friend passed on it, Nunn decided to throw her name in the hat.
"I read the book when it first came out, I've read all of his (Albom's) books, and I've re-read Morrie several times. It's just a great story," said Nunn.
The play is one act and a "two-hander" 鈥� only two actors.
Peter Byrnes plays Albom, and Nunn is familiar with his work, having directed Byrnes in other productions.
"I'm familiar with his style and his capabilities as an actor," she said. "He was thrilled. Two-handers are always a good challenge as an actor. There are not a lot of things to hide behind."
Finding Morrie, though, proved to be a bit of a task for Nunn until a friend suggested trying out Gary Swift for the role.
Relatively new to the stage, Swift does have some acting chops, but Nunn loved his audition.
"I liked his presence. He is very much how I imagined Morrie to be," she said. "I gave him the opportunity and he dove right in. He's really taking it to heart. It's amazing how much these two are typecast for their roles. It's been a great experience directing them."
Tuesdays With Morrie will run May 1, 2 and 3, and May 8, 9, and 10, at Centennial Hall with shows at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee on Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. Doors open a half-hour before the curtain rises.
Tickets are available online at ticketowl.io/asparaguscommunitytheatre. You can also get tickets in-person (cash only) at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce or at the door.
Asparagus Community Theatre will also present Tuesdays With Morrie at the Okanagan OZone Drama Festival, hosted by Shuswap Theatre in Salmon Arm, May 19-24. The Armstrong presentation will be 鈥� appropriately 鈥� Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Winner of the OZone festival advances to Mainstage 2025 in Fort St. John July 6-12. The OZone entry performance is slated for Wednesday, July 9.
