Indiana Repertory Theatre begins New Year with a look at life’s greatest lesson

original artwork by Kyle Ragsdale

Indiana Repertory Theatre begins New Year with a look at life’s greatest lesson
The beloved, inspiring story of Tuesdays with Morrie comes to life this February
 
Indianapolis, Ind.—The Indiana Repertory Theatre continues its virtual season with Tuesdays with Morrie, streaming February 8 – 21, 2021. Based on the popular book and written by Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher, the story comes to life in this life-affirming play, full of compassion, humor, and hope.
 
“When we first realized that the world would require different stories of us in the pandemic, one of the first plays I thought of was Tuesdays with Morrie. It contains so many of the emotions and questions we hold now, inviting us to consider deeply what it means to be alive in the face of possible death,” said IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen. “And amazingly, witnessing Morrie’s journey is both profound and joy-filled, in part because now we are all more aware that we share this journey.”
 
The IRT last produced Tuesdays with Morrie during its 2007-2008 season on the Upperstage. As he did then, actor Ryan Artzberger will return to play Mitch, the frantic sportswriter with trouble slowing down. Henry Woronicz will take on the role of Mitch—professor, advisor, mentor. With Morrie battling Lou Gehrig's disease, one visit between the pair turns into a weekly pilgrimage for Mitch, and the duo explores life’s greatest lesson in the face of death.
 
During this difficult year with many unknowns, the IRT believes this story and the search for meaning will resonate deeply with audiences and bring a sense of hope into their homes. The importance of connection, reflection, and conversation shines brightly in these dark times and serves as a reminder of our loved ones and mentors, as well as the power of art to help us through troubled times.
 
“This period of isolation has shown me how little space I have made to slow down and find joy in life’s smaller moments,” Director and IRT’s Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said. “As I revisit the story of Mitch and Morrie, I recall the teachings of my many mentors, including my dear grandfather Frank Haughlan. I hope that Tuesdays with Morrie inspires our audiences to remember the words of their Morrie, whoever and wherever they may be.”
 
Virtual tickets for Tuesdays with Morrie are now available for $30 and streaming begins February 8. Season packages are also available, and the IRT recently announced two more shows in its 2020-2021 Season, including PNC presents NO. 6 and Cyrano. To learn more and purchase virtual tickets, please visit irtlive.com.


DETAILS

WHERE: Streaming online via irtlive.com.

RUN DATES:  Streaming February 8 – 21, 2021. Tuesdays with Morrie is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets and information at irtlive.com. 

TICKETS: Virtual tickets start at $30. Click to buy.
 
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
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RYAN ARTZBERGER | Mitch
HENRY WORONICZ | Morrie
 
BENJAMIN HANNA | Director
ROB KOHARCHIK | Scenic Designer
GUY CLARK | Costume Designer
XAVIER PIERCE | Lighting Designer
MELANIE CHEN COLE | Sound Designer & Composer
RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg
NATHAN GARRISON | Production Coordinator
REBECCA ROEBER | Production Assistant

SPECIAL EVENTS:

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: AARP, ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, and IU HEALTH
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Event at 6 PM | Zoom Room
Please join us for a community conversation with AARP, Alzheimer's Association, and Dr. Robert M. Pascuzzi, Professor Emeritus of Neurology at IU School of Medicine. In Tuesdays with Morrie, we learn about the toll that ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) takes on Morrie's health, and yet his joy for life, love and lessons for his family and Mitch endures. Reflecting on this life-affirming play, representatives from AARP and Alzheimer's Association, along with Dr. Pascuzzi—who directs IU Health’s ALS program and the ALSA Multidisciplinary Clinic—will discuss the vibrancy of aging, importance of quality of life, and hope of treatment as loved ones age. During the community conversation, there will also be time for questions from attendees. To attend this free community conversation, please RSVP to Elizabeth Petermann at epetermann@irtlive.com by February 10, 2021. We will send the Zoom information before the event.
 
 
TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
February 16, 2021 | 6 – 7 PM | Zoom Room
Join IRT’s Dramaturg Richard J Roberts on February 16 for a free discussion about Mitch Albom’s beloved book and the IRT’s production of Tuesdays with Morrie! IRT’s February virtual production brings to life this story of mentorship, hope, and the friendship between Morrie and Mitch as they discover life’s greatest lesson. Richard will lead the group in a conversation about the book, the stage adaptation, and more. Read the book—and see the show, if possible—ahead of the conversation! To attend this free book club discussion, please RSVP to Elizabeth Petermann at epetermann@irtlive.com by February 15, 2021. We will send the Zoom information before the event.
 
 
IRT'S OFFSCRIPT VIRTUAL MEMBER EVENT: TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE
February 18, 2021 | Discussion at 6 PM | Zoom Room
Join Offscript: IRT Young Professionals Group, in partnership with The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League and WFYI Nerds, for our free virtual member event on February 18 at 6 PM! Tuesdays with Morrie is a life-affirming play that celebrates mentorship and friendship as a single visit between Mitch and Morrie turns into a life-changing weekly pilgrimage. Purchase a virtual ticket for this production and watch from the comfort of your home prior to the event. During our event, members will hear from partners of the event as well as Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna. Benjamin will talk about the reimagined virtual season and share his experience with directing Tuesdays with Morrie. Members and partners are encouraged to invite their mentors and mentees to the conversation. RSVP to Elizabeth Petermann at epetermann@irtlive.com by Wednesday, February 17. Interested in becoming a member? Purchase a membership or learn more at irtlive.com/offscript.

 
For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.
 
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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

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