Youngstown Playhouse ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’ provides near-perfect close to great season

By Eric McCrea

entertainment@vindy.com

Youngstown

Don’t let go too soon, but don’t hang on too long.

The Youngstown Playhouse has had a great season in its intimate Moyer Room space, and, quite appropriately, it bid farewell with “Tuesdays With Morrie.” Based on the memoir of the same name by Mitch Albom, this powerful play tells the story of a young, successful sports journalist who acquires some valuable life lessons from his former college professor.

Morrie Schwartz, played by Vic Garcia, is a college sociology professor whose recent diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) has garnered him some national media attention. When his former student Mitch (Jason A. Green) sees him on “Nightline,” they reconnect after 16 years apart and begin a touching journey that changes Mitch deeply.

After the initial reunion, Mitch struggles with the decision to help care for his ailing mentor or to focus on his thriving career. Though Morrie faces the inevitable with dignity, he imparts wisdom to his protege and countless others through letters and recorded interviews. As Morrie’s condition deteriorates and progresses toward the undeniable end, the audience is taken on an emotionally tumultuous voyage that is not void of comedy.

Though certain aspects of the story approach cliche, “Tuesdays” is the standard-bearer of the caretaker/ afflicted story line.

Garcia and Green are perfect in their respective roles. Their chemistry and character development is what the collaborative arts are all about.

Garcia always has had a larger-than-life presence on stage, but as Morrie, he is demure and controlled. His depiction of physical decline is precise and painstakingly accurate. Under each of his humorous lines is a palpable subtext of bravery in the face of death mixed with a fear of an absence of students. His experience provides a rare, polished finish to the entire show.

Green begins as a perfect depiction of an ambitious, career-driven sportscaster and smoothly transitions to a genuinely humble man trying to redeem himself. His gut-wrenching performance in the third act is beyond words and truly life-changing for the audience.

Included in the cast is the silent but essential Karen Gagliano as nurse Connie. Serving largely as floor crew, her presence is felt through the skillful acting of Garcia and Green, even though she spends the majority of her time offstage.

Director Brendan P. Byers clearly has poured his heart and soul into this production. His contribution to the Playhouse’s fine season is sure to spawn great things down the road, reaffirming the venue’s standing among the Valley’s performance-art facilities.

Adding to the near-perfection of this show is the subtle but impeccable use of sound designed by Johnny Peccano and James McClellan. The sparse but functional set designed by Jim Lybarger serves the actors well, giving them everything they need to bring this story to life.

“Tuesdays With Morrie” is not to be missed and highlights some of the amazing talent that Youngstown-area community theater offers.

Performances will take place today and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.