After tickling funny bones in its first two productions of the season, Theatre of Dare is coming after your heartstrings with Tuesdays with Morrie.

“Yeah, we expect there will be some watery eyes in the audience” says director Jessica Sands. “But we’re hoping people will also leave Tuesdays with Morrie with a renewed appreciation of the simple joys of life, love and friendship.”

The play, based on Mitch Albom’s bestselling 1997 book, tells the biographical story of Albom’s relationship with his collegiate professor and friend Morrie Schwartz. After losing touch for 16 years, Mitch (Tim Hass) sees Morrie (Don Bridge) on an episode of Nightline detailing the old professor’s ALS diagnosis. Mitch then pays his old mentor a visit, which evolves into a weekly pilgrimage and one last class in the meaning of life. While Morrie’s health deteriorates, the wisdom he imparts on Mitch continues to challenge long held beliefs of the successful and hard-nosed sportswriter.

The two-man play is a perfect fit for the intimate confines of the stage at the Dare County Arts Council, where Theatre of Dare first performed last year. “The audience will basically have a front row seat in Morrie’s living room,” says Bridge. “We think the setting will give the play’s quiet humor, wisdom and beauty even more impact.”

And that impact isn’t lost on the cast and crew, either. “I’ll be honest – I’m still having trouble getting through this show without choking up a little,” joked Hass. “So I guess it’ll be up to the audience to decide whether those tears at the end are real or just acting.”

But it’s likely the audience will be too busy looking through their own tears to tell the difference.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” opened January 11 and next takes the stage January 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee January 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and all performances will be at the Dare County Arts Council, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue in downtown Manteo. Seating at the DCAC is limited, so buying tickets ahead of time is highly encouraged. For tickets and more information, go to www.theatreofdareobx.com.

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