Much like the 1997 Mitch Albom-penned book, this version is filled with life lessons for all ages and uses death as its central theme.

This is the true story of the friendship between a teacher, Morrie Schwartz, and his student, Mitch Albom. The two met at Brandeis University and upon graduation, Mitch promised to keep in touch, but life happened and the two didn’t speak for 16 years.

When Mitch is reunited with Morrie, he finds that his friend is the same as he was all of those years before – a witty, free spirit with the utmost love for the teaching profession and the desire to keep doing what he loves following retirement.

There is one notable change in Morrie though. He’s suffering from ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and now Mitch must deal with this development.

Morrie is played by Mordecai Lawner, a veteran actor of stage and film. Like Morrie, Lawner is a former teacher and brings that sensibility to the role.

Lawner is masterful in his portrayal as Morrie nears death. Following the Brandeis scene,

Lawner goes off stage to gray his hair to play the older Morrie. Aside from clothing changes, this is the only time that Lawner alters his physical appearance, but his acting is so convincing, you swear he’s aging and decaying from the disease right in front of your eyes.  

Mitch is played by Derek Manson, who like his character, is a journalist. Having worked in the sports writing field, I know firsthand the pressures of that job with deadlines and editors breathing down your neck for a story. Manson is convincing in his portrayal and though there’s never any doubt that Morrie is the central figure of this story, in the end, the audience also cares a lot about Mitch.

The set is fairly basic as to not distract from the conversations and dialogue between the two men. A stage hand also plays the part of Morrie’s nurse and removes different props from the stage in a manner that seems to go naturally with the unfolding drama.

If you’ve read the book, this is a must see. If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s well worth checking out, but remember to bring tissues.

The Epiphany Theater was founded in New York City in 1999 and recently moved to Saratoga Springs. The theater’s new location is at 153 Regent Street.

Tuesdays with Morrie plays through Nov. 18. Performances are Wednesday at 8 p.m., Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. For more information, please call 691-9780 or visit www.epiphanytheater.org.

In addition: Epiphany Theater presents Saturday Afternoon with Morrie with Mordecai Lawner and Derek Manson, the stars of their next production, Tuesdays with Morrie. This free event at Borders includes a reading from the book Tuesdays with Morrie by the actors and a chance to get to know the cast while enjoying free coffee provided by Seattle’s Best and Borders.

Refreshments will be provided. The event takes place at Borders, 3 South Side Drive, Clifton Park (Village Plaza Shopping Center) from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.