The Presentation House Theatre

Tuesdays With Morrie is an adaptation from the novel of the same name.  A constant on The New York Times Bestseller List, Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom (played by Joel Grinke), an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz (played by Antony Holland), his former college professor.  Sixteen years after his graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on a television news program and learns his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Mitch is reunited with Morrie and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

In addition to the show, we are enhancing the audience experience by hosting supplementary events.  The aim of these events is to grow understanding of the themes in the show, to let the theatre goers get to know the performers, and to have lots of fun.

• Karma Night – Every Tuesday
  Mitch:  You’re into Buddhism now?  I thought you were an Agnostic.
  Morrie:  I used to be an agnostic; Now I’m not so sure.

Every Tuesday No Bells and Whistles will give every member of the audience a gift.

• Scones With Antony – Every Wednesday
  Mitch: It’s just that he likes to talk while he eats
  Morrie:  I get so excited about what I’m talking about
  Mitch:  You forget to chew

A staple at the Gabriola Island Theatre Center.  After the show stick around in the lobby and enjoy homemade scones, jam, and clotted cream, with Antony and Joel.  All made by Antony himself.

• Special Talkbacks
  Morrie: You know me, I have to teach, or what am I here for?

My life in the theatre – Thursday, March 4^th

Antony tells stories of his life in the theatre and takes your questions.  Hear about his time in the army, touring a production through military bases, his thoughts on working with famous actors, and opening multiple theatre schools.  Great for students.

What Is ALS? – Thursday, March 11^th

Dr. Andrew Eisen, one of the world’s foremost researches of ALS, leads a discussion on how the disease works, and recent advancements on finding a cure.

The Philosophy of Tuesdays With Morrie – Thursday, March 18^th

North Vancouver philosopher and mentor Scott Barnes moderates a discussion on the various philosophies that are brought up in the play.

• Dance Free- Every Saturday
  Mitch: He’d grab a partner or dance by himself, he didn’t care.  He could’ve danced forever.

Every Saturday night we turn the stage into a dance floor.  Come out and dance swing, cha – cha, foxtrot, or simply move your hips.

• Antony’s 90^th Birthday – Saturday, March 20^th
  Morrie:  You know, at my birthday party, my friends said “Morrie, you’re getting old”  I took it as a compliment.

On March 26^th Antony will be turning 90 years old, and we will be celebrating on closing night with cake, dancing, and balloons.

• ALS Society of BC Raffle
  Our friends at the ALS society of BC will be in the lobby every night, and selling tickets for their raffle until March 12^th.  Your chance to win a round trip for two to any WestJet destination.  Proceeds going to help find the cure.

About No Bells and Whistles Theatre Company

Antony Holland’s No Bells & Whistles Theatre Company embraces a minimalist style – in the belief that the greater the play, the less ‘production elements’ it needs.  Antony’s vision for No Bells & Whistles theatre is to present works of theatre that rely purely on the skill of the actor and the power of the text, without the need for extraordinary lighting effects, set changes and costuming.  In short, without the ‘bells and whistles’.  Recognizing that this could be a revolutionary idea to audiences that are familiar with ‘the bells and whistles’ in entertainment, Antony is proud of the fact that No Bells & Whistles is the only Theatre company in the world that offers your money back if you don’t like the show!