OK.  There’s nothing to “win”, but tickets for the upcoming production of Tuesdays With Morrie sponsored by M&M Meat Shops and starring Richard Michelle-Pentelbury and me are available online now!

For those that don’t know, this show is based on the true story of Morrie Schwartz (played by Richard) and his student Mitch Albom (played by myself).  After graduating university, Mitch loses touch with his professor only to be reunited 16 years later when Morrie is diagnosed with ALS (a degenerative nerve disease).  The wisdom that Morrie imparts to his former student became the basis for the best-selling book, hit movie, and this theatrical script. It truly is an inspiring story and I’m glad to be a part of it not only for the challenge of presenting the production, but also because a portion of proceeds will be going to the ALS Society.

The show runs from June 7 to 13 nightly at 8:00pm in Motel (in the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts) here in Calgary.  On June 7 (opening night) tickets are on a “Pay What You Can” system and on June 13 tickets are $30 for the closing gala (there will be wine!).  Otherwise, tickets are $20 with GST included.  (Ticket sales are being handled online through Karamatix.)

Click Here to Purchase Tickets Online

I hope to see you out at one of the shows.  I should also answer some common questions:

• Yes, this show isn’t a comedy… I like to branch out every now again.  (Although there are some funny moments.)
• “Motel” is a new(ish) arts space in the Epcor Centre that seats 56 people.  It’s on the second floor just up the stairs that are beside the coffee shop and cafe.
• We’ve got a local director helping Richard and I make the show the best that it can be, his name is Christopher Hunt and he’s adding a TON to the production.
• The title of the show may sound familiar to you because of it’s exposure on Oprah.  (She LOVED the book and it’s message so much that she was the producer of the movie.)

That’s all the details that I can think of right now.  So… go buy some tickets!

With the production of Tuesdays With Morrie under two months away now I’m very excited to have a key sponsor on board to help with the production.  Please join me in welcoming M&M Meat Shops to the team!

The folks at M&M Meat Shops have always been big supporters of the arts in and around Calgary (not to mention the rest of the country) – and as a bachelor and “often on the road” performer I can tell you that I am a big supporter of them.  Tickets for Tuesdays With Morrie will be on sale shortly (I’ll have more information on this blog when that happens).  In the meantime, I hope that you stop by M&M Meat Shops on the way home for an easy dinner tonight.  (That’s probably what I’ll be doing as well.)

For some reason the month of April is turning into the “fundraiser” month for myself.  I’ve got three seperate performances coming up to raise money for various charities.  All of these nights should be a lot of fun and they all help a very worthy cause…

April 20 – Comedy Monday Night – 4 Year Anniversary Show. The CMN room has been “self medicating for 4 years” now and to celebrate we’re raising some money for The Epilepsy Association of Calgary.  It’s going to be a bit different than an “open mic” – mostly pros on the show doing tried and true material.  I’m honoured to have been asked to appear on the line up and am looking forward to it!  Click here for all the details on the event.

April 25 – Live’r Up! Comedy Fundraiser & Silent Auction. This event is being produced by some friends of mine in the industry, and I received this note from them about the event…

It’s been quite some time since we’ve contacted some of you, and almost a year since our “Savannah Brown Comedy Fundraiser and Auction” was held. Our courageous Savannah has been recovering from two liver transplants, and in February celebrated her 10th birthday! We are so happy she is on the road to recovery.

However joyous that recovery is for Savannah, Ruth, and John, it has also been a struggle. The aftermath of cancer treatment is almost as traumatic as the cancer itself.  Side-Splitting Productions has decided to host one more fundraiser for our friends to help them through this rough time, celebrate Savannah’s life, and promote Organ Donor Awareness in our community.

Please join us in aiding Savannah’s recovery by laughing ‘till your liver hurts at another fantastic show!

And here are the details for this show:

When: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Location: Thorncliffe Community Centre, 5600 Centre Street NW Calgary
Time: Doors open 7:00 PM, Showtime 8:00 PM
Tickets: $20.00, available for purchase prior to show date, limited tickets available.
Please call 403-282-5974 for details.

April 29 – The Magic of John Horsley and Friends in support of Parkinson’s Research. This special night at Calgary’s Club Paradiso will be more of a variety night than a magic night.  (In fact, it looks like I’ll just be doing stand up on the show.)  This room is one of my favourites to perform in.  The fundraiser we did for The Friend 2 Friend Learning Society in March raised close to $1,600 and we should be able to do at least that much on this show.  For tickets and information please call The Village Cantina at (403) 265-5739.

I love that I get to spend the month of April giving back to the community, and I hope that you will be able to support one or more of these shows.

PS:  While not a fundraiser… I’m working Friday and Saturday night at Daryl Makk’s Comedy Detour.  Click here for event information.