When a theatre company brings in a “star” from TV, film, or music - whether on Broadway or on a local level - it at times can be an indication that the show itself isn't particularly strong. Audiences ooh and ahh over getting to see, or even meet, a star from the 70's or 80's up close on stage, but in the end forget the show itself.

Such is not the case with Tuesdays With Morrie starring Jamie Farr of the TV show M*A*S*H. The incredibly successful non-fiction book by Mitch Albom comes to life in the way it was intended.

Mitch (Rejean Cournoyer) graduates college and promises his favourite professor, Morrie Schwartz (Farr) that he will keep in touch. He breaks his promise, and 16 years later sees Morrie on Nightline. Morrie has ALS and is dying. Now a successful sports journalist, Mitch makes a visit to see his old professor.

What was intended to be a one-time only occurrence to say goodbye, instead becomes a path to self-discovery through weekly visits.

Cournoyer is amazing as Mitch, capturing the arrogance of the writer, slowly revealing his deeper layers of humanity over the course of the show.

At times the former TV stars seem to coast on their notoriety. Not so in Farr’s case. Judging by this performance, the man may not have received the credit for his skills as an actor that he richly deserves. During the show, Morrie ages and wastes away, succumbing to the ravages of disease before our eyes. The transformation is astounding.

I would suggest you do not let the servers bus away your cloth napkin, as their absorbency will be needed. When the lights came up I saw several people blotting their eyes.

The dinner menu as usual includes staples like sushi, sashimi and shrimp. The escargot was a nice choice for the grill. Otherwise I'd suggest the portabella mushroom medallions and the tempura shrimp. Keep in mind that the show has no intermission so either plan to eat dessert prior to curtain, or feel free to hang around after the show.

Tuesdays With Morrie is simply put, two master actors at the top of their game, displaying their craft. It is a comedy; even through the process of grief, Schwartz's comments are both enlightening and funny. The show has set the bar very high for the rest of the season at Stage West, as Tuesday's With Morrie is quality theatre at its finest.