AND DR. BOB
By SAMUEL SHEM and JANET SURREY
The award-winning play about the astonishing relationship between the two men that led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 in Akron Ohio, and their wives Lois and Anne and the founding of Al Anon Family Groups—a great American success story of the power of authentic connection to heal, told with humor and heart.
“The miraculous story, beautifully told, of the men who named the disease and created the cure”—Martin Sheen
BILL W. AND DR. BOB comes to Off Broadway after being produced
in some thirty of the fifty United States, Australia, Canada, and England, to rave reviews and sold-out houses. It attracts a remarkably diverse theater audience, including many of those in the recovery community—helping to break down barriers with the general public, health care professionals, public servants, family, friends, and co-workers—and to bring to light the essence of this holistic treatment program, with physical, mental, and spiritual elements, that Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith discovered 78 years ago. Our vision and our service in this production will be Celebration, Education, and Outreach: Celebrate the miracle of recovery in the lives of millions in AA and other 12-step programs, including Al Anon Family Groups; Educate about the nature of alcoholism and other substance abuse, and the path to recovery, to de-stigmatize and de-mystify this disease and its treatment; Outreach to all who still suffer—especially young people—and their families and friends, to “Pass it on!”
HERE’S WHAT THE CRITICS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BILL W. & DR. BOB:
“Brilliantly and truthfully captures this astonishing history”—Chris Lawford
“A remarkable performance that is sure to contribute to the de-stigmatization of the
disease”—U.S.Congressman Patrick Kennedy
“An insightful new play”—The New York Times
“An endearing portrait of friendship uplifted by warm humor”—The New Yorker
“Deeply human, audience–embracing, intelligent writing, a leavening of humor and
an innate power of biographical storytelling. A remarkable story”—Variety
“A funny, poignant, compelling new play. A universal message”—Boston Herald
“A textured, truthful telling of AA’s story. Evocative portraits of two complex men
without portraying either as an untarnished hero. Inspiring!”—The Boston Globe
NOTE:
Performance of this work does not imply affiliation with nor approval or
endorsement from Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
