Belly Up To 'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' at New Repertory Theatre

Belly Up To 'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' at New Repertory Theatre

"Bill W. and Dr. Bob" by Stephen Bergman and Janet Surrey

Directed by Rick Lombardo

Performances through March 26, 2006 Box Office 617-923-8487 www.newrep.org

The play opens on a stark set with the two protagonists standing downstage, about fifteen feet apart, and they each address the audience. First, we hear, "I’m Bill and I’m an alcoholic," greeted by, "Hi, Bill" in response. Next, the announcement, "I’m Bob and I’m an alcoholic," followed by a similar echo. This clever device creates the feeling that we are all at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and about to hear the life story of each of these founders of the international organization. That is both the good news and the bad news, for there is much of interest in the tale of how these two men met, got sober, and revolutionized treatment for drunks. However, at just under three hours, the play is simply too long.