Bill W. and Dr. Bob
A play written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey
Dean Apple as Bill W. | Ron Young as Dr. Bob | Lee Rice as Lois Wilson | Linda Clavin as Ann Smith | Debbie Apple and Aaron Ortega in various roles
HOW TO WATCH
“Wonderful uplifting new play…a joyous drama of the triumph and survival of the humor spirit…filled with humor and grace.” -Examiner
“Top Cleveland Theatre Stories of 2010, Great Shows at the Cleveland Playhouse: Bill W and Dr. Bob. A sober but far from somber telling of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous…a surprisingly fun and funny play…an intimate, balanced and intoxicating portrayal of the teamwork and tensions between the men who took the first 12 steps together…a metaphor for the AA phenomenon: The light of truth shining through the testimony of one drunk’s experiences to another, a phenomenon that Bill W. and Dr. Bob makes sparkle.” -Tony Brown, The Plain Dealer
“The play deals with relationships…The playwrights, through the script, don’t attempt to teach, nor are they judgmental. They explore each man’s relationship with his wife, with each other and in the final scenes, their relationship with other alcoholics. You don’t have to be an alcoholic or a member of AA or Al-Anon to enjoy Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Bergman and Surrey have written a powerful script. The play begins and ends with an AA meeting’s traditional opening and closing. However, what happens between those brief scenes is mesmerizing drama…This is a good, strong story that is well written” –Talkin’ Broadway
“A deeply human, audience embracing tale.” -Variety
“One of the best plays of the year.” -San Diego Union Tribune
“Inspiring.” -Boston Globe
“The just-concluded theater season was the biggest at Cleveland Play House in more than a decade…it was the nightcap that put the Play House over the top: a production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, a play about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The show sold more than six times the anticipated number of tickets, resulting in the venue’s biggest season finale in 20 years.” -Cleveland Scene
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Stay in Touch about “Bill W. and Dr. Bob”
The House of Hope Annual Fundraiser is staying online and featuring a streaming play, Bill W. and Dr. Bob! Now available to watch on demand at https://4dphd.com/house-of-hope-foundation/
We are still taking donations, and all proceeds from the on demand version are donations to House of Hope Foundation. It is a beautiful afternoon of recovery that can be celebrated from the comfort of your own home.
As a non-profit, House of Hope relies greatly on the support and generosity that comes through various individuals, organizations, and grants. House of Hope is truly a humble place that protects the funds that are raised.
Helping our women recover from the ravages of their addiction is the mission of House of Hope. We consider increasing funding for treatment for our women as our continual goal.
Led by our team captain, Ed Storti, our live streaming venue will not disappoint! House of Hope looks forward to a truly memorable afternoon of fellowship in the spirit of recovery as we come to you live! Don’t miss out on the extraordinary event!
Help us get the word out! Sample post:
The House of Hope produced the highly acclaimed play, “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” and it is now available to watch on demand! Check here to learn more: https://4dphd.com/house-of-hope-foundation/
Previous Year’s Shows:
“I came with nowhere else to go. House of Hope gave me a life. I did not have one to even get back to! I can now make my family proud!”
“I didn’t think I was going to make it. It was my 5th program. I felt pure love when I walked through the gate. My sister doesn’t have to be afraid of me now. I get to watch her grow up!”
“It is such a great show on so many levels – it’s a tremendous amount of entertainment for the very reasonable price of a ticket. All the proceeds go to a phenomenal organization, and you leave feeling filled up. Don’t miss the show!!”
HISTORY
In 1955, prison parolee Gloria McKee drank caustic cleaning fluid, thinking it was vodka, and nearly died. As a result of that devastating incident Gloria made a vow to devote her life to helping other alcoholic women. House of Hope was born that day.
House of Hope is in its 63rd year of providing a safe, clean and sober, nurturing environment for substance dependent women. Our mission is to help them regain their dignity and integrity by learning to live without alcohol and other drugs. We also seek to help them become financially responsible, reestablish family ties and be reunited with their children when possible.
We are proud of who we are and what we have achieved over the last 60 years. We have served thousands of homeless and underserved women who would otherwise have been delayed or denied access to recovery treatment due to lack of financial resources.
Alcoholism is a progressive disease, often times resulting in permanent mental health problems, severe illness and death. The sooner a woman can get treatment, the better her chances of recovery.
Through our safe, loving and structured program of treatment, House of Hope is an invaluable resource for women suffering the challenges of substance dependence. Our longevity and commitment to our mission allows us to work with an individual and their family to provide affordable, high quality care. Our goal is to never turn away an individual for her inability to pay.
As a nonprofit, House of Hope relies greatly on the support and generosity that comes from various individuals, organizations and grants. House of Hope is a truly humble organization that protects the funds that are raised. We insure every dollar is invested in supporting the treatment and well-being of the women who enter our doors.
Helping our women recover from the ravages of their addiction is the mission of House of Hope. Our ongoing goal is to increase funds to benefit our mission to support homeless and underserved clients.
In response to the ever-growing challenges from decreases in support from grants and organizations, we launched the House of Hope’s Annual Talent Show Fundraiser to address the increase of underserved women who need help.
Led by board member and Fundraising Committee Chair Ed Storti, we successfully gather talent, sponsors, advertisers and grants to make our Annual Talent Show a smashing success! The extraordinary talent, a full-house and donation support help us achieve our goal.
Our Talent Show Fundraiser results in significant contributions towards our mission, as well as providing a truly memorable afternoon of entertainment in the spirit of recovery for all in attendance.