By Eloise Marie Valadez, guest blogger.
An important story about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous is unfolding on stage at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.
The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” was first performed in Chicago in 2024 where it enjoyed an 11-week run at The Biograph Theatre. Also starring in the show are Katherine Wetterman, Elizabeth Rude, Phil Aman and Maria Seidell.
In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.
The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.
In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.
FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
