“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a terrific two-man show opening Friday at the Butler Little Theatre.

It's hard to believe that a show about dying can be inspiring and invigorating and dare I say comical in many places.

Sprinkled throughout are nuggets like, “Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live,” and “Aging isn't just decaying.”

The show opens with Mitch Albom, portrayed by Jeff Carey, playing the piano as his professor, Morrie Schwartz, portrayed by John Henry Steelman, dances in the background.

It is the introduction of the duo that will solely captivate the audience for the next 90 minutes or so. The dance between the two was purely a verbal volley rich in life lessons.

Schwartz challenges the fear of death and replaces it with a charge to celebrate life each day. A refreshing philosophy of life quenches the parched phony self-absorbed humanity surrounding us.

Steelman captures Schwartz expertly and offers up a well-crafted portrayal of Morrie's physical decline while retaining the professor's mischievous and delightful spark. The wit and candor of the mentor was a treasure and hit the mark.

Carey did not disappoint as the author and narrator of his memoir. His portrayal of an arrogant man possessed by the trappings of the world was compelling.

Unknowingly he was seeking solace and truth from a man he trusted. That connection was electrifying.

The chemistry between the pair is credible. Carey's emotional transformation during the production paralleled Schwartz's physical transformation.

Expertly cast and well staged, director Bob Craig brings life and truth to the stage with this production.

The best part of the show is knowing it's not a work of fiction. It is based on the real life relationship of Mitch Albom and his professor and mentor, Morrie Schwartz.

It doesn't take a super hero to look death in the eye and laugh; it takes a decision to live, love and laugh.

This moving and motivating portrayal of our final chapter should not be missed.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch AlbomWHEN: Jan. 11 to 19, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: BLT, One Howard St.TICKETS: $13 at BLTgroup.org or at the door 45 minutes prior to curtain if available.