A.A. founder’s relationship is explored in Cardinal Stage play

Though sometimes misunderstood, Alcoholics Anonymous has nevertheless been credited with saving millions of lives around the world since its founding in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.

The story of their relationship with one another, with their wives and with others they all touched, is explored in Bill W. and Dr.Bob. It's a drama written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey, which is being presented by Cardinal Stage Company in Bloomington, Indiana. Seen Friday, the play which opened on Feb. 4 continues through Feb. 19 at the Ivy Tech John Waldron Auditorium.

The life of Wilson, a successful New York stockbroker, went on a downward spiral after the 1929 stock market crash due to his drinking which had a calamitous effect on his career and his marriage.  After repeated stays in a hospital for alcoholics, where he learned that alcoholism was a disease rather than a sign of moral weakness, he eventually had a spiritual awakening which led to his search for an effective treatment.

While on a business trip to Akron, Ohio, Wilson, who had only been sober for just a few months, had an overwhelming desire to drink. He reached out to a local clergyman who led him to Smith, a local physician and surgeon, who also struggled with alcoholism and was unable to stay sober.  While comparing notes, the two of them came to the realization that recovery was possible if alcoholics could mutually support and share their experiences with one another. Inspired, they set out to devise a program consisting of 12 Steps that are included in Alcoholic Anonymous, or “The Big Book,” which was published in 1939.

Shem's and Surrey’s play is an affectionate tribute to the bond between the two men responsible for a program of recovery that relies on spirituality rather than organized religion. Often described as “divinely inspired” by those it has saved through the intercession of a “Higher Power,” A.A. is described as a program of “attraction rather than promotion,” and holds anonymity as its keystone.

At the same time Bill W. and Dr. Bob also highlights their relationships with their wives, Lois and Ann, respectively.  As the long-suffering, codependent wives of the two chronic alcoholics, they were most directly impacted by their husbands’ destructive behavior. Yet once their husbands became sober, they became their biggest cheerleaders while at the same time becoming emotionally healthy themselves and then helping others in their position to do the same.

Directed by Randy White, this Cardinal Stage production featured a fine ensemble of actors which include Christopher Vettel as Bill W., Paul Hansen as Dr. Bob, Darrell Gamache Stone as Lois, and Mary Carol Reardon as Anne. Mike Price and Liesl Cruz played multiple roles.

Vettel gave a solid portrayal of Bill Wilson, whose ego was only eclipsed by his determination and passion for spreading the message of recovery to those who struggled, as he did, with a disease that has no cure.

Hansen was also effective in capturing the essence of Dr. Bob, whose patient and kindly personality complimented and tempered that of his co-founder, Wilson.

One of the most powerful and moving scenes in the play took place when Vettel's and Hansen’s characters meet. Seated across one another they share their common experiences for hours. Through pantomime, lighting and music (a beautiful classical piece featuring a cello), passage of time was indicated and a sense that something mystical had transpired was made evident.

Stone was believable as Wilson’s stoic and put upon spouse Lois, as was Reardon who played Smith’s moxie-filled and no-nonsense wife Anne.

Reardon especially shined in a scene (again featuring the music of a soulful cello) near the end of the play during which her character describes how a particular time of day affects her.

That same scene is a set up for another which showcases Mike Price’s substantial talent. In addition to playing numerous other characters, the celebrated Cardinal Stage regular was compelling as Bill Dotson, a raging alcoholic who undergoes a profound change after being visited by Wilson and Smith in his hospital room. Dotson eventually became a founding member of A.A. and helped Wilson and Smith carry the message of recovery.

Cruz also showed versatile talent playing everything from a bar-maid, to a self-assured Oxford Group member, to Dotson’s spunky wife. 

For the most part this production was successful but it had its shortcomings. One was its antiseptic portrayal of the physical effects of alcoholism. Given restrictions oweing to the play's construction, it was probably impossible to employ make-up to illustrate the physical ravages of alcoholism. Still the play might have been more impactful if the physcal transformation from a drinking alcoholic to a sober alcoholic could have been shown.

Another aspect of the show’s portrayal of alcoholism that was lacking was Hansen’s characterization of the inebriated Dr. Bob as happy and thereby funny. Drawing laughs from a few members of the audience, it came dangerously close to perpetuating the damaging stereotype of the alcoholic as a lovable drunk.

Deserving of special mention are costume designer Wendy Jo Meaden’s impeccable and beautifully constructed 30’s era clothing and property designer Sarah Sandberg’s period-accurate props.

For tickets and information about Cardinal Stage Company’s Bill W. and Dr. Bob, call (812) 336-7110 or visit www.cardinalstage.org.