Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a recovery organization aimed at helping those suffering alcoholism not only abstain from alcohol but change the mindset of the patient so that they don’t seek alcohol as a remedy any longer.  Perhaps most famous for its policy of confidentiality among its constituents, AA members will often only refer to each other by their first name and last initial, founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, included.

        Bill W. founded AA with Dr. Bob in 1938 after each came to terms with their own alcoholism and decided to help encourage other alcoholics move on from their disease.  The organization has grown from just over 100 initial members to over two million and Bill W. was named to Time 100’s: Most Important People of the Century.

        The now legendary meeting between Bill W. and Dr. Bob has been dramatized numerous times but the most recent interpretation can be found at the Soho Playhouse in the simply named Bill W. and Dr. Bob featuring PDFNJ New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Master of Ceremonies, Patrick Boll as Bill W.  According to Broadway.com, Bill W. and Dr. Bob tells the story of how two title characters are able to overcome their own demons and help others get through difficult times in their lives.

              Patrick Boll (left) as Bill W. From theatermania.com

        “The play itself is a hugely emotional journey for both characters…” said Patrick Bol in an interview with Broadway.com. “…Everyone who sees it is really moved by it because it’s a very beautiful, very touching story.”

        The New York Post said in a review that the play’s “sincere earnestness, its straightforward storytelling could be lifted from a golden-age Hollywood biopic”.

        The story of Bill W. and Dr. Bob is an inspirational one about two men who reached rock bottom, but instead of languishing and wasting away, they leaned on each other to climb their way back out.  Through their struggle, they’ve shown millions of people who have reached similar lows a pathway out.  This production represents a great night out that is both enjoyable and educational.

        While writing this, I couldn’t help thinking of a great quote by anthropologist and speaker Margaret Mead. I’d like to leave you with it now.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead