AA adherents gush over play about program founders

By Christine Kearney

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The first play about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous is drawing standing ovations from followers of the venerable recovery program despite criticism that it idealizes its subject.

"Bill W. and Dr. Bob" explores the 1935 meeting and relationship between AA's founders, Wall Street analyst Bill Wilson and Ohio surgeon Bob Smith, both alcoholics who created the 12-step program that grew into a worldwide phenomenon.

Members of the association, founded on the belief that sharing experiences with fellow alcoholics leads to sobriety, have traveled to see the off-Broadway show from around the United States since it opened this month.

"It (the play) had a big impact for me and my own fight and as a result of the meeting of those men, how my life is free of the disease of alcoholism," said 60-year-old Steve F., who has stayed sober 29 years. He asked that his last name not be used, in keeping with the group's traditions.

Susan H., 66, sober 30 years, has traveled twice from Massachusetts to see the production. She said the opening line of the play, "My name's Bill W. and I'm an alcoholic" was met with audience members shouting back, "Hi Bill," in keeping with common practice at real meetings.

"That tells you there were a lot of program people there," she said. "But I think it would appeal to anyone."

'A GREAT AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY'

Some reviewers have been less kind.