After presenting “My Antonia” Last March, the Minneapolis-based Illusion Theater is bringing another powerful story to the Historic Paramount Theatre through support from Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage fund and the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota.

A universal human story of the dangers of isolation and the healing power of fellowship,”Bill W. & Dr. Bob” will be presented this at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.

This year’s production follows a remarkable, humorous and true story set around the lives and friendship of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.

In 1929, famous New York stockbroker Bill Wilson crashes with the stock market and becomes a hopeless drunk. Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon from Ohio, has also been an alcoholic for 30 years, often going into the operating room with a hangover.

Through an astonishing series of events, Bill W. and Dr. Bob meet and form a relationship, helping to keep each other sober.

Directed by Illusion Theater’s Michael Robins, this is the amazing and often amusing account of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous. A facilitated audience discussion will follow the performance.

Since its beginning in 1974, producing directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have led Illusion Theater in illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times and in using the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change.

In 35 years, Illusion has generated more than 500 plays, developed thousands of artists, and created ground-breaking educational works.

Tickets for “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” and post-show discussion are $10 in advance for adults, $5 for students, and all tickets are $2 more at the door. They can be purchased online at paramounttheatre.org or by calling 507-434-0934.