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Regional Reviews: New Jersey Of Mice and Men: Shakespeare Theatre Takes Also see Bob's review of Of Thee I Sing
Of Mice and Men exists both as a short novel and a play. Neither is an adaptation as Steinbeck initially conceived and wrote the work as a combined short novel and play. The title derives from the writings of 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns: The best laid schemes o' mice and men The severely mentally deficient, well meaning, but dangerously powerful giant Lennie and his friend, companion and protector George arrive in the Salinas Valley where they are to begin a new job. They fled from their last job after Lennie was wrongly accused of rape by a woman panicked at his confused actions. George comforts Lennie by telling him of their dream of buying a small ranch of their own ("Tell me about the rabbits, George"). Their dream becomes a real possibility when they strike up a friendship with the elderly ranch hand Candy, who has saved up enough money to put Lennie and George's dream within reach. However, Curley, the viciously cruel son of the ranch superintendent, and his sluttish wife present them with obstacles which may be insuperable. The themes of our need for the warmth, caring and companionship of others, the sustaining importance of hopes and dreams, and the tenuousness of the human condition are efficiently and concisely illuminated here. This is a straight forward, well made old fashioned play which moves swiftly to its poignant dénouement. There is foreshadowing and tight construction. I cannot help but wonder of the reaction of some who denigrate well made plays for being confining and out of date. The cast is exemplary. There is a naturalness to the ensemble performance which makes Marion Williams' sets and costumes feel lived in. Mark Mineart is a fully nuanced Lennie, simultaneously fearsome and sympathetic. Graham Winton is a very human George, humane, but not without bad temper. In the hands of Mineart and Winton, Lennie and George's odd couple relationship is always believable. Jim Mohr as the elderly Candy who finds renewed cause for hope, Marc Aden as the tightly wound, cruel Candy, Paul Niebanck as the decent crew chief, mule skinner Slim, and young Ron Brice as the elderly Crooks, whose loneliness is intensified by racial discrimination, are especially impressive in their verisimilitude. Victoria Mack, who has been most impressive in a variety of roles at STNJ, again delivers first rate work in the pivotal role of Curley's wife. As noted, director Joe Discher delivers a straight forward, naturalistic production. This is no small feat. Any attempt at a more revelatory approach would have been misguided. Of Mice and Men is a prime example of a clear and concise work whose riches are clearly and immediately revealed. However, it is neither simple nor simplistic. It sticks in the mind. I have found this to be the case ever since I first read it as a child a half century ago. It is quite a life lesson. I recommend that you get over to the Shakespeare Theatre and experience it yourself.Of Mice and Men continues performances through October 3, 2004 -Eves: Tuesday - Sunday (except 9/28, 9/29 and 10/3); Mats: Saturdays & Sundays - at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Box Office: 973-408-5600; online www.ShakespeareNJ.org. OF MICE AND MEN Cast (in order of appearance): George: Graham WintonLennie: Mark Mineart Candy: Jim Mohr The Boss: Joe Mancuso Curley: Marc Aden Gray Curley's Wife: Victoria Mack Slim: Paul Niebanck Carlson: Michael Daly Whit: Chris Landis Crooks: Ron Brice UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS: MACBETH ILLYRIA
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