The Observer, January 26, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 14
Steinbeck meets with success on stage
Of Mice and Men is classic tale in which bonds of friendship are tried and members of society are asked to re-evaluate those who are different than themselves. Currently playing at the Cleveland Playhouse, it delivers a gripping experience for those fortunate enough to attend a performance. Focusing on the friendship between a crafty ranch hand named George, played by Harry Carnahan, and an extraordinarily strong, mentally handicapped man named Lennie, played by Jeffery Evan Thomas, this adaptation closely follows Steinbeck's novel of relationships and the true meaning of friendship.
At the beginning of the play, the basis of the friendship between these two different men is unclear; Lennie's mental capabilities are more similar to those of a toddler or young child than a grown man, whereas George proves to be very perceptive and quick. As night falls, the closeness of the men is revealed. The two ranch hands are not related by blood, though that is a simple lie for George to explain their relationship to outsiders. Instead, they are connected through a common dream: they are looking to get out, dreaming of leaving the back-breaking life of traveling laborers.
With a goal in mind – a little plot of land for themselves, equipped with livestock, alfalfa and rabbits for Lennie to take care of – the two finally make their way to their new work assignment. While at the ranch, George and Lennie befriend an elderly hand named Candy, played by Chet Carlin. Candy finally gives their dream a chance as he offers to help them financially.
However, the new ranch seems to be built for trouble for George and Lennie. The problem comes not from their work, bucking barely12 hours a day, but instead from the wandering eyes of the boss' new daughter-in-law, played by Vayu O'Donnell. Despite George's attempts to keep Lennie out of trouble, George eventually finds himself in the toughest position of his life. Lennie's life and well-being is put in his hands as he must choose whether to protect his friend or to save himself.
The legendary American writer John Steinbeck craftily translated his own novella into the play Of Mice and Men. Featuring a remarkable cast, the Playhouse's adaptation of Steinbeck's classic enraptures the audience as George and Lennie's story unfolds. Thomas and Carnahan prove to be a great team, presenting the deep friendship between George and Lennie and working together to help the audience understand the complex relationship the two share. The chemistry shared by the rest of the cast provides the action on stage with a strangely unsettling feeling of realism, aided by the clean, multipurpose set pieces. Accenting the set is a solid lighting design, which helps heighten the dramatic action unfolding on stage.
In Of Mice and Men, the Play House has successfully adapted a classic American novel, making it resound across time and culture. Overall, I found this production very enjoyable, and encourage lovers of the novel and theater alike to catch a performance.
Of Mice and Men is playing at the Drury Theater, 8500 Euclid Ave, until Sunday Jan. 28, 2007. Performances start at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with a Saturday matinee at 4 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.. For tickets call the box office at (216) 795-7000 or visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com. Tickets start at $40, but discounts are available to Case students.
