OF MICE AND MEN, the long-time well-known John Steinbeck play, currently running on Broadway, is probably one of the most difficult I have sat through. Not in any way because of the production itself, but because of the construction of the dialogue.
Don’t misunderstand, Steinbeck’s pen is almost perfect. It’s the harsh reality in which he writes that causes difficulty. Although OF MICE AND MEN isn’t for the faint of heart, it will certainly appeal to those who are willing to embrace the reality of history and take a hard look as to why men do the things they do and how they are affected by difficult times.
James Franco and Chris O’Dowd lend their craft to the work in such a way that in spite of a bit of drag felt from the script in act one, they are able to push the story along into pre-intermission intrigue that will keep you wanting more. Their pair’s wit and character portrayal give us a true sense of George and Lennie, and the humanity that can still abide within a heart that has seemingly been hardened by the callousness of humanity while somehow caring for it’s weaker companion.
Jim Norton presents Candy’s character with the emotion and desperation we would expect from a man who had endured his life. Alex Morfe and Jim Ortlieb give us a Curley and Boss that we can love to hate, and Leighton Meester actually helps us feel sorry for Curley’s wife in spite of her apparent vixen nature.
Todd Rosenthal’s scenic design draws us into the twilight of the plot and helps us feel the sad nature of California’s Salinas Valley in the 1930’s.
Even if you aren’t a fan of heavy drama (of which there is plenty in OF MICE AND MEN), Franko and O’Dowd will still make you smile occasionally, and Steinbeck in his usual heavy hand will make you think.
OF MICE AND MEN is currently running thru July 27th at the Longacre Theatre in New York. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ofmiceandmenonbroadway.com.
