The Actor's Charitable Theatre Presents OF MICE AND MEN

The Actor's Charitable Theatre (ACT) presents Of Mice and Menin The ACT Studio Theatre in Northport, October 5-14.

Based on the classic novella by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men tells the story of Lennie Small and George Milton, two migrant workers pursuing their dream of owning their own ranch. Along the way, they are faced with many obstacles and are dealt with problems that hinder them from reaching that dream.

Starring as Lennie Small is ACT veteran, Greg Vander Wal, who was recently seen in the ACT's production of Disaster! as Tony and their production of Beauty and the Beast as the Beast. Vander Wal says his character can be found on both sides of the equation throughout the story. "Lennie wears his emotions on his sleeve and they can change almost instantaneously," Vander Wal said.

Vander Wal says certain themes are represented throughout the show that he hopes audiences will be challenged to consider. "The show explores themes of nature of man, innocence, hope, loneliness and isolation, and the impossibility of the American Dream for many," Vander Wal said. "I believe audiences will have an emotional connection to the characters," he added.

Dan Maguire, starring as George Milton and most recently seen in the ACT's production of High School Musical, says his character has had a tough life so he's playing him with a more weariness behavior. "He's got nothing but the clothes on his back and his rolled-up blanket," Maguire said. "That really hit me when we were getting fitted for our costumes-this is all he owns and it made me sad," Maguire added.

Like Vander Wal, Maguire also thinks audiences will make connections to the characters in the show. "I hope audiences will be able to discover something about themselves as they watch these characters change and deal with the difficult situations they're faced with," Maguire said.

Benji Stockton, director and set designer, says that Of Mice and Men is a classic story that will be brought to audiences in the ACT's brand new black box theater. "It's up close and personal-we lay this show right in your lap for you to deal with," Stockton said.

Similar to Vander Wal and Maguire, Stockton hopes that audiences evaluate the time period of the show being the 1930s and the themes and issues that happened then and still occur today. "I hope that audiences really see that oppression, the mistreatment of women and the elderly, and racism then is still relatable and prevalent today," Stockton said. "I hope audiences find something and learn something about themselves in this timeless classic piece," he added.

OF MICE AND MEN will be performed on October 5 at 7:30pm, October 6 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, October 7 at 2:00pm, October 8 at 7:30pm, October 13 at 7:30pm, and October 14 at 2:00pm with tickets ranging from $14 to $18. For more information or to order tickets, please call 205.393.2800.

The ACT will also be presenting a special performance of its' production of Of Mice and Men in Aliceville, Alabama on October 22 at 7:00pm in the Aliceville Entertainment Complex with an $8 ticket admission.

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