Review: OF MICE AND MEN Amazes at Monomoy

Many people are familiar with John Steinbeck's epic novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small and the continuous burden of traveling and finding work from which they can never, it seems, release themselves.

All of which happens in the Dust Bowl of 1930's North Carolina, these two must face the hardships which accompany them no matter the road they travel, but not only the consequences of their toils, but also what their companionship leads to along the way. In a circumstance where finding work is less of a challenge than keeping it - when allowing the long, labor-filled days ahead just to earn an honest forty dollars a week becomes an actual respite from that which plagues a character like George Milton, and where Milton would not give up that which he fears will ruin them for all the money in the world, it is easy to see why Steinbeck's work has remained so prevalent and powerful piece of literature since it was written in 1937.

Never having seen this on stage but having read the novella some time ago, at the time acknowledging it as one of the most memorable stories I have ever read, seeing Steinbeck's words and emotions transposed on stage by the Monomoy Theatre, bringing to the life this simultaneously sad and touchingly hopeful plot by such talented individuals, really made the impact of Of Mice and Men that much stronger. In my opinion, it enhances this plot to the extent of it being particularly memorable for some time to come for all who are fortunate enough to see this production.

Directed by Kyle Metzger, Of Mice and Men at the Monomoy Theatre has gathered a brilliant ensemble of students past and present from the Hartt School (of the University of Hartford) to bring onto the stage Steinbeck's beautiful story, thereby continuing this eighty-one year collaboration that is without doubt continuing to flourish with each show brought to the stage. Monomoy, which is located in the heart of Chatham, has given me so much to look forward to in terms of identifying a theater in which great performances are being presented to a Cape Cod audience, and this production only strengthens that conviction. Not only is the space itself quaint and welcoming, but that which occurs on stage with each and every show I've seen is nothing short of magic; each performance is significant, demanding and thorough in its presentation, and the dedication of each person involved is evident from the very start.

I have seen quite a few shows at Monomoy, and I must say that Of Mice and Men is one of the most beautiful. There are certain shows that are meant to entertain or provide a more "convivial" approach to the idea of heading to the theater; Steinbeck's classic is not necessarily of this category. Sure it is wonderful to watch the relationship that the two main characters have, although slightly less symbiotic than it is a need-obligation based connection, with Lennie almost heartbreakingly excited about his dreams he is confident George will help them all achieve, if only he be reminded daily of what he is to hope towards. The beauty of this play, though, lies in how helpless we truly are in the midst of both personal strife and outward adversity - how beautiful life can truly and realistically be compared with the current reality and how things may never ever change.

Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men tells the story of Lennie Small who, with his close friend and keeper George Milton, travel to different lands to find work wherever it may be. Lennie, a large and physically threatening yet incredibly kind hearted man, relies on the company and care of George so that he may work and earn an honest wage like everyone else. Due to past circumstances revealed as the play progresses, Lennie and George wind up at a job that introduces them to different faces of men just like them in purpose, but more importantly offers them the chance to start anew and work in a foreign place in which they may start over. Lennie dreams of living with George in a place of their own, tending to the rabbits and living off the land, yet Lennie becomes the crux of this play in a beautiful yet horrific turn of events which brings George to make a very difficult decision in the end.

This is a show that both relies and preys upon the deepest and most treasured emotions we possess as human beings - of both the characters who are more than certain of what they want, and of the audience who is not sure of what is to become of a person like Lennie - hopeful Lennie who hasn't a terrible bone in his entire body yet is the greatest threat of all to those who can't see beyond their own reality. And George - his dreams lie with Lennie, and with Lennie do they also die. It is an amazing novella let alone an amazing piece of art brought to the stage, and I was truly taken by the way this production was put together.

This entire cast deserves massive praise for what Of Mice and Men has become and everyone did a spectacular job brining both the look and feel of Steinbeck's story to life. Billy Saunders Jr. as George Milton, Kyle Rudolph as Lennie Small, Mac Westcott as Candy, Nate Healy as the Boss, Jack Plozay as Curley, Karis Gallant as Curley's wife, Daniel Shea as Slim, Gavin McNicholl as Carlson, Tyler Pisani as Wit and Tyler Grigsby as Crooks are all wonderful actors with undoubted bright futures ahead of them. This performance is truly captivating because of how well each is able to portray his or her character with such conviction.

I would like to mention Kyle Rudolph again just because of how well he played the character of Lennie, which is no simple task. Between Lennie's optimism, his inability to care for himself and just the character's inner beauty exuded through a rather hard exterior, he does such a wonderful job. I am especially in awe of his performance, although everyone did a beautiful job indeed.

Credit must also be given to Scenic Designer Kevin Nelson (a beautiful set!), Costume Designer Jelena Antanasijevic, Lighting Designer Theresa Kelly, Sound Designer Andrew Garvis, and Fight Choreographer Nicole Bianco, as the show couldn't be made possible without your contributions!

Of Mice and Men at the Monomoy Theatre began performances on July 19th and will continue thru July 23rd. All performances are held at 776 Main Street in Chatham. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at (508) 945-1589 , visiting the office in person or by visiting www.monomoytheatre.org. Tickets range from $27-$29. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday-Saturday at 8PM, with a Thursday matinee at 2PM.

Please come and support a wonderful theater!

Photo Credit: Dawniella Sinder

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