Review: OF MICE AND MEN Opens at the White Theatre

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men opened on Saturday night at the White Theatre inside the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Bill Christie directs one of the finest productions of the tragic play produced in the Kansas City area. John Steinbeck's books and plays, though classics, are not for everyone, but the production at the White Theatre is of such a high quality it should not be missed.

John Wilson, the fight director, positions the actors in the optimum position to make the fights effective and believable. The scenery and lighting design by Jayson Chandley and the costumes designed by Julia Ras drag the audience back to the era of the depression and migrant farm workers.

Of Mice and Men is based on the John Steinbeck novel of the same name. The play opened in 1937 before the creation of the Tony Awards and the Drama Desk Awards. Directed by George S. Kaufman, considered the top director of the time, the production won the 1938 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play.

George and Lenny are migrant farm workers who have left one town after a girl accused Lenny of accosting her. Lenny is a simple-minded man who does not know his own strength or how to control it. His affectionate displays result in the death of both animals and humans. George is Lenny's friend and protector, trying to steer him away from the trouble, which eventually consumes him.

The performances by the entire cast of the White Theatre are exceptional, drawing the audience into the drama as it unfolds. Robert J. Hingula is phenomenal as Lenny, the dim-witted hand who has only good in his heart. This is without a doubt the finest performance by Hingula that I have had the opportunity to see. The intensity of his performance is perfection personified. He previously appeared at the White Theatre in From Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill, Spamalot, Les Miserables, and The Who's Tommy.

Andy Penn is exceptional as Lenny's sidekick and savior, George. His powerful performance sweeps across the stage and over the audience as he tries to keep Lenny safe, and think there may be a future for the two of them and Candy. This is his second performance at the White Theatre, previously appearing as Mr. Gilmer in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Don Leonard gives a strong sensitive performance as Candy, the one-handed worker who is befriended by George and Lenny. His touching reaction to the shooting of his dog is unbelievably realistic, bringing tears to your eyes. This is the fourth performance at the White Theatre for Leonard, previously appearing in Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Gypsy.

Other members of the highly talented cast include Russ Barker, Andy Massey, Jennifer Coville-Schweigert, Josh Epstein, David Innis, Matt Lambird, and Zach Lofland. Bandit (Candy's Dog) comes from the Ras family.

Of Mice and Men plays at the White Theatre on a limited run through April 19. Purchase tickets at the White Theatre website, or call 913-327-8054. Photograph courtesy of the White Theatre.

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