TV: Pasadena's 'Of Mice and Men' Confronts Immigration

Director Paul Lazarus, at the Pasadena Playhouse, has reset John Steinbeck's classic novel and play, Of Mice and Men, in the early 1940's, deciding to focus on the plight of Mexican immigrants in California, while keeping with the author's original words.

Starring David Noroña (NBC's "Lipstick Jungle") as George and Al Espinosa (Pasadena Playhouse's Anna in the Tropics) as Lennie, this newly revised production is set to play through June 8 at the Playhouse.

"In 1942, several years after Steinbeck's original setting for Of Mice and Men, a government sponsored program was put into place that would forever change the face of immigration in this country," state press notes. "It was called the Bracero Program and opened the door to thousands of Mexican immigrants who crossed the border in pursuit of dreams for a better life for their families. Not only did this program quite literally fuel the expanding American economy but it also created a wave of immigration that continues to this day. This setting for Of Mice and Men amplifies Steinbeck's themes of loneliness and longing and provides a fresh experience for Playhouse audiences."

BroadwayWorld's own James Sims joined director Lazarus along with stars Noroña and Espinosa during a rehearsal break at the Pasadena Playhouse to discover the intent of this culturally significant re-working of a Steinbeck classic.

Of Mice and Men plays at the Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. Tickets can be purchased by calling 626-356-PLAY and online at www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org. And for more from James Sims visit www.simsscoop.com.