OF MICE AND MEN Begins Tonight at Theatre Memphis

Of Mice and Men opens tonight, January 23, 2015, and runs through February 8, 2015, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis.

Adapted from John Steinbeck's own classic novel of the same name, the play hauntingly follows George and Lennie, California migrant workers searching for a better life during the Great Depression. The unlikely and protective friendship between the two resonates as they strive for the American dream. Their dependence on one another is the strength and the weakness of the relationship. Recognized as a masterpiece of literature, the relevance of the story still rings true today.

Director Tracy Zerwig Ford has found that the show's story has a powerful message that can cross generations and statuses. "I approached this from the perspective of telling a story of dualities," she relates. "On one hand we are seeing a small story about small working class people over a small period of time, wandering, homeless. On the other hand we are seeing an epic allegory about the fall of man from God's grace ... Cain and Abel's story ... where we can chose to be our brother's keeper but compassion and mercy is as violent as the world we find ourselves in." Ford has previously directed at Theatre Memphis leading the helm for Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Proof.

The cast is led by Stuart Turner (George) who has performed at many venues across the city as well as working backstage, many times as stage manager. His versatility allows him a unique perspective and an appreciation for what goes on "off stage". He says, "I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering new things with the rest of the cast and production team--things that I haven't seen before or things that I had to see through someone else's eyes." His sidekick (Lennie) in the production is played by Jeremy D. Bukauskas, a native Memphian having graduated from Overton High School and attending Arkansas State. He worked with a touring show and various theatres across the country before coming back to Memphis for graduate school. The remainder of the cast includes: Willie Derrick, James Dale Green, Joshua Hitt, Todd Nelson, Joseph Prestigiacomo, Ryan Spearman, S. A. Weakley and Taylor Wood.

"Classic storytelling is always so gratifying," says Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch. "To have such a strong story as Of Mice and Men on our season just emphasizes our commitment to bring our audiences substance as well as entertainment. Tracy has such a grasp on her material that the story always comes out fresh and moving. We have been lucky to have her to work on this beautifully imagined production."

DETAILS:

Of Mice and Men
by John Steinbeck
Directed by Tracy Zerwig Ford

At Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117

Runs January 23 - February 8, 2015

Times: Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students with valid ID

Box Office: 901.682.8323; www.theatrememphis.org

Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.

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