Cinnabar to Present John Steinbeck's OF MICE & MEN, 3/21-4/6

After two hit shows that sold out their original dates and extended their runs, Cinnabar Theater in Sonoma County continues its spectacular theatrical season with an American masterpiece. John Steinbeck's Of Mice & Men opens at Cinnabar on March 21 and plays through April 6.

Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize with heartfelt stories about ordinary people, and Cinnabar proudly presents his classic tale about friendship and hope. Lenny and George can't count on anything except each other. Working on a ranch, they save their dimes and dream of buying a farm... but the boss and his flirtatious wife could spoil it all. After poignant productions of The Price and La Cage aux Folles, Sheri Lee Miller returns to stage this bittersweet portrait of two underdogs in pursuit of the American dream.

"This is such a touching story, and we've got an incredible cast to perform it for you," said Elly Lichenstein, Cinnabar's esteemed artistic director. "Since so many young people read this book in school, we're particularly excited to offer $9 tickets to middle-school and high-school students for Friday Night Live, our new youth access program on March 21."

Of Mice & Men stars Keith Baker and Samson Hood as the famous friends, George and Lenny. The ensemble of talented actors also features Anthony Abate (Carlson), James Gagarin (Curly), Tim Kniffin (Slim), Dorian Lockett (Crooks), Clark Miller (The Boss), Ilana Niernberger (Curly's wife), and Kevin Singer (Whit).

The design team includes Joe Elwick (scenery), Pat Fitzgerald (costumes), Wayne Hovey (lights), and Jim Peterson (sound). This production is generously underwritten by Sandra O'Brien and Elly Lichenstein.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for ages 21 and under, with special $9 seats for middle- and high-school students on March 21. Get tickets online at any time by visiting cinnabartheater.org, or call the box office at 707-763-8920 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Tickets may also be available at the door, but reservations are recommended as Cinnabar's shows often sell out.

Every year, Cinnabar Theater produces a thrilling mix of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts in a remarkable range of genres. Cinnabar's Young Rep offers extensive activities for local youth, and the Cinnabar Singers welcome anyone who wants to be part of a chorus. All these events take place in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop a grassy hill on the outskirts of Petaluma.

Audiences have flocked to performances in this intimate setting since 1972, when Marvin and Jan Klebe established an arts center for the community. Along with their sons, they transformed a charming 1908 schoolhouse into a jewel-box theater that has hosted successful shows for four decades. Now Cinnabar is presenting another year of lively performances for its loyal audience.

Cinnabar Theater is located at 3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, just off Highway 101 and only minutes from historic downtown Petaluma. There's ample parking up on the hill... and a friendly herd of goats grazing in the neighboring field. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 707-763-8920 or visit cinnabartheater.org.

Photo by Eric Chazankin

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