EVERYONE’S FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL READING ASSIGNMENT HITS BROADWAY
After 40 years, the much acclaimed “Of Mice and Men” novel written by Nobel prize winner, John Steinbeck, has been revived on Broadway at the Longacre Theater.
Set in CA during the 1930s, the play centers around migrant workers George Milton (James Franco) and Lennie Smalls (Chris O’Dowd). In the beginning, the audience is made aware that the two characters were forced to seek new work after Lennie was falsely accused of sexual harassment. From this statement the audience foreshadows trouble for the two at their new work site, a ranch owned by a man named Curley (Alex Morf) and his father.
The play hosted many well known actors such as Franco, O’Dowd, and “Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester as Curly’s Wife, all three of whom made their broadway debut.
Franco is seen by many as one of society’s greatest movie and television actors, and yet his theatrical performance may have proved his best appearance in any industry thus far. When he first stepped on to the stage, many gasps crossed the audience, produced mainly by teenage girls who were star struck. As the play continued, the audience seemed to forget that the man presented as George was their beloved idol and instead, began to think of him as this migrant worker.
While Franco was the most notable name in the play bill, it was actually O’Dowd (most known for “Bridesmaids) who received the most applause for his role of Lennie. Hailing from Sligo, Ireland, O’Dowd put on a southern accent and played a mentally disabled man. Lennie is powered by the thought of one day owning a piece of land and tending to rabbits all day and works hard to make money for this dream. Unfortunately, Lennie gets in trouble often because he likes to “pet soft things,” but George tends to look after him. O’Dowd convinced the audience that Lennie was the most innocent being.
The only performance that I was not enamored with was Meester’s. In Steinbeck’s novel, Curly’s Wife is seen as a conniving, needy antagonist who should receive no sympathy. Meester’s performance made the audience pity the neglected newlywed and feel sorry about her death.
Another performance which was subpar was that of Ron Cephas Jones as Crooks, a worker on the ranch. The character is a disempowered being who reveals his loneliness but also preys on the weakness of others. Jones was able to embody all these elements, but not enough to make a sound presence in the play which left him without any grand reception from the audience.
Well-known Broadway actor Jim Norton played the supporting role of Candy, an old handyman at the ranch,even though he only has one hand. When he hears George and Lennie discussing their plans to acquire a piece of land to call their own, Candy wants in on the deal. He is entirely consumed with the notion of being kicked to the curb due to his age and disability. This thought is perceived as a reality to the audience after Candy’s dog is shot by another worker, Carlson (Joel Marsh Garland), due to his inability to continue his service as a sheep dog.
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Norton also displayed a flawless southern accent. What was most impressive about Norton’s performance was his use of facial features. Candy’s character was written as a strong, idealist which was shown through his vocal impressions while his vulnerability was meant to be nearly invisible, but not entirely invisible. This is where the facial expressions by Norton was key.
What tied the show together was ser designer’s Todd Rosenthal his ability to work a two hour and 20 minute play into four sceneries.
The performance was well applauded by the crowd. “Of Mice and Men” runs at Longacre Theatre until Sunday, July 27.
PHOTO TAKEN from ofmiceandmenonbroadway.com
