[NEohioPAL]Berko review: OF MICE AND MEN (BECK)

[Roy Berko]

CLASSIC ‘OF MICE AND MEN’ GETS FINE PRODUCTION AT BECK

Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times		

John Steinbeck is one of America’s greatest writers. 
His works have received numerous awards, been
translated into many languages and have been revised
into films, plays and operas.  

Steinbeck’s deep roots in the earth and understanding
of the people of California’s Salinas Valley become
vividly clear in each of his writings.  His keen
observations and powerful descriptions of the human
condition suck the reader into his fictional worlds. 
Noted for his views on social values, he championed
the forgotten and disenfranchised while affirming the
strength of the human spirit. 

Steinbeck was not only a writer for America, but a
writer for the world, as exemplified by his winning
the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.  His
impressive list of works include “Grapes of Wrath,”
“East of Eden,” “Cannery Row,” and “The Pearl.”    

Published in 1937, Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” was
made into movies in 1939 with Burgess Meredith  as
George and Lon Chaney, Jr. as Lennie ,  in 1981 with
Robert Blake (George) and Randy Quaid (Lenny)  and  in
1992 with Gary Sinise (George) and John Malkovich
(Lennie).  It was transformed into an acclaimed opera
by Carlisle Floyd.

The story is based on the 1785 poem “To A Mouse,” by
Scottish poet Robert Burns which states that the best
laid schemes of mice and men matter little, as no
matter how hard or well we plan, something stops us
from achieving our goals.

The story centers on lonely and alienated George and
Lennie, drifters who dream of a place to call their
own.  After numerous incidents in which the kind
hearted, but huge, hulking and simple-minded Lennie
gets into trouble, the two find themselves, once
again, working for meager wages on a ranch.  As usual,
problems arise and tragedy ensues.

The Beck Center’s production of ‘OF MICE AND MEN’ is a
well conceived if slowly paced production. Director
Fred Sternfeld’s pacing brings out the meaning of the
lines, but makes the evening a little long.  Not
boring, just long.

The acting is generally excellent.  Robert McCoy, as
the simple Lenny gives a fine performance.  He does
not play the role as a retard, just as a
slow-thinking, logically challenged childlike person. 
This portrayal is nicely nuanced, as is Greg Del
Torto’s George.  Nowhere in his performance does Del
Torto give us the feeling, so often found in
interpretations of this role, that George is using
Lenny as his whipping boy.  We see and feel real
concern.  Almost of love of father for child.  

Glenn Colerider, as the old, one-handed laborer, is
compelling.  The rest of the cast interprets their
roles well, with the exception of Brian Honohan whose
Curley, the boss’s son, is basically unbelievable.

Richard Gould’s settings are astounding.  The
bunkhouse, barn and outside areas are works of art. 
Richard Ingraham has added some fine background sounds
and fine underscoring musical interludes.  Jeffrey
Smart’s costumes are era perfect.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  Though slowly paced, ‘OF MICE AND
MEN’ is an excellent production of a classic Steinbeck
piece of literature.  It is a fine opportunity for
students and those interested in the classics to see a
staged version of an important American tale.

For tickets to ‘OF MICE AND MEN’ which runs through
February 28, call 216-521-2540.  Prices are $22 for
adults, $19 for seniors and $15 for children and
college students.  



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