Review: OF MICE AND MEN at Des Moines Metro Opera

Going into this season, there was one opera I was intrigued to see, "Of Mice and Men." The reason I was so intrigued was that they announced this would be a partnership among 4 different opera companies. Those four companies include Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, this partnership not only celebrates the 100th birthday of Carlisle Floyd, the opera's composer, but also offers a unique perspective on the story that is both surprising and powerful.

If you are unfamiliar, as I was, with "Of Mice and Men," the story centers on two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George takes care of Lennie, who has an intellectual disability. We meet them on the run because Lennie innocently tried to pet a girl's soft dress. They dream of owning their farm and calling it home. The story continues as they start working on a farm owned by a man named Curly and begin saving their money to purchase one of their own someday. While at the farm, we meet Curley's wife, who is never named, but longs for attention that she isn't getting from Curley. And this is all within the first two acts.

As I alluded to earlier, the story is told through one character's eyes, Lennie's. This is achieved through brilliant directing and storytelling by director Kristine McIntyre. The way she weaves every element of the story together is a masterpiece to see. Every moment of stillness or movement has such meaning and purpose, making this a truly memorable experience for viewers.

The visual brilliance comes in the scenic and projection design of Luke Cantarella. The set is a very clever balance of period and modern, giving it a timeless feel. The way projections are used to let the audience see through Lennie's eyes pulls them into the story in ways I didn't expect, including the devastating final moments of the show. All of this is beautifully highlighted by the contrast between Curley's wives' colorful costumes and the darker costumes worn by the farmers, designed by Kara Harmon, and by beautiful lighting by Kate Ashton that takes us from dark outside late in the evening to inside the farmers' quarters.

The musical performances are what truly makes "Of Mice and Men" a production that keeps you pondering long after the performance ends. The orchestra under conductor David Neely brings the beautiful American score to the stage. Adrian Kramer as Curly, and Cadie J Bryan as Curly's wife, who may physically see each other, but never hear what the other person has to say. Both use this to their advantage throughout the evening and also beautifully show the longing of their characters: Curly dreaming of a successful farm, and Curly's wife dreaming of the big screen.

At the center of the show are two powerhouse performances that truly bear the emotional weight of the story. Those performances include John Findon, making his Des Moines Metro Opera mainstage debut as Lonnie Small, and John Moore, returning to the stage as George Milton. While both are at the center of the story unfolding on stage, they each tell very different stories.

On one side of the coin, you have baritone John Moore as George Milton. From early in the show, you can hear and feel the pain that his character has endured, the struggle of caring for someone with an intellectual disability in both the good times and the bad. We feel the lows his character goes through when things go wrong for Lennie, but we see the determination George has not to give up on Lennie, even in the final moments of the show.

On the flip side, you can't help but care for Tenor John Findon's version of Lennie Small as soon as he comes on stage. It is clear how much care he has taken to present Lennie as a person, not a caricature of someone with an intellectual disability. From the moment he enters, you can't help but feel for him. As he dreams, you get swept up in his dreams. As he hurts, you feel his pain. What makes Findon's performance truly memorable is that when Lennie sees, you see with him.

Whether you are looking for something to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country or the 100th birthday of one of our country's greatest composers, this opera has something worth celebrating. From the director's inspiring vision, to the gorgeous visuals, to the spectacular performances, "Of Mice and Men" will have you reflecting long after the performance is over. It reminds us to take the time to look through another person's eyes, and maybe we can see the world around us in a new and beautiful way we have never seen before. To find out more about this production, or to purchase a ticket to one of its final performances, visit https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/productions/miceandmen/

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