Steinbeck's Classic OF MICE AND MEN Returns to Park Square

Park Square's new staging of the perennial favorite Of Mice and Men begins next month. The popular education production will offer a limited number of public performances this season. Annie Enneking in her Park Square directing debut, directs Steinbeck's adaptation on the intimate Andy Boss Stage Thrust Stage. One of the seminal works of American literature, Steinbeck's tale is a quintessential document of the American dream to rise above.

Lennie and George are scraping to buy a home of their own. When Lennie (E.J. Subkoviak*) stirs up trouble, George (Michael Paul Levin*) must choose between protecting his friend or staying the course towards the American dream. This new production, driven by music and the clashing cultures of Latino, white and black migrant workers, puts you in the gritty palm of the American spirit.

"What fascinates me about the tale is that it really is about freedom, and how dangerous it is to want something," says Enneking. "I empathize with everyone or see their point of view. It's about longing, desire, wanting to connect to human beings and not knowing how to do that. It can be scary to say, 'Here's my dream,' because it could be snuffed out."

Of Mice and Men also features Avi Aharoni (Whit), Jeromy Darling (Carlson), Jane Froiland (Curley's wife), Patrick O'Brien* (Candy), Jason Rojas* (Slim), Peter Simmons (The Boss), Payton Woodson(Crooks), and Vincent Hannam (Curley). Candy's dog (Boo) lives with Jessie Scarborough-Ghent.

The production team for Of Mice and Men includes Elin Anderson (Costume Designer), Michael Kittel(Lighting Designer), Mina Kinukawa (Set Designer), and Robert-Bruce Brake (Properties Designer).Jared Ziegler* is Stage Manager. Jorge Rodriguez and Samm Nordstrom are on the run crew.

Of Mice and Men Performance Schedule: Select dates Thursday, November 9 through Saturday, December 16. See the calendar below. Show times: 7:30 p.m. All performances are on the company's Andy Boss Thrust Stage in the lower level of Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 20 W. Seventh Place.

Ticket prices: $25 / $40 / $60. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square ticket office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.

*Member, Actors Equity Association