Of Mice and Men
By John Steinbeck
By John Steinbeck
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"The dog ate my homework" is, perhaps, the oldest excuse in the book. But it really happened to John Steinbeck! His dog, Toby, apparently ate half of the first manuscript of the novel. On 27th May 1936, Steinbeck wrote:
"Minor tragedy stalked. My setter pup, left alone one night, made confetti of about half of my manuscript book. Two months work to do over again. It set me back. There was no other draft. I was pretty mad, but the poor little fellow may have been acting critically. I didn't want to ruin a good dog for a manuscript I'm not sure is good at all. He only got an ordinary spanking.... I'm not sure Toby didn't know what he was doing when he ate the first draft. I have promoted Toby-dog to be lieutenant-colonel in charge of literature." The play Of Mice and Men had its world premiere around October 1937 by the San Francisco Theatre Union. It was adapted by Steinbeck from his novel. The play premiered on Broadway (when the novel was still on the bestseller lists), at the Music Box Theatre on November 23, 1937, and closed in May 1938 after 207 performances. Directed by George S Kaufman, the cast starred Broderick Crawford as Lennie and Wallace Ford as George. |
In 1939 the production was moved to Los Angeles, still with Wallace Ford in the role of George, but with Lon Chaney Jr taking on the role of Lennie. Chaney's performance in the role resulted in his casting in the movie that year. The film also starred Burgess Meredith as George and Betty Field as Curley's wife. Produced by the Hal Roach Studios, it was adapted by Eugene Solow and directed by Lewis Milestone. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The musical score was by American composer Aaron Copland.
A 1992 version was directed and produced by Gary Sinise, the film features Sinise as George Milton, alongside John Malkovich as Lennie Small. It took part in the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, where Sinise was nominated for the Palme d'Or award, given to the director of the best featured film. After the film debuted in the United States on October 2, 1992, it received acclaim from critics.
The play premiered in the West End in May 1939.
There have been several revivals, the most recent produced in 2014, directed by Anna D. Shapiro with James France (George), Chris O'Dowd (Lennie). A recent production by Birmingham Rep was staged last year and was highly acclaimed.
A 1992 version was directed and produced by Gary Sinise, the film features Sinise as George Milton, alongside John Malkovich as Lennie Small. It took part in the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, where Sinise was nominated for the Palme d'Or award, given to the director of the best featured film. After the film debuted in the United States on October 2, 1992, it received acclaim from critics.
The play premiered in the West End in May 1939.
There have been several revivals, the most recent produced in 2014, directed by Anna D. Shapiro with James France (George), Chris O'Dowd (Lennie). A recent production by Birmingham Rep was staged last year and was highly acclaimed.
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Production Staff
Director: Jo Galloway
Assistant Director: Christine Fletcher Stage Manager: Allen Perrin Stage Crew: Andy Nealis; Kit Duncan-Hamilton Lighting: Ross Henerson-McKillop Sound: Morven Henderson-McKillop Props: Steven Kelly; Carla Kelly; Alice Lee Wardrobe: Agnes MacLennan Set Design: Allen Perrin Set Construction and Crew: Steven Kelly; Allen Perrin Prompt: Anne Bamborough Hair and Makeup: Alice Lee Chaperone to Roxie: Carla Kelly Poster/Programme: Trevor Nicol Publicity/Social Media: Caroline Nicol Head Shot Photography: Matthias Kremer Dress Rehearsal Photography: Alison Ożóg |
Cast
George: Matthias Kremer
Lennie: Steven Kelly Candy: Trevor Nicol The Boss: Brian Howlett Curley: Tom Masterton Curley's Wife: Jay MacGregor Slim: Julian McArdle Carlson: Scott Crichton Whit: Euan Sinclair Candy's dog: Roxie The Mother: Anne Bamborough |
Acknowledgements
Caroline Nicol; Inverness Musical Theatre; Marian Armstrong; Scott MacGregor; Aaron Murray; Lisa Senior; Amber Friedman.
Caroline Nicol; Inverness Musical Theatre; Marian Armstrong; Scott MacGregor; Aaron Murray; Lisa Senior; Amber Friedman.
Of Mice and Men in the News
"Inverness dramatics company takes to the stage - with very special star."
The Inverness Courier pre-show publicity
"The main characters are played by Matthias Kremer (George) and Steven Kelly (Lennie) who had realistic on-stage chemistry as a protective, loving yet tired caregiver and a vulnerable, free-spirited adult."
The Inverness Courier Review
The Inverness Courier pre-show publicity
"The main characters are played by Matthias Kremer (George) and Steven Kelly (Lennie) who had realistic on-stage chemistry as a protective, loving yet tired caregiver and a vulnerable, free-spirited adult."
The Inverness Courier Review
Of Mice and Men Audience Feedback
"Congratulations everyone for a sublime performance last night. The atmosphere in the theatre last night crackled with intensity and emotion. Of Mice and Men is right up there with the best of Flo’s productions."
"The Saturday night audience are in for a treat! Fantastic show all round. Set the scene perfectly with scenery, props and music, performances were exceptional with the audience getting wrapped right into the characters bringing so much emotion and anticipation. Brilliant adaption of a brilliant play. Well done to you all and enjoy your final show."
"Congratulations! Exceptional production! An all round brilliant cast and performances, fantastic direction and set, it was up there with one of Flo’s best. Matthias Kremer and Steven Kelly you were superb! I was fully invested from the off! Enjoy your well deserved rest today all."
"Always worth a trip down from Caithness to see a Florian's show. Last night's performance was certainly no exception. Brilliant performances all round. I was fortunate enough to play the part of George up in Thurso, about 20 years ago. The emotion and memories of extraordinary teamwork both on and off stage of this show came flooding back. Well done to all involved."
"The show was amazing, everyone was excellent. Matthias Kremer I feel I saying the obvious but was absolutely outstanding. Steven Kelly put on a master class. Tom Masterton was brilliant too as was everyone."
"A superb production with a great cast. Excellent direction by Jo Galloway and a first class set by Allen Perrin. Special mention to Roxie - the star of the show who everyone in the audience wanted to stroke and speak to in foyer after the show! Well done everyone."
"Went to see this show tonight . Absolutely fabulous. What talent !!!!. Each and everyone of the cast played their characters to perfection. Especially Lennie and George . A really tough storyline but executed superbly . Well done."
"What an outstanding performance tonight . The emotion, you were totally drawn into the story, amazing talent and well done remembering all those lines - fantastic."
"Just wanted to say what a stunning show it was tonight. HUGE congratulations to those on and offstage. It was fabulous, I am an emotional wreck but in the best way! Also I vote for Roxie to have a part in all future Florians shows - there was nothing ‘ruff’ about her ‘pawesome’ stage presence and performance. Well done again and enjoy your last one tomorrow."
"Well done to all in the Florians production of mice and men. Special mention to Steven Kelly Matthias Kremer Trevor Nicol and Roxy... Absolutely brilliant acting. Jo Galloway, you knocked out the park again with your directing. I think next 2 shows are sold out but if you get a chance of a ticket grab it with both hands.."
"The Saturday night audience are in for a treat! Fantastic show all round. Set the scene perfectly with scenery, props and music, performances were exceptional with the audience getting wrapped right into the characters bringing so much emotion and anticipation. Brilliant adaption of a brilliant play. Well done to you all and enjoy your final show."
"Congratulations! Exceptional production! An all round brilliant cast and performances, fantastic direction and set, it was up there with one of Flo’s best. Matthias Kremer and Steven Kelly you were superb! I was fully invested from the off! Enjoy your well deserved rest today all."
"Always worth a trip down from Caithness to see a Florian's show. Last night's performance was certainly no exception. Brilliant performances all round. I was fortunate enough to play the part of George up in Thurso, about 20 years ago. The emotion and memories of extraordinary teamwork both on and off stage of this show came flooding back. Well done to all involved."
"The show was amazing, everyone was excellent. Matthias Kremer I feel I saying the obvious but was absolutely outstanding. Steven Kelly put on a master class. Tom Masterton was brilliant too as was everyone."
"A superb production with a great cast. Excellent direction by Jo Galloway and a first class set by Allen Perrin. Special mention to Roxie - the star of the show who everyone in the audience wanted to stroke and speak to in foyer after the show! Well done everyone."
"Went to see this show tonight . Absolutely fabulous. What talent !!!!. Each and everyone of the cast played their characters to perfection. Especially Lennie and George . A really tough storyline but executed superbly . Well done."
"What an outstanding performance tonight . The emotion, you were totally drawn into the story, amazing talent and well done remembering all those lines - fantastic."
"Just wanted to say what a stunning show it was tonight. HUGE congratulations to those on and offstage. It was fabulous, I am an emotional wreck but in the best way! Also I vote for Roxie to have a part in all future Florians shows - there was nothing ‘ruff’ about her ‘pawesome’ stage presence and performance. Well done again and enjoy your last one tomorrow."
"Well done to all in the Florians production of mice and men. Special mention to Steven Kelly Matthias Kremer Trevor Nicol and Roxy... Absolutely brilliant acting. Jo Galloway, you knocked out the park again with your directing. I think next 2 shows are sold out but if you get a chance of a ticket grab it with both hands.."
Of Mice and Men Dress Rehearsal
Photographs taken by Alison Ożóg, edited by Matthias Kremer Photography