THEATRE REVIEW
Required watching can be inspiring, too
by KARL SCHEITHIER

Jeffrey Evan Thomas as Lennie strokes Amanda Rowan's hair as she plays Curley's wife in "Of Mice and Men," through this Sunday at Studio Arena Theatre. Photo by Roger Mastroianni

John Steinbeck was so inspired by poet Robert Burn's poem, "To A Mouse," that he named his 1937 novella from one of the poem's lines, which reads: "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men/Gang aft agle y."

The story of "Of Mice and Men" explores the power of friendship, loyalty and dreams. The novella was required reading when I was in school and I really enjoyed it then. So I was thrilled that Studio Arena was mounting a production. I have to admit that I have never seen the two movies - so I wasn't spoiled by what these Hollywood productions did to this American classic.

The story line is that itinerant workers George Milton (Harry Carnahan) and Lennie Small ( Jeffrey Evan Thomas) have only each other and a shared fantasy about owning a piece of land to call their own. The two travel along the Salinas

River together, with George looking after the sweet but childlike Lennie throughout their journey. George can't seem to get anywhere in life because he's shepherding Lennie.

It's Lennie's inability to understand the power of his own strength that often puts the two friends in dangerous situations and ultimately results in a tragic conclusion to the story. Our hearts go out to both of these men.

The newest farm job holds a series of unique challenges for George and Lennie. The other farm workers are distrustful of the mysterious pair of traveling companions. The boss' son, Curley (Vayu O'Donnell), is a bully with a penchant for taking on larger men like Lennie. Curley's wife (Amanda Rowan) is an alluring and potentially dangerous distraction.

Lennie can't seem to keep himself from seeking comfort in the touch of something soft. A dead mouse, puppy or woman's hair. Jeffrey Evan Thomas' portrayal of the slow-witted, loveable and innocent Lennie is believable without being over-the-top.

Harry Carnahan's performance as George is good, however, the accent seemed to get in the way at times. The interaction between Carnahan and Thomas is spot-on. Kudos to Elissa Myers and Paul Fouquet for casting them.

Studio Arena's production captures the sadness of Steinbeck's writing with fine acting, good direction, great timing and a sparse set that illustrates the beauty and sadness that was Depression-era California without taking away from what is most important here - the message.

The production draws strength from its precision and immaculate timing as illustrated by the silence that envelops the whole theater while everyone waits for the shot that kills Candy's dog. The sense of suspense and inevitability is all the more rending because hope is futile.

I loved the subtle sounds of the West - the animals and insects in the evening and the horses in the stable. All were done with a fine hand and not overdone, as they are in many shows.

The cast of 10, most of whom are veteran stage performers who hail from New York City, also includes Chet Carlin (Candy), Jeremy Holm (Slim), Wiley Moore (Crooks), Rohn Thomas (The Boss), John Woodson (Carlson) and Buffalo actor David Autovino (Whit), under the direction of Seth Gordon. Everyone does a fine job.

A timeless piece, the play contains messages relevant to issues today. I recommend this show to all adults and teens (not suitable for children). Even if your English teacher doesn't assign it to you, you should see it.

A co-production between Studio Arena and Cleveland Play House, the show continues through Sunday, March 4 at Studio Arena Theatre, 710 Main St., Buffalo. Call 856-5650 or visit www.studioarena.org for more information.