Oak Park Newspaper

I remember as a youth seeing of Mice and Men on television
and not understanding the ending, but recalling great feats of strength, a beautiful woman, an old dog, and some nasty people.

Since my first viewing I have read Steinbeck's tale several times and even seen performed live by Gary Sinese and John Malkovich in a basement theater of the original Steppenwolf. Oak Park Festival theatre's vision and performance are the tops of any film or live performance since my first. One of the items that helps this well acted, staged, and lit treat advance to the front of the line is the direction by Belinda Bremner. Ms. Bremner chose a different path than any other we have noted. In all of the previous roles of Curley's wife we find a flaunting, brazen hussy snaking her way into the men's scenes. It is clear that Steinbeck wanted to use the character as a catalyst for action, as women often are. It is also noted though that Steinbeck's recollection of spending too much money on a given night on a particular woman, through the voice of Candy. Candy recalls a night in his youth having spent some extra money, to sit with and in a fancy chair, with a rented smile from a bar maid, and having had a nice drink. He's had many nights since that one, but after all the years he still recalls that night with a glimmer in his eye. So women can mean trouble, but they can also make the stars twinkle.

Curley's wife, Edie, played by Skyler Schrempp does less twinkling than other women in the role. Belinda Bremner, the director chose to have Curley's wife play the abandoned, ignored wife who is not seeking lust on the farm, but just someone to talk to. This transformation or interpretation of the character is quite interesting, it adds more pathos to the play and exemplifies the struggle for justice and improvment.

The cast of this production is incredible with top notch performances all over the stage. The lighting is on the spot and helps set the mood as the sun sets. The stage is a beautiful work of design and is perfect for the park setting, and made from an old barn.

Kevin Theis as George, David Skvarla as Lenni are amazing in their roles of the title characters. Skvarla hits the mark on Lenni like a bull's eye and Theis is the heart and soul of the play. Crooks, played by Emmanuel Buckley reminds of days gone by when racism was the law and brings sympathy to the character with his great physical acting. Curley, by Adam Meredith is the nasty little #$#^$ you would want in the role of a twisted spoiled son of the owner, and he is a much nicer person in reality. Curley's wife, played by Skyler Schrempp is innocent and charming in stature and demeanor. Stanton Davis, as Slim, does a great job of giving an element of respect to the whole realm of the working person, and keeping the farm running.

Lenni (David Skvarla) and Crooks (Emmanuel Buckley)
speak in barn about plans and life...
photo by Michael Rothman

Curley's wife, Edie (Skyler Schrempp) looks down on Lenni (David Skvarla)
photo by Michael Rothman

Candy, portrayed by William J. Norris, is an elderly man on the edge of circumstance and his acting is both grand and heartfelt.

One last item to note, get your tickets and bring friends this is a wonderful beginning to great summer at the Oak Park Festival Theatre.

"the writer is delegated to declare and to celebrate man's proven capacity for greatness of heart and spirit—for gallantry in defeat, for courage, compassion and love. In the endless war against weakness and despair, these are the bright rally flags of hope and of emulation. I hold that a writer who does not believe in the perfectibility of man has no dedication nor any membership in literature."

—John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. Nobel Prize of 1962 Acceptance Speech

John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. (February 27, 1902 – December 20, 1968). Steinbeck wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939) and "Of Mice and Men" (1937). In 1962 he was given the Nobel Prize for Literature.