Of Mice and Men

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OF MICE AND MEN

Photo: Richard Phibbs

Cititour.com Review
Movie star casting proves to be a double-edged sword in Anna D. Shapiro’s production of John Steinbeck’s 1937 drama “Of Mice and Men,” the story of the unlikely, lifelong friendship between two California migrant workers, the practical, gruff George (James Franco) and the mentally challenged, not-always-gentle giant Lennie (Chris O’Dowd), now being revived at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre.

Undeniably, the casting of Franco and O’Dowd is the most likely reason the play is getting its first airing on the Great White Way in nearly 40 years, and I won’t be surprised if it takes another 40 for the next one. So audiences curious to see these red-hot stars and/or the play itself are advised to take advantage of this opportunity.

Unfortunately, Shapiro and Steinbeck are only fully served by O’Dowd, who makes a galvanizing Broadway debut as Lennie. The actor never panders to his admittedly none-too-bright character, rendering Lennie as a man who simply doesn’t understand the consequences his actions or his physical strength. While it can be tiring to listen the simple-minded Lennie prattle on about tending the rabbits, one always feels great sympathy for this man who has been given the short end of life’s stick.

Meanwhile, Franco – who is the main marquee attraction -- delivers an often laconic, almost distracted performance as George, too rarely engaging us in his character’s moral struggles. Indeed, it feels at times as Franco may think he’s on a film set, where an editor can put together all his best takes to give viewers the complete total picture. Moreover, Franco’s George never seems as completely connected to Lennie as he needs to be for the piece to achieve its full nature of tragedy and heartbreak.

Then again, even under the best circumstances, “Of Mice and Men” is far from a great play – it is dramatically repetitive and takes far too long (nearly 2 ½ hours) to get where it’s obviously going from its opening moments. Shapiro’s pacing is also a bit slack, especially in the exposition-filled first act where we meet all the supporting characters, each of who end up having a key role in Lennie’s ultimate fate.

Among them are elderly ranch hand Candy (Tony Award winner Jim Norton, doing customarily fine work), who befriends the unlikely pair, Curley (an effective Alex More), the perpetually angry son of the ranch’s boss, his clearly unhappy wife (TV star Leighton Meester in a creditable stage turn), smarter-than-we-realize Crooks (an excellent Ron Cephas Jones), a black worker who is mostly shunned by his compatriots, and Slim (the very good Jim Parrack), a kindly, strapping worker. While none of these characters ever reach three dimensions, their presence does add some life to the occasionally inert proceedings.

Still, it’s O’Dowd who proves to be the right man to make this “Men” a worthwhile theatrical experience.

By Brian Scott Lipton


Visit the Site
http://ofmiceandmenonbroadway.com

Cast
James Franco, Chris O’Dowd, Leighton Meester, Jim Norton

Open/Close Dates
Opening 4/16/2014
Closing 7/27/2014

Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 3/19/2014
Closing Open-ended

Box Office
212-239-6200

Theatre Info
Longacre Theatre
220 West 48th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map



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