Bring a blanket or a seat cushion when you attend the outdoor production of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” presented by the South Street Players in the amphitheater of the Priedaine (New Jersey Latvian Society), 1017 Route 33 east, Howell.
Steinbeck’s 1937 classic, “Of Mice and Men,” is set in California during the Depression and tells the poignant story of two drifter ranch hands as they struggle together to fulfill their dream.
“The American spirit of every person who has gone through adversity is represented in this play,” said Maggie Rogers, the director of the play and a board member of the South Street Players. “Life is hard and hard decisions have to be made, but you can survive.”
Rogers, a Howell resident, said “Of Mice andMen” is the final play of 25th anniversary celebration year of the South Street Players and is the first outdoor production ever for the group that is based at the Priedaine.
“When I saw the amphitheater and the outdoor facilities, I could not wait to do a play outdoors,” she said. “The outdoor scenes for ‘Of Mice and Men’ are a perfect fit for the facilities. The acoustics are great and the lighting works well for the actors and the audience.”
According to Rogers, who has more than 20 years of theater experience, outdoor theater brings the audience into the play and gives reality to the production. She has a master of arts degree in theater from Schiller University, Strasbourg, France, but this will be her debut directing an outdoor production.
“I think the audience becomes part of the play in an outdoor production,” she said. “They are surrounded by reality and feel everything around them.”
Rogers said every effort will be made to make sure the audience is comfortable outside, including protection from insects. There will be insect repellent torches, wooden chairs for the seat cushions and a lawn area for blankets near the stage, she said.
“In case of the threat of rain or oppressive heat, the decision will be to move to the inside air-conditioned theater,” said Rogers. “The movable set pieces can be inside within 30 minutes.”
Rogers said she hopes the audience enjoys the outdoor production as much as the actors are enjoying doing it.
The stage managers for the play are Lucyanne Pallone and Louis Palermo, both from Freehold Township.
“This play speaks to the times of today,” said Palermo, a member of the board of the South Street Players. “It is lived today. The times are uncertain and people are doing jobs they never thought they would do. The play is a piece of history then and now.”
Palermo, who as a child acted in outdoor productions in Italy, said “Of Mice and Men” is a good play for the outdoors.
“The facilities lend themselves to the outdoor scenes in the play,” he said. “Now, all we have to do is have Mother Nature help with the weather. But no matter, we can have the play inside if the weather is unfavorable.”
“Of Mice and Men” cast members are: George (Jeff Caplan,Manchester); Lennie (Travis Hoxie, Point Pleasant); Candy (Howard Levy,Wall); Boss (HaroldAustin, Manchester) and Curley (Steven Briscione, North Bergen).
Also, Curley’sWife (Ali Gleason, Lacey Township); Slim (Jeff Klein, Roosevelt) Carlson (Christian Carreia, Jackson); Whit (Carl Hoffman, Eatontown) and Crooks (Ramon Morris, Long Branch).
Brittany Delonges, Brick Township, is the producer.
The first production of “Of Mice and Men” was produced by Sam H. Harris in the Music Box Theater, New York, on Nov. 23, 1937. It won the Best Play in 1938 from the New York Drama Critics Circle starring Wallace Ford as George and Broderick Crawford as Lennie. The 1939 film version had Ford as George and Lon Chaney Jr. as Lennie.
Performances of “Of Mice and Men” will be held at the Priedaine on July 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and July 6, 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for the play and dessert are $25; and $22 for seniors. Student and group tickets are available. For reservations call 1-866-700-7797.
For more information, visit the Web site, www.southstreetplayers.org.