Of Mice and Men (drama)
by John Steinbeck
All Materials and Rights Licensed from Dramatist Play Services
Directed by Philip A. Palmer
Assistant Director: Val Gahagan
Producer/Stage Manager: Angel Palmer
Show Dates: Sept. 14, 15, 21, 22, 2018 - 8pm
Sept. 16, 23, 2018 - 2:30pm
$15-Adults, $10-Seniors(55+)/Military/Students, $5-Youth (12 and younger)
Adult language and situations
THE STORY: Two drifters, George and his friend Lennie, with delusions of living off the "fat of the land," have just arrived at a ranch to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie is a man-child, a little boy in the body of a dangerously powerful man. It's Lennie's obsessions with things soft and cuddly that have made George cautious about who the gentle giant, with his brute strength, associates with. His promise to allow Lennie to "tend to the rabbits" on their future land keeps Lennie calm, amidst distractions, as the overgrown child needs constant reassurance. But when a ranch boss' promiscuous wife is found dead in the barn with a broken neck, it's obvious that Lennie, albeit accidentally, killed her. George, now worried about his own safety, knows exactly where Lennie has gone to hide, and he meets him there. Realizing they can't run away anymore, George is faced with a moral question: How should he deal with Lennie before the ranchers find him and take matters into their own hands?
Call 740-455-6487 for reservations or order online.
Directions: 940 Findley Ave. Zanesville, Ohio 43701
The ticket office opens one hour before curtain. House opens one-half hour before curtain.
Parking is available on the street, please be considerate of our neighbors!
All Major Credit Cards accepted online and at the Door. Cash and Checks accepted at the Door.
Director’s Notes:
Thank you for coming to see this production. I hope it speaks to you like it does me. I first read Of Mice and Men in the 6th grade and it was the most amazing story. This was one of the first books that made me realize that there were real life things that were happening out there in the world (or had happened) that weren’t all happy and good. It was real, it was gritty, and I liked that part of it. I believe that although this story is a hard one to take in, it reminds us all of a struggle people have with themselves and with others. I really hope you ‘enjoy’ this show. I have been blessed with an amazing cast and crew. Thank you for going on this journey with us as we open the 56th season of ZCT.
Philip A. Palmer- Director
Cast:
Albert Brown (George Milton) has been a community theater regular since 2003. While proud to be a part of the local arts, Albert is currently considering professional treatment for his thespian addiction.
Recent roles include:
Prisoner/Barber - The Man of LaMancha
Tranio - The Taming of the Shrew
Johnny Giovanni - Hello My Baby
Conrad Birdie - Bye Bye Birdie
Franz Leibkind - The Producers
Snout/Wall - A Midsummer Night's Dream
LTJG Douglas Roberts - Mister Roberts
Albert is thrilled to see new and familiar faces on stage for each show.
While names and faces change, our local arts remain a constant creative outlet for our community.
Kevin McCarthy (Lennie) – In my 27 years in community theater, my role of Lennie has been a most interesting one! Steinbeck created Lennie to be a child in a man’s body. I relate to his innocence and appreciation for the simple things in life. I find humor in the co-dependence he shares with George. Though their lofty plans go awry, Lennie never gives up hope! I believe he actually finds what he’s been looking for in the end; he and I share that optimism, too. I hope you enjoy this journey with us- as we “tell how it’s gonna be!”
John Lowe (Candy) - With "Of Mice and Men," John makes his third appearance in a ZCT production, having performed previously in the female version of "The Odd Couple" and in "A Bad Year for Tomatoes." "'Mice' is a departure for me because I've always acted in comedies," he said. "From the first reading, though, the talent of my fellow cast members has encouraged me. It's evident this production is blessed with some fine actors. Throw in the talent of directors, Phil and Val, and the commitment of the producer and the stage crew and it means one thing: Cathartic, enjoyable entertainment for the audiences." A reporter and a freelance magazine article writer, Lowe lives with his wife, Debbie, in Guernsey County, midway between Cambridge and New Concord. They have three adult children. When he is not writing or acting, he enjoys horseback riding and taking his wife ballroom dancing.
Jan Smith (The Boss) – Jan is well known in the community as both an actor and a director for such shows as: Annie, Godspell, and Annie Get Your Gun, to name a few.
Jan has been happily married to his wife Pam for 36 years this month. He has 2 daughters, Jenna and Brianna, and a son-in-law Seth. There is nothing like a great comedy and this show is nothing like a great comedy. All kidding aside, this is a great classic by John Steinbeck, who is one of his favorite writers. He hopes you enjoy this production.
Scott Robison (Curley) - Scott Robison has been seen in several shows here at ZCT now. Starting with Singing In The Rain and most recently in Sherlock Holmes last fall. He says he loves being onstage and getting applauded or even better, booed as the villain if he's done his job right. Break a leg cast and crew.
Monica Van Nort (Curley’s Wife) - I've done many shows at both ZCT and The Renner. Some of my favorite roles include Truvy in Steele Mags, Belinda/Flavia in Noises Off, Ethel in Moon Over Buffalo, Mother in Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Cheaper By the Dozen, Gerty in Sherlock Holmes and The Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz. I was so excited to see Of Mice and Men on the list of plays and even more excited to be a part of such a classic story. I first read this book in high school and loved it. It is one of the reasons I chose my field of study. Thank you to the production staff for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful show. Break a leg cast and crew. I hope you all enjoy this show.
Lew Woodward (Slim) – I am very happy to be playing the part of "Slim" in "Of Mice and Men". It makes me slightly less self-conscious of being 20 pounds overweight. I like portraying a character of few words.... "uh huh" ... "yep". OK I have a few more words than that, but I like the short terse responses I get to deliver fraught with intense emotion. I have been involved with Zanesville Community Theatre for only a few short years and have had the pleasure of being in such fabulous productions like "Young Frankenstein the Musical", "The Hollow", "Murder on the Nile", "Annie Get Your Gun", "Sherlock Holmes", and most recently "The Taming of the Shrew". I never was in any of those .... just productions like them. OK I lied, I was in those. I'm just one of those people who thinks he is funny. However, I do not have a funny part in "Of Mice and Men". There really are no funny parts. It is a tragic story of desperate people and their struggle to survive during the "Great Depression". Be prepared to have a lump in your throat, but whatever you do; please do not sob out loud! Thank you for supporting ZCT and the arts in Zanesville!
Daniel Warne (Carlson) – Daniel has been in several shows at ZCT, including Tom in Ransom of Red Chief, Watson in Sherlock Holmes and Ram Dass in Little Princess. His favorite role is as dad and husband, but you may also recognize him from his job at Donald’s Donuts. He is playing Carlson and is excited to be able to be part of a show again.!
Jay Shaffstall (Whit) - Jay is excited to be part of Of Mice And Men. He was previously in shows such as A Little Princess, Annie Get Your Gun, Forgiven, Sherlock, Boxcar Children, Seussical, and Man of La Mancha. When he's not on stage he teaches Computer Science at Muskingum University, along with advising the student board gaming and roleplaying clubs. His favorite hobby is LARPing, which is a bit like improvisational theater with a little more structure, or like being in a play with a lot less structure.
Steve Stewart (Crooks) – I have been in a great many shows and love being in community theater. This is my second time being able to bring this character to life and I am enjoying the opportunity to play him in a different manner. I have had a great time working with this wonderful cast and hope you all enjoy our presentation of “Of Mice and Men”.
Production Staff
Val Gahagan (Assistant Director) - Val is a homeschooling mom of 7 and grandma to 2 little boys with a granddaughter joining the family in a few months. She has directed several shows at ZCT in the past few years including some of her favorites: "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", "Cheaper by the Dozen", and "The Ransom of Red Chief". In addition to homeschooling, she enjoys genealogy and just spending time with family.
Angel Palmer (Producer, Stage Manager) -I have been honored to help support my husband as he has worked with Val to make this vision a reality. As the producer and stage manager, I am allowed to see theater from a different perspective…and truly love being able to watch the actors come into their own. Thank you so much for coming and supporting Zanesville Community Theater and for supporting the arts in Zanesville!
Michelle Robison (Assistant Stage Manager) - Michelle is happy to help out behind the scenes in this powerful drama. She says, "Sometimes you can enjoy the show more seeing how far the ensemble has come from read through to performances and you get to be just a little piece of the magic." Thanks for supporting the arts!
Katie Gahagan (Artistic Designer) - Katie is an 18-year-old artist who enjoys being a part of theatre no matter what role she plays, on stage or off. Some of her favorite shows she has been a part of are Quilters, Sherlock Holmes, and The Lion King Jr. Katie is very excited to be stage crew for Of Mice and Men and hopes you enjoy the show!
Phil Sakal (Stage Crew) - Phil has been on stage in many productions at Zanesville Community Theatre and The Renner Theatre. His love of theatre began in High School. He began his theatre adventures working backstage in High School and is excited to have the opportunity once again. This will be the first show Phil will be working backstage at Zanesville Community Theatre. He is very thankful to be a part of great stage crew and would like to thank Angel Palmer for all of the wisdom and advice on working backstage. He would like to thank you for supporting the arts in Zanesville and enjoy the show!
Destiny Parrill (Stage Crew) - This is Destiny’s first show at our theatre, and although incredibly confused, she’s learning the ins and outs from behind the scenes and hopes to continue to be a help here. Spoiler alert: The dog is dead. IF you haven’t read the book, this is an even better presentation and we hope you enjoy!
Dior (dog) - Dior is thrilled to be making her stage debut with her daddy, Jan Smith. Her idols have been Rin Tin Tin and Lassie and she has looked up to them since she was a puppy. She hopes that you enjoy her amazing performance and she thanks you for supporting the local theater…where dreams truly come true!
