/assets/2057/initial_pr_of_mice_and_men.docxFOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:
January 7, 2015
CONTACT: Randall Hartzog, Theatre Memphis, Director of Marketing and Communications rhartzog@theatrememphis.org
901.682.8601
Of Mice and Men Finds a Home on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis
Memphis, TN – Of Mice and Men opens January
23, 2015, and runs through February 8, 2015, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre
Memphis. Adapted from John Steinbeck’s own classic novel of the same
name, the play hauntingly follows George and Lennie, California migrant workers
searching for a better life during the Great Depression. The unlikely and protective friendship
between the two resonates as they strive for the American dream. Their
dependence on one another is the strength and the weakness of the relationship.
Recognized as a masterpiece of literature, the relevance of the story still
rings true today.
Director Tracy Zerwig Ford has found that the
show’s story has a powerful message that can cross generations and statuses. “I
approached this from the perspective of telling a story of dualities,” she
relates. “On one hand we are seeing a small story about small working class
people over a small period of time, wandering, homeless. On the other
hand we are seeing an epic allegory about the fall of man from God's grace … Cain and Abel's story … where we can chose to be our brother's
keeper but compassion and mercy is as violent as the world we find ourselves
in.” Ford has previously directed at Theatre
Memphis leading the helm for Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Proof.
The
cast is led by Stuart Turner (George) who has performed at many venues across
the city as well as working backstage, many times as stage manager. His
versatility allows him a unique perspective and an appreciation for what goes
on “off stage”. He says, “I have
thoroughly enjoyed discovering new things with the rest of the cast and
production team--things that I haven't seen before or things that I had to see
through someone else's eyes.” His
sidekick (Lennie) in the production is played by Jeremy D. Bukauskas, a native
Memphian having graduated from Overton High School and attending Arkansas
State. He worked with a touring show and various theatres across the country
before coming back to Memphis for graduate school. The remainder of the cast
includes: Willie Derrick, James Dale Green, Joshua Hitt, Todd Nelson, Joseph
Prestigiacomo, Ryan Spearman, S. A. Weakley and Taylor Wood.
“Classic storytelling is always so
gratifying,” says Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch. “To have
such a strong story as Of Mice and Men
on our season just emphasizes our commitment to bring our audiences substance
as well as entertainment. Tracy has such a grasp on her material that the story
always comes out fresh and moving. We have been lucky to have her to work on
this beautifully imagined production.”
###
TITLE: Of Mice
and Men
WRITTEN BY: John Steinbeck
DIRECTOR: Tracy Zerwig Ford
VENUE
AND ADDRESS: Theatre
Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117
RUN
DATES: January
23 – February 8, 2015
TIMES OF SHOWS:
Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees
@ 2pm on Sundays
TICKETS: $25 adults,
$15 students with valid ID
BOX
OFFICE: 901.682.8323
WEB: www.theatrememphis.org
SPONSORED BY: Strategic Financial
Partners, an office of MetLife
Production photos available 01/20/15.
Theatre Memphis is a
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner
of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to
provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences
and participants.