Classic story of Great Depression 'Of Mice and Men' to be performed next week at River Campus

Editor's note: The following story has been edited to correct the name of character George Milton.

"Of Mice and Men" remains a classic American tragedy because its characters and themes still resonate today, according to Kenneth Stilson, Southeast Missouri State University professor of acting and directing.

"The themes from 1937 are the same that we're facing today," said Stilson, who will direct the play when it is performed next week at the River Campus. "[The show] deals with the economic depression. It deals with the plight of the mentally handicapped. It deals with the plight of the physically handicapped because of both Crooks and Candy, and it deals with the plight of the African American. ... The world isn't as different as we would like to think it is. We've made so many advances, and yet these things still exist, and the gulf between the rich and the poor just keeps growing more and more and more. That is so much about what this play is about."

The play, written by John Steinbeck and based on his own novella, follows migrant workers George and Lennie as they search for work and a better life during the Great Depression.

"This world, even though it takes place in the Depression, is very hopeful," Stilson said. "And all of the characters in this play are driven by a dream of a better tomorrow. Curley's wife's dreams are the reason that she runs away from home and the reason she gets married. She thinks that it will make things better. Candy gives Lennie and George his entire life savings because he is searching for a better tomorrow. And Crooks tries to do the same."

Maclin Schweger, as George Milton, and Vince Bartola, as Lennie Small, perform during a rehearsal of the Southeast Missouri State University production of the play "Of Mice and Men" on Thursday at the River Campus. (Glenn Landberg)

At the heart of the show is George Milton, played by Maclin Schweger, and Lennie Small, played by Vince Bartola. Both Schweger and Bartola said their characters dream of freedom and to live on their own ranch.

"George keeps on telling this same story about the land they are going to get and that they are going to live together and have rabbits," Bartola said. "Rabbits are a big thing, but I don't think it's just about the rabbits. It's the idea of freedom and being on their own and not having to be scared of everything. Each person in the show has an idea of what they want in the end, and the show is about having all this hope and about whether they get it."

Schweger said the most difficult part of his role, besides having a lot of lines, is being able to find the emotional balance between having patience with Lennie and snapping at him when Lennie's challenges get them in trouble.

"In a certain respect, he gets some sort of self-satisfaction in taking care of Lennie, but he also sees Lennie as the biggest obstacle in his way at times," Schweger said. "He's very genuine and caring, but like anyone, he has his limit. He has a temper, and the fuse gets really, really short when he can't get through to Lennie."

Bartola said one of the biggest challenges he has faced during this production is trying to depict the giant Lennie as the lovable and caring character he is without leaning on existing stereotypes regarding developmental disabilities.

"This is the most mentally exhausting show," Bartola said. "It's funny because we rehearse some of the more somber scenes, and usually when we rehearse, we are all friends and are all talking, but during that last scene, it's dead silence. Everyone is like, 'This is so sad.'"

Bartola said he has wanted to play Lennie since he read the novel his sophomore year in high school, and he has found himself and the cast spoiling the ending to people because they assume everyone has read it.

"Out of all the books that we had to read in high school, I think this is one that everyone enjoys, because everyone can relate to somebody in this show," Bartola said. "Everyone in their life has hopes and dreams, so it's really cool to see that it was written in 1937 and is still in the hearts and minds of people today."

Stilson said he is very excited to have people see these actors perform, and he expects large audiences.

"This is a very strong cast, and it's a very mature cast," Stilson said. "They get the depths of these characters and their situation. So they're doing a wonderful job. They are all upper-level acting majors I think a couple of them are musical theater, but they are all actors. And all of them have played principal roles before, so they bring a whole lot of depth to all of the characters. I couldn't be happier."

Stilson called the play an American tragedy and said the running theme of these characters continually reaching for better lives and finding that dream to be unattainable is one of the aspects that makes this play worth producing.

"As long as there remains a gulf between the economic classes, and as long as there is racism and the prejudices against the various groups of people, this story is going to be one that does need to be told and retold," Stilson said.

"Of Mice and Men" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Nov. 7 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus.

Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.