A Great Night of Theater

I was in Ogdensburg last night and saw the OCP presentation of the Barter Theatre’s production of John Steinbeck’s (Nobel Prize Winner) Of Mice and Men.

What a great show.  I, like many people, had to read the novella that inspired this stage production in High School and knew the plot, but that didn’t stop me from being on the edge of my seat as this well directed and very well acted production moved along briskly to its inevitable and sad conclusion.

The entire cast is great.  The two leads; John Hardy who plays George and especially Mike Ostroski who plays the strong, but dimwitted Lennie really shine.  Ostroski has the hardest job in the cast. Lennie must be human and believable, without being a caricature.  Yes, there are moments when Lennie’s infantile emotions and ideas are laughable, but you are never laughing at Lennie, rather the situation or ideas.  It is a testament to Ostroski’s skill that Lennie always appears real and his simplicity authentic.

Photo: Mike Ostroski

Many of Steinbeck’s themes and symbolism seem dated by modern standards. The metaphor of the dead mouse and then the dead puppy clearly foreshadow the climax of the play, with little left to the imagination.  Also, his technique, especially the repetition of characters’ dreams, needs and fears in the dialogue feels a bit like talking down to the audience (or reader).  I, personally, usually prefer plots and stories where everything isn’t so overtly stated, and the intrigue is in what isn’t said.  The mastery of Steinbeck is his complete confidence in his world and characters. It makes no difference if you hear about “tending the rabbits” a dozen times, or that it is mentioned over and over again that Lennie is physically dangerous because he doesn’t know his own strength and is dimwitted.  Believe me you will stay interested and riveted.  It isn’t the outcome that is important, but the total immersion in the naturalistic world that Steinbeck presents that fascinates.  The repetition of the symbolism and characters needs and dreams is so consistent, that it becomes the style and eventually becomes secondary to the drama unfolding.  You buy it.  I know I did.

Unfortunately, Of Mice and Men only played for one night as part of the Ogdensburg Command Performance Series.  Check out their website to see other touring shows – most of them, only playing one night only.  Don’t miss your chance to see some of the best professional theater in the North Country.