By Eva Trieger in Ramona, California
High school literature reading lists haven’t changed much in the past 40 years. There are the requisite Shakespeare plays, The Diary of Anne Frank, Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby and then, like a lighthouse cutting through the fog of adolescence, there is John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. This novella is memorable and timeless, and perhaps that is why Lamplighter’s Community Theatre is bringing it to their La Mesa stage.
In a recent telephone interview, I had the opportunity to speak with director Teri Brown. Like many of us, Brown was assigned a copy of Steinbeck’s Depression-era novel about two men, down on their luck, just trying to make ends meet. George and Lennie, two ranch hands, are traveling through rural California, hoping to scrape together enough money for their own place. Though the pair are friends, the relationship is imbalanced. Lennie, a gentle giant, looks to George for guidance and direction, while George maintains the partnership ostensibly out of obligation.
Brown’s early experience with the novel is a delightful tale. As a sophomore, she was given her numbered copy of the classroom collection. She found herself reading and re-reading it, and when the teacher collected them, Brown had inexplicably “lost” her copy. The book has remained in her possession ever since. It has traveled coast to coast, overseas and back to San Diego. It lives in a box with her birth certificate and passport and is one of the first items she packs and unpacks when traveling. Today, that same copy is held together by rubber bands. So, when the opportunity came to direct this show, it was a no-brainer.
I was unaware that Steinbeck had also written a stage adaptation of his book. Brown secured a copy of the script and spoke with Pam Stompoly, who gave her the green light. With 15 years under her belt as the Artistic Director of Chula Vista’s Onstage Playhouse, Brown was no stranger to culling the best from her actors and bringing audiences thought-provoking experiences that help them discover their humanity.
Given a free hand with the casting, Brown selected local artists and encouraged them to “make choices.” She reported that she was pleasantly surprised with the way her actors inhabit their characters and bring them to life through gestures and nuance. Brown was not trying to mimic the Gary Sinise/John Malkovich film. The director is creating this performance in its own right, not attempting to recreate a Broadway feel.
Brown has directed in many of our area theatres and is drawn to shows that demonstrate, “human life is messy.” Some examples of her predilection include Bright Star and The Revlon Girl. However, she is versatile and has also brought San Diego audiences Xanadu and Spring Awakening! The director enjoys working in many of the intimate spaces around town, and most recently got a taste of Cygnet’s new home at the Joan while assistant directing with Sean Murray.
Brown hopes that Lamplighter audiences will gain a new appreciation for the story as they explore the complex friendships, isolation and the desire to make connections. The tale is about loss on many levels, but always about an individual’s desire to be seen and heard.
As the arts suffer many financial blows, I was thrilled to learn that the Association of Community Theatres is focused on upcoming special events with a singular agenda. They are raising money for a scholarship fund. The inaugural event, January 18th, will be hosted by the Patio Playhouse in Escondido and will feature staged readings adapted from The Princess Bride.
While you may not have absconded with your high school copy of Steinbeck’s novel, it’s definitely time for you to revisit the story and see how your own life experiences have altered the way you now see each character’s motivation and the ways in which he/she seeks that human bond.
Of Mice and Men will run through February 1st. Tickets may be purchased online at boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com or by phone at 619-303-5092.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.
Thanks SDJW for the compelling read.