ARVADA, CO – The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanties presents the American classic drama Of Mice and Men, running January 29 – March 9, 2008 in the new Black Box Theater.

One of the most acclaimed fictional works in American literature, Of Mice and Men is a gripping tale of average people dealing with complex issues—survival, the bonds of friendship and the pursuit of happiness. Two lonely migrant workers, George, optimistic and responsible, and his companion Lennie, a gentle but simple-minded giant, wander from job to job. They know they won’t always be drifters for they have a dream—a place of their own, working their land and taking orders from no one. This unlikely pair is held together by common dreams, aspirations and dependencies, but all goes awry when the unthinkable happens. For even “the best laid plans of mice and men…”

Written by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck and published in 1937, Of Mice and Men is a novella based on Steinbeck’s own experience as a bindle stiff (hobo) in the 1920’s. The first stage adaptation opened on Broadway in 1937 and was chosen as Best Play in 1938 by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. The 1974 Broadway revival starred Kevin Conway as George, James Earl Jones as Lennie and noted stage actress Pamela Blair as Curley’s Wife.

Of Mice and Men is directed by Terry Dodd. Terry most recently directed the world premiere of A Place at Forest Lawn at the Arvada Center. Other Center credits includeA Raisin in the Sun, The Young Man from Atlanta, Picnic, Driving Miss Daisy and Prelude to a Kiss. His adaptation of 101 Dalmations was an Arvada Center Children’s production, and his script, Amateur Night at the Big Heart, had its world premiere at the Center. Other recent directorial credits include Paragon’s The Caretaker, Bas Bleu’s Angel’s in America – Perestroika and The Smell of the Kill at Avenue Theatre.

Kent Burnham makes his Arvada enter debut as George. Kent has previously worked with Terry Dodd in Terra Nova at the Denver Civic and WIT at the Nomad. Recent credits include The Crucible, Twelfth Night, Tuesdays with Morrie, Picnic and All My Sons. Television and film credits include As the World Turns, General Hospital,Melrose Place, Discord and Long Lost Love.

Patrick Brennan also makes his Arvada Center debut as Lennie. Patrick was named one of the Top 15 Theater Performers of 2004 in Los Angeles for his performance as Rupert in White Christmas People. Television and film credits include a recurring role on the NBC drama The Black Donnellys and The Kings of Appletown, directed by Bobby Moresco.

Chaz Grundy (Crooks), Jordan Leigh (Carlson), James Nantz (Whit), Mark Rubald (Slim), Louis Schaefer (Candy), Kyle Steffen (Curly) and Marcus Waterman (The Boss) all return to the Arvada Center stage. C. Kelly Leo makes her Arvada Center debut as Curly’s Wife.