Flathead students perform classic work by Steinbeck

The Flathead High School Theatre Department will present John Steinbeck's classic "Of Mice and Men" March 14, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theatre.

Deftly depicted by a truly great American writer and winner of both the Pulitzer and Nobel prizes, "Of Mice and Men" is a literary masterpiece and a riveting theatre experience. It tells the story of migrant workers Lennie and George and the complex friendship that binds them together. Steinbeck draws an unlikely friendship between George, the tough-talking dreamer, and Lennie, the big-hearted, simple-minded giant, who depends on George for survival.

"John Steinbeck creates a moving study of the character of two drifters with delusions of 'living off the fat of the land.' They have just arrived at a ranch to work to acquire enough money to buy their own place," said director Greg Adkins. "After a series of unfortunate events, George is faced with a moral question. How can he protect his friend from the mob of ranchers?"

This presentation of "Of Mice and Men" is the first for Flathead High School. The story explores the fundamental human need for friendship, hope, and the search for the American dream.

"This is an ambitious undertaking. The students in this production have been dedicated, disciplined and determined to make this production as professional and meaningful as possible," said Adkins.

There are no weekend performances because of the upcoming spring break.

The Advanced Theatre Arts Class has crafted a set that is a combination of minimalism, realism, and symbolism using elements of barn wood, split trees and hay bales against a forest background. The show will be performed in Alley or Arena Style with the audience viewing the playing area from two opposite sides of the theatre.

Members of the Advanced Theatre Arts Class include Laura Arvidson, Ashley Danno, Chelsea Eickert, Natasha Eickert, Adam Finch, Wesley Hilton, Benjamin Kuehne, Nicholas Malinak, Cameron Maxwell, Andrew Noe, Kamille Phillips, Peggy Potter, Peter Rasmussen, Katherine Read, Kimberly Suarez and Tiffany Zellmer.

The cast of "Of Mice and Men" includes Rasmussen as George, Maxwell as Lenny, Alex Cox as Candy, Brandon Shirtliff as the Boss, Jeremy Adams as Curley, Katrina Kimmel as Curley's Wife, Sean Sullivan as Slim, Marcus Hafferman as Carlson, Cory Lengstorf as Whit, and David Brabham as Crooks.

Behind the scenes, Erin McGarvey, Elizabeth Harball, Joe Drury, Kelsey Steinbeck, Nate Herset, Madison Monroe, Joe Drury, Kim Cowan and Scotty Davis make up the stage, lighting and sound crew.

Tickets are available at Herberger's and the school's main office and are $6 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens.

Attached Photos:

Picture 1:

Cameron Maxwell as Lennie

Picture 2:

Back Row: Alex Cox (Candy), Cory Lengstorf (Whit), Brandon Shirtliff (the Boss), David Brabham (Crooks)

Front Row: Sean Sullivan (Slim), Cameron Maxwell (Lenny), Peter Rasmussen (George), Katrina Kimmel (Curley's Wife), Jeremy Adams (Curley)

Picture 3:

Cameron Maxwell (Lenny), Peter Rasmussen (George), Katrina Kimmel (Curley's Wife)