Yeah, I know—Of Mice and Men isn’t exactly the kind of daring new work we normally get excited about. But this production smashes together some of the best theater talent in the city: scenic design by Stranger Genius Jennifer Zeyl; music and sound design by Robertson Witmer of “Awesome”; performances by the inimitable Charles Leggett (who improves every scene he’s ever been in), Troy Fischnaller (who doesn’t know how to be not-interesting onstage), Ray Tagavilla (whom we’ve regularly exhorted regional theaters to hire more often), and many others. If this show isn’t a parade of brilliance, I’ll eat this week’s Suggests page on camera and post it to Slog. (Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St, 443-2222, 2 and 7:30 pm, $12–$64)
Brend an Kiley has worked as a child actor in New Orleans, as a member of the junior press corps at the 1988 Republican National Convention, and, for one happy April, as a bootlegger’s assistant in Nicaragua.... More by Brendan Kiley
Saw the Seattle Rep production last night and it was arresting and brilliant. If you made it through high school you probably know the story and how it ends, but getting there was riveting. Super acting, great set, heartbreaking tale. The George and Lenny characters have to be strong because they are on stage so much – they carry this production very, very well, but get a lot of help. In particular, the actor playing Candy is just excellent, personifying pathos in his portrayal.