by John Steinbeck

March22 - April 15, 2006

Paul Petersen(L) & J.P. Driscoll(R) in Of Mice & Men

ArtsHouston Magazine Review

Houston's theatrical treasures, starting with The Alley, working through Stages and Main Street, and ending at the beloved lunatic fringe of Infernal Bridegroom, have been hammering away at our consciousness so long we forget they were highly unlikely ventures at the start. We can hope for no less success and no less support for the brand-new Texas Repertory Theatre Co., which aspires to bring high quality professional productions to Northwest Houston. The theatre they're already dong would impress anyone inside the loop - they just happen to be doing it pretty far outside.

Following on thier initial success (and buzz) generated with Our Town in the winter, John Steinbeck's dark masterpiece Of Mice & Men comes with the warmer months - to be followed by A Midsummer Night's Dream and the forever fun musical Forever Plaid. Of Mice & Men, however, is neither romantic comedy or hummable fluff. As the title borrowed from Robert Burns suggests, the dreams we hold dearest may not only be doomed but may doom us right along with them. Strong stuff, acted and spoken in Steinbeck's signature strong language.

On a set as stark as it was attractive, The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. pput on a production easily the equal of the versions seen at The Alley and even, in changed form, at Houston Grand Opera some time back. The company hopes to build a collection of local actors, but this early in the game depended on friends spread around New York and los Angeles after working together at The University of South Carolina. Micjael Kroeker was wonderful as George, the guy who held a lot of people's dreams together, with John-Patrick Driscoll unforgettable as big-dumb-doomed Lenny, ho ends up breaking everything he touches. Paul Petersen broke a lot of hearts as Candy, the shaky guy with the dog. The rest of the cast, including Texas Repertory Associat Artistic Director Steven Fenley, was everything we might hope for - not just on 1960...anywhere.

John DeMers