The Adobe Theater is presenting Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck's classic impression of the depression. Steinbeck adapted the play from his own novella; it opened on Broadway in 1937, directed by George S. Kaufman. A veritable who's who of the American theatre have acted in various productions of the play, including Wallace Ford, Broderick Crawford, Lon Chaney Jr., Kevin Conway, James Earl Jones, James Franco, and Chris O'Dowd. This production is a worthy successor to the many presentations of the play since its premiere.

Director Nancy Sellin states that the play is one of her favorites and is ultimately a tragic love story of two friends who need each other. She helms a talented cast and production team to present an exemplary evening in the theatre.

The cast is led by Daniel Paul Anaya as George and Caedmon Holland as Lennie. They are both well suited to their roles and work very well together. The various ranch personnel are well cast and believable as quirky misfits thrown together by circumstances. Tim Reardon turns in a remarkably understated Candy, and Myles Hughes builds his character of Slim with some wonderful details. Anthony Foster as Crooks is focused and effective in his formal stage debut. Together the cast builds a tension that propels the play forward.

The only female character in the play is Curley's Wife, played by Adobe stalwart Kristine Padilla. She is a remarkably effective comic actor but seems ill cast in this role. She just doesn't come across as cheap, trashy, or cunning enough for this character. We should gasp at her audacity as she winds Lennie up. Sometimes casting against type can work, but this effort is not so successful.

The production is adequately styled by Peter Parkin's gray (mostly) and haunting set. Costumes by Jason Godin are equally monochromatic and utilitarian in service of the mood and the theme of the play. Riley Lewis has crafted an excellent sound design. Props and set decoration are well done by Nina Dorrance. Fight scene coordinator Tait Peterson does clever work in a tight space.

Overall, the pace and tone are sufficient. The hour and a half first act flies by. The second act is adequate but lacks the darker momentum and horror of the action. The tragic acts that define this play needed to take more time. The audience is rushed through the well-known scene with Lennie and Curley's wife, and the final act could use some modulation. This is a gritty play and some of the darker elements are missing.

Of Mice and Men is more than relevant today. The Adobe production is well worth your attendance. It is a small theater; get your tickets before they are gone.

Of Mice and Men runs through May 3, 2026, at The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:30pm at 2:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. General Admission: $28.46, Discount Admission $24.32, Students $19.15 with fees. For tickets and information, please visit adobetheater.org or call 505-898-9222.

Directed by Nancy Sellin, Set design by Pete Parkin, Costume Design by Jason Godin, Lighting Design by Lapis Kesselring, Sound Design by Riley Lewis, Fight Coordinator-Tait Peterson

Cast: Daniel Paul Anaya, Caedmon Holland, Tim Reardon, Eric Bodwell, Bailey Hunt, Kristine Padilla, Castalia Mayerhofer, Myles Hughes, Ton Doty, Jacob Chavez, Anthony Foster, and Bowie as Candy's Dog