SG Of Mice and Men.pub - Park Square Theatre

THE PLAY & THE PLAYWRIGHTOf Mice and Men: From Page to StageCONTINUEDThe Novel PerformedIn October of 1937, Steinbeck’s experiment in formwas put to the test. His experimental novel wasstaged by the Theatre Union in San Francisco, exactlyas Steinbeck intended, word for word, withoutrevision. Although the dialogue seemed natural onthe page, the overall effect of watching thisproduction was that of hearing a novel read aloud: aninteresting experience, but without the drive and—ironically—theatricality of the novel. Steinbeckconsidered this version a failure, and might neverhave pursued a dramatic adaptation except for theinsistent urging of theatrical director and playwright,George S. Kaufman.Changing the Novel into a PlayKaufman, whose own famed writing by then includedclassics like You Can’t Take it With You and The ManWho Came to Dinner, was convinced that Of Miceand Men would make a wonderful play. Armed withPlaywright George S. KaufmanKaufman’s keen theatrical impulses and theassistance of Steinbeck’s theatrical agent, AnneLaurie Williams, who helped him format the play, Steinbeck rewrote approximately 15% of thenovel’s dialogue, altered a couple of scenes and made several subtle changes throughout. Aftera particularly successful session with his collaborators, Steinbeck slapped his big hands on thetable, stood, pronounced the play “damn good,” and his work was complete. Steinbeck leftNew York before rehearsals had even begun. The draft of the play that Steinbeck left on thetable was the version performed on Broadway and the play we see today. Of Mice and Menopened on November 23, 1937 at the Music Box Theatre in New York, and ran for 207performances. Steinbeck, who had by then moved on to writing The Grapes of Wrath, neversaw his play performed.By Matt ScipleFORMER LITERARY MANAGERparksquaretheatre.org | page 15