(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Lord Stirling Theater Company will perform John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” in the English Barn Theater from June 2-11.  Set in Northern California during the Great Depression, “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of the friendship between two migrant workers, George and Lennie, whose shared dream of a better life on their own farm ends tragically. "Of Mice and Men" is performed in the restored 18th century English Barn at the Farmstead Arts Center, a unique space to see this classic American play.

John Steinbeck adapted his novel for the stage in 1937. The play premiered while the novel was still on the best seller lists. The production received the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play in 1938. There have also been a number of film and television adaptations of the novel.

The Lord Stirling Theater Company’s production of “Of Mice and Men” is directed by William Ward of Basking Ridge. The cast, in order of appearance, includes: Bob Scarpone of Flanders as George, Andrew Martinez of Bayonne as Lennie, Scott Avery of Califon as Candy, Ed McCarty of Bridgewater as The Boss, Jack Pacetti of Warren as Curley, Katy Cockrell of Fanwood as Curley’s Wife, Peter Curley of Maplewood as Slim, Robert Goodwin of Highland Park as Whit, and Changkuo Hsieh of Parsippany as Lee.

“Of Mice and Men” opens The Lord Stirling Theater Company’s fourth season at the Farmstead Arts Center, following their production of “And Then There Were None” and “The Dresser” in 2016, “The Tempest” and “Frankenstein’s Fate” in 2015, and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in 2014. A dynamic community of creative artists based in Basking Ridge, the group is committed to presenting innovative theater for diverse audiences, through readings and full productions of classical theater and new works, as well as exploring the American experience through compelling productions that illuminate and celebrate our history, culture and literature. The theater group fosters the next generation of theater artists and audiences by providing unique hands-on educational programming and training in all aspects of theater production.

The Farmstead Arts Center is located at 450 King George Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. “Of Mice and Men” will open on Friday, June 2, at 7:30PM, with additional performances on June 3 at 7:30PM, June 4 at 2:00PM, June 9 and 10 at 7:30PM, and June 11 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $15 for seniors (65 and over), Farmstead Arts members, and students. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.farmsteadarts.eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

The English Barn Theater is wheelchair accessible. Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services please send an e-mail in advance to farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com.

Funds for these events have been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant administered by The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

Photos (Jillian Keats, photographer):

1. (left to right) Bob Scarpone of Flanders (George), Andrew Martinez of Bayonne (Lennie)

2. (left to right) Andrew Martinez of Bayonne (Lennie), Scott Avery of Califon (Candy), Bob Scarpone of Flanders (George), Jack Pacetti of Warren (Curley), Peter Curley of Maplewood (Slim)

3. (left to right) Andrew Martinez of Bayonne (Lennie), Katy Cockrell of Fanwood (Curley’s Wife)