Of Mice and Men opens at Threshold Repertory Theatre this January

Threshold Rep, Charleston’s professional theatre company brings the heart-wrenching classic, Of Mice and Men to the stage this January. Based on the award-winning novel by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men tells the story of two friends searching for work in California during the Great Depression. “John Steinbeck said it best ‘Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other.’ This story reigns true today on the importance of acceptance and understanding. We chose this piece in hopes of not only educating audiences but inspiring tolerance and compassion,” says Executive Director, Courtney Daniel.

The story unfolds as field worker, George and his simple minded friend Lennie dream of owning their own farm yet Lennie’s excessive strength and mental handicaps derail their dream as they flee from one job to the next. Despite George’s irritation with Lennie’s antics he steps in to protect Lennie as his episodes continue to get out of hand. After Lennie accidentally kills a farmer’s wife, George must make a difficult decision to save Lennie from the farmer’s lynch mob.

Director Chris Weatherhead brings a veteran approach to Of Mice and Men having portrayed the key role of Curley’s Wife in a star production at Buck’s County Playhouse in 1973 with TV and Broadway star, Tom Poston. “He was starring in the TV comedy hit, ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ at the time and flew in to do the play” Chris says. “Tom’s astounding acting ability as Lennie was a marvelous surprise to me because I was very young and I only knew of him as a comedy star. He was one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with. Because of that wonderful experience, I am happy to direct the show here in Charleston. Also, my family is originally from Northern California where my grandmother grew up herding sheep on one of the ranches there. I have a great understanding of the culture of that time.” Chris has been a leading lady in theater, film and TV for over thirty years in New York, Hollywood and regionally. She trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London, American Rep Theatre (NYC), and A.C.T. in San Francisco. She co-founded Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina with husband, Clarence Felder, producing 89 productions, celebrating 20 years in South Carolina and brings a much needed insight to this gallant undertaking.

We welcome veteran film and theatre actor, Daniel Jones as Lennie and local talent, Philip Gajewski as George, and a great supporting cast of professional actors. Daniel Jones has had an extensive film and theater career, including roles in the TV movie Lincoln’s Last Day, and TV series Army Wives and Revolution and feature films Warrior Road, Killing Winston Jones and Arthur Newman.  Mr. Jones also received an award for Best Actor in the film, Patrol at the Charleston International Film Festival which also was screened at Sundance, GenArt in New York City and USA film festival. He has worked with a number of stars including Colin Firth, Sam Shephard, Danny Glover, Richard Dreyfuss and others. As a theater actor, Danny won Best Supporting actor at the League of Charleston Theatre awards and has played leading roles in various local theaters. 

Rep for Reading Book Drive

Threshold Rep is thrilled to partner with Blue Bicycle Books and the Charleston County School District for our Rep for Reading Book Drive to promote literacy throughout Charleston county. We will be accepting books appropriate for ages 11-17 beginning December 7th at Blue Bicycle Books, Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 7:30pm, Sundays form 1:00pm – 6:00pm and at Threshold Repertory Theatre, Thursday – Saturday 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Sundays 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Donate a book and receive a $5 off coupon for Of Mice and Men and a 10% discount for any book at Blue Bicycle Books. Help give the joy of reading.