CENTER PRESENTS STEINBECK'S CLASSIC STORY ON LUCK, FATE.

Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News

California author and playwright John Steinbeck picked a small bit of Robert Burns poetry for the title to his powerful, adult drama "Of Mice and Men."

The Scottish poet appropriately states: "The best laid schemes o' mice and men gang aft a-gley (awry)."

Set in the Depression era, two unlikely friends, Lennie and George (Frederick R. Helsel and Taylor Kasch), dare to dream of a better life and a place of their own while they work hard as itinerant farmhands.

Their fantasy will forever evade them, as they become caught up in events almost predestined, given their circumstances.

Lennie has a big heart, but his child-like mind combined with a large, overly strong body doom him from the start. He only wants to pet fuzzy, soft things such as mice, rabbits or puppies but inevitably and inadvertently kills them.

Kasch's well-meaning and loving George, much as he strives, cannot stop the events that inexorably lead to tragedy. Superior performances by these two main characters carry the play with authority and believability.

George and Lennie have escaped a potentially nasty situation with a woman in northern California, when they find work on another farm, hoping this time that they'll be able to save money for their dream.

They encounter Curley, an egotistical bully (Christopher Cotone) and his sexy but lonely wife (Lucille Duncan). George can immediately sense trouble.

There are positives on the new farm. Old man Candy (a skillful character portrayal by the accomplished Robert E. "Doc" Reynolds) overhears them talk of the dream farm and offers his nest egg to make it a reality. The likable and honest Slim (Jeff G. Rack) has an innate understanding of their friendship and its challenges.

Much as we hope for that happy ending, the volatile dynamics of conflicting characters and Lennie's nature combine to render a bittersweet conclusion.

Other members of this very capable cast include John Masterson as The Boss, Braden McKinley as Carlson, Robert Sabotka as Whit, Victor Williams as Crooks, and the canine, Finn Kasch, that plays Candy's dog.

This play is definitely recommended for adults. The strong adult themes, however, are not appropriate for pre-teens.

The theater, which is one of the loveliest local venues, is comfortable but the air conditioning can sometimes be too chilly. A sweater is recommended for those who are susceptible to the cold.

Appropriate to the play, the theater's lobby area main gallery is featuring an historical display of photojournalist Horace Bristol through Jan. 28.

The photos include his famous "Steinbeck Photos," which were taken while on assignment with Steinbeck to cover central California migrant farm workers.

The photos and research were later used by Steinbeck to write his classic book, "The Grapes of Wrath."

THE FACTS

WHAT: "Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 28, extra performance 8 p.m. Jan. 25.

WHERE: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.

COST: $15 per adult, $12 for seniors and students, 20% discount for 10 or more.

INFORMATION: [phone] or [phone].

CAPTION(S):

PHOTO

Photo Frederick R. Helsel, left, plays Lennie to Taylor Kasch's George, two farmworkers who are the best of friends, in the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's production of "Of Mice and Men."