Walters State Presents "Of Mice and Men" Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 17-19

Lennie, played by Michael Bumgarner, and George, played by Chris Wylie, contemplate ending their friendship and going separate ways during the first act of Walters State’s production of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” The play will be performed on Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 17-19 with the final dress rehearsal on Nov. 9 open to area high school students at no charge.

Walters State Presents Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men"

          The Walters State Music and Theatre Department invites you to enjoy the fall production of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” on the Morristown Campus. 
          Show times for “Of Mice and Men” are 8 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 senior citizens (55+) and $5 for students. The formal dress rehearsal on Nov. 9 will be open to high school students at no admission charge.
          “Of Mice and Men” follows farm laborers George and Lennie as they travel through central California, always searching for work, during the Great Depression. As they dream of one day owning an acre of land, their friendship is revealed as the most meaningful aspect of their lives. 
          The production marks the Walters State debut of director Jack Truman, instructor of theatre at Walters State. He brings 35 years of entertainment experience, including stage and theatre work, to his new job.
          “This play is set 100 years ago,” Truman said. “The characters are still so relatable, and our cast members have embraced the story.”
           Cast as Lennie is Michael Bumgarner. He is a freshman pre-physical therapy major. Chris Wylie, a veteran of local theatre, is cast as George. Wylie’s past credits include “A Comedy of Errors” and “Hamlet.” This is his first leading role.
           Other cast members include Abby Courtney as Whit, Kathy Dee as Candy, Zachary Fosbenner as Slim, Kaitlyn Marino as the Boss and Curley, and Cynthia Maurissa as Curley’s wife. Understudy actors are Silver Schneider, Jazzy Pickens and Brittany Brooks. 
           Wes Downing is the production and stage manager. He holds a degree in theatre and music from Carson-Newman College and has over 30 years of experience in local theatre. His original play, “Cry Havoc” was produced by Walters State in 2022.
           Truman’s television credits include appearances on “Murder She Wrote,” “West Wing,” and “While You Were Sleeping.” Truman is an independent filmmaker, with his productions screened at over 600 festivals. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Minnesota State University and a bachelor’s degree in business from Missouri Southern State University. He has received training in improv from the Groundlings. Truman is the founder of the Holly Weird Film Festival, which continues in Los Angeles.          
          For more information, or to make reservations, call 423-585-6947. The box office will open for ticket sales one hour prior to showtime.