Directed By: Melody Dixon Montez
When you read John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella, Of Mice and Men, you would think to yourself that this book is ahead of its time. However, it is not. It illustrates a time in history that tackles many issues that are, unfortunately, still at the forefront of humanity today. Set on a farm in California during the Great Depression, it follows the story of migrant farm workers dealing with poverty, mental health issues, racism, classism, loneliness, and the strong desire to achieve that elusive “American Dream”. It is not a feel-good story, of course. The men and woman in this story are suffering and desperately trying to grasp at a dignified existence. They work hard and do their best to make better choices so that they might have a better life one day. However, what do you do when all of your hard work and what you believe are good choices are suddenly shattered by one tragic event? Even if you cannot relate to hard life on a farm or severe mental health problems, you can certainly relate to a life-altering tragedy. Most of us will experience harsh set-backs in life. It is part of the human condition.
Melody Dixon Montez directs this classic work and is honored to bring it to the Crighton Theatre stage. Melody is the Executive Director of the Crighton and is part of its resident theatre company, Stage Right of Texas, who is producing this play as part of their 2025-2026 season. She has been with Stage Right since its debut show back in 2008 and loves nothing more than bringing Stage Right’s shows to life whether it is directing, acting, or behind the scenes. She has put together a stellar cast to tell this story.
Of Mice and Men centers around GEORGE, played by Jacob Hoffpauir-Evans and LENNIE played by Lucas Phillips. George’s difficulties in caring for Lennie while still trying to get ahead in life are both enhanced and stifled by the other characters on the farm. Cooper Smith is in the role of the BOSS, who is also father to hothead CURLEY, played by Kolby Hughes. The wise calm of SLIM, played by Matthew Johnson, the friendship of CANDY (Rob Baker) and the other farm hands add to the story bringing a variety of questions and problems to George. Rounding out the characters are CURLEY’S WIFE (Shelby Colvin), CARLSON (Robert Bowlin), WHIT (Johnathan Brown) and CROOKS (Ahmad Sanders). These are some of the finest actors in the area and it is a privilege to work with all of them to bring this classic to life for you.
Of Mice and Men opens on February 6 and runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm until February 22 at the Historic Crighton Theatre. For tickets, visit www.crightontheatre.org or call our box office at 936-441-7469
Melody Dixon Montez, Executive Director of The Crighton Theatre directs John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men for Stage Right of Texas February 6-22, 2026
