New World Opera opens in Melbourne

 The Melbourne premiere of new Aussie Opera Of Mice and Men opens tonight at the Arts Centre, The State Theatre.  

 The Melbourne premiere of new Aussie Opera Of Mice and Men opens tonight at the Arts Centre, The State Theatre.   Composed by one of America’s most revered musicians, Carlisle Floyd, this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella features rich humanity and instantly accessible song lines. Award-winning tenor Anthony Dean Griffey makes his Melbourne debut in the role of Lennie Small, with George Milton (as Barry Ryan), Bradley Daley (Curley), Jud Arthur (Candy), Jacqueline Mabardi (Curley’s wife), Luke Gabbedy (Slim), David Corcoran (Carlson) and John Longmuir (Ballad Singer) also appearing in the production. Directed by acclaimed film director Bruce Beresford and conducted by Tom Woods, the show is scheduled for four performances only.  Saturday 26 November – 7:30 p.m Wednesday 30 November 7:30 p.m Saturday 3 December 1:00 p.m Saturday 10 December 7:30 p.m
George and Lennie are migrant farmhands during the Great Depression. Their only home is a communal bunkhouse under the lonely prairie skies. But they are different to their fellow workers. They have a plan, a dream of buying a farm and making a life. If, that is, George can keep Lennie, who has the strength of a giant, but the mind of a child, out of trouble…
Performed in English with English surtitles.Running time: One hour and fifty-five minutes including one twenty-minute interval.