Andrea - Westport County Playhouse

Last week I attended the performance of "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck at the Westport County Playhouse.

I had read the book in high school and have to admit that it was not one of my favorite books. However when the chance to attend this performace at the Playhouse came up, I was not going to pass it. The Playhouse is a most beautiful place in Westport that I have not taken enough advantage of in all my years living in this area (and that is my whole life) It is a very rustic and warm building with pictures of performers and performance proudly displayed throughout the building.

The theater itself is a very intimate theater and I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. As I sat in my seat waiting for the lights to dim and the show to start, I took some time out of my conversation with my friend to just enjoy my surroundings. I observed the people around me as eager as I was for the curtain to go up. I checked out the decorations of the room and rustic setting of the theater and I caught bits and pieces of the audiences converstations remembering Paul Newman and what The Playhouse meant to him. It was very heartwarming.

Then the curtain went up and I was whisked away into another time and place. The stage had a minimal set and even if it were elaborate, it surely would have been overpowered by the actors on stage and their performance. I can't say enough about how wonderful each and every actor in the play was. I forgot where I was and all of my thoughts as I became engrossed in the goings on of the play. Now as I mentioned, I had read the book in high school and remembered most of what the book was about, and even though it was a sad story and I knew what was going to happen (I won't spoil it for those who have not read the book) I was still so affected by all the took place on the stage and how the actors up there brought it to life.

This play has been extended through November 1st and although it might seem like short notice, if you can make time to see it, do it, even if Steinbeck and sad are not your first choices of entertainment (just like they are not mine) you won't be disappointed in this play and The Playhouse.

And be sure to keep your eye on their upcoming schedule, I hear the Christmas Show is not one to miss either and it is right here practically in our own back yards! Enjoy the shows and let me know if you see them and what you think.