Movie stars James Franco and Chris O’Dowd are heading to Broadway, leading a production of the play based on John Steinbeck’s classic novel Of Mice and Men.
Producer David Binder said Tuesday that Franco will play George, while O’Dowd will star as Lennie, reports The Associated Press. The novel takes place during the Depression, with George and Lennie as unlikely friends working at a farm. George is intelligent, while Lennie is mentally challenged, but the two have dreams of getting a place of their own.
Previews will start at the Longacre Theatre on March 19, reports The New York Daily News. Opening night is set for April 19 and the limited engagement will end on July 27. Anna D. Shapiro (August: Osage County) is signed to direct. The remaining cast will be announced later. The Daily News notes that Franco did mention plans to do Of Mice and Men earlier this year when he was on The Colbert Report to promote Oz The Great and Powerful.
Of Mice and Men debuted on Broadway in 1937 and a 1974 revival starred James Earl Jones and Kevin Conway. It was also adapted for the silver screen in 1939 and 1992.
Tickets go on sale on Jan. 11.
Franco stars in Homefront, which opens Friday. O’Dowd is best known for his role in Bridesmaids and starred on the British comedy The I.T. Crowd.
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