The upcoming Of Mice And Men Broadway production will be including more stage debuts, with former Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester joining the cast. She will star alongside movie stars James Franco and Chris O’Dowd.
Meester has been cast as the wife of the rancher’s son, producer said Monday, the Associated Press reports. The woman draws the attention of George, Lennie and the other ranch hands and Lennie’s interest in her gets him into serious trouble.
Of Mice and Men is based on the classic John Steinbeck novel. Franco and O’Dowd were cast as George and Lennie, respectively, last month. The two are farmhands in search of work during the Great Depression. George is smart, while Lennie is mentally challenged and is fascinated by pretty things. Their dream is to have a farm of their own one day.
The play hasn’t been on Broadway since 1974 and debuted in 1937. The play was the basis of the 1939 film and Gary Sinise later directed another version in 1992.
It is expected to start at the Longacre Theatre in March under the direction of Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro. The official opening is set for April 19.
In addition to Gossip Girl, Meester also appeared in Date Night, That’s My Boy and Country Strong.
image: Wikimedia Commons
