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youth & the arts

Dinner & a Show
Crack Up the Winter Blue’s at the Walnut Street Theatre’s Production of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men
By Katie Jillions & Juliet Piccone

Philadelphia is city rich in history, both political and artistic. But, the artistic side isn’t as well known. It’s hard to believe that Katie and I found ourselves sitting in the same theatre last month where famous actors and actresses like Katherine and Audrey Hepburn, Sidney Poitier and Marlon Brando once performed. Maybe I sat in a seat where President Thomas Jefferson once sat; he did see the theatre’s first production in 1812, The Rivals.

The Walnut was the first theatre in America built strictly for performing arts and made Philadelphia the home of the arts during the 1800s. And what’s even better is that it is still prominent today and caters to all age groups and is very affordable. 

This month’s showing, Of Mice and Men, is the perfect opportunity for parents to spend time with their teenagers. Being able to connect with your teens seems to be more and more of a challenge these days, and the Walnut Street Theatre’s rendition of John Steinbeck’s masterpiece is a perfect opportunity to add some culture to your teen’s life.

Of Mice and Men is a story about two migrant farm workers named George and Lennie. The story takes place in Southern California during the 1930s—the Depression Era. George is the strong-minded one who looks after his friend Lennie who has the mind of a child and is obsessed with “tending to the rabbits.” George and Lennie have a tough time keeping a job because Lennie gets into trouble without meaning to. Lennie is a big guy who doesn’t know his own strength and George seems to be the only one who can get through to him. The story shows the hardships that George goes through for his friend. They encounter racism, prejudice, friendship, and empathy. Patrice Maro, a seventh-grader from Westmont, saw the show with us and said, “I didn’t read the book but it was easy to follow and I really enjoyed the show.” The story is phenomenal and the staging was spectacular.

The show started with a projection of an old western road, and silhouettes of Lennie and George walking on it. Then when the projection screen was lifted, a very simple set of an on stage river and a canvas where shown. Different lighting effects conveyed the different times of day.

Katie and I felt as if we were outside when the canvas depicted a starry night. For the rest of the show, the setting was in a barn, which was amazingly realistic. They only showed one room of the barn, but it was huge and took up the entire stage. It was made out of wood and painted to look old and used. The actors were phenomenal, Lennie especially, because playing the role of a grown man with the mind of a child is no easy task; Katie and I we both agreed that he nailed it.

But, if you go, be prepared to shed a tear or two at the end: somebody is shot—and case you haven’t seen it, we won’t tell you who.

This was a great show, and we loved being in the city. The Walnut Street Theatre is located on 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. and parking is available next to the theatre and across the street. The play runs through March 4 and tickets cost $10-$57.50. Ticket Subscriptions are available for the children’s series as well as their normal season shows. Buying a subscription makes the theatre tickets as affordable as a movie ticket. For more information on the play, call 215.574.3550 or visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.

While You’re in Philly…

Just a few blocks away from the theatre is a casual restaurant, More Than Just Ice Cream. The name says it all, not only do they have delicious ice cream, they have a variety of other desserts that are just as scrumptious. It’s a great place to enjoy dinner and dessert and discuss the show. Their lunch/dinner menu is just as tasty as their desserts: they offer soups, salads and sandwiches. Their huge portions, great food, and cozy environment keep people coming back for more, hence the name. More Than Just Ice Cream is family-friendly and is very accommodating to groups. We have been there multiple times and have never been disappointed. It’s located at 1119 Locust St. For more information on the shop, call 215.574.0586.

Juliet Piccone is a Junior at Moorestown High School and Katie Jillions is a junior at Holy Cross High School.