Entertainment
James Franco & Chris O'Dowd to Star in 'Of Mice and Men' on Broadway: Here's Our Dream Female Cast
Good news for fans of the theater. James Franco and Chris O'Dowd are making their Broadway debuts in an upcoming production of John Steinbeck's classic short novel-turned-play-turned-English-class-staple Of Mice and Men. You know the story, the gentle giant and his gruff, yet kind caretaker find themselves working as ranch hands on a farm that is a microcosm of their past, present, and future. High hopes, big heartbreak, and shattering humanity. It is everything that made Steinbeck, Steinbeck.
It'll be exciting to see Franco and O'Dowd tackle these iconic and difficult roles. Especially since they're both known more for their comedic chops than their dramatic ones these days. With Tony Award-winning Anna D. Shapiro as the director at the helm of the project, we know it'll be the show everyone will be talking about.
Having Shapiro's brilliant vision behind the piece, it's no doubt that she'll be a dream director. We also wondered what Of Mice and Men could look like with an all-star female cast alongside an all-star female director. Here are our picks.
Kim Cattrall — Lennie
Kim Cattrall may be one of the most under-rated actresses in the business. You might dismiss her as always being one Samantha Jones, however, when it comes to the stage Cattrall is a powerhouse. She recently earned rave reviews for her work in Tennesse WIlliam's Sweet Bird of Youth at London's famous Old Vic Theatre. As versatile as she is, Cattrall would play the perfect complex, yet simple-minded Lennie.
Eve Best — George
Eve Best has played some of the most iconic female roles in theater history, ranging from classical to modern tragedy to absurdist. She's the Renaissance woman of the stage. Who better to play the troubled conscience at the center of the play?
Alfre Woodard — Crooks
Crooks is equal parts funny, stubborn, proud, and realistic. In fewer words, Crooks cuts right through bullshit, and so can Woodard.
Harriet Walter — Candy
If you were lucky enough to catch Walter as Brutus in Donmar Warehouse's all-female production of Julius Caesar, then you know how Walter can completely captivate an audience. If Walter can stage a coup and kill the king, then she can play the character responsible for shooting the poor old dog in the back of the head. (That's not a spoiler, seriously EVERYONE read 'Of Mice and Men' in high school).
Kerry Washington — Curley
We all know Kerry Washington is PERFECTION. She's a tour de force on Scandal, was hi-freakin-larious on Saturday Night Live and we think it's just about time she works her magic playing the villain.
Rachel Weisz — Curley's Wife
Weisz is the perfect actress to play the character of Curley's Wife. The role traditionally is seen as a "tart," but we think an actress like Weisz could give that interpretation a much needed overhaul. Aside from being sexual, the character is also kind, sweet, and quite human. Weisz would bring the sort of subtlety and femininity that could transform the role.
Cathy Bates — Carlson
Just try and imagine the emotional wreckage left after Bates decides to put her old dog down. She will destroy all of our hearts.
Blythe Danner — Slim
Blythe Danner is one of the most accomplished female American stage actresses — powerful, delicate, emotive, and cuts straight to the truth. Slim is the sage of the farm and is the one who understands the greater dynamics amongst all of the characters. Oh wise Danner, bring us your compassion.
Anjelica Huston — The Boss
Look at her. She is THE BOSS.
