The Online Reflector

By Staci Reafsynder
Sports Editor

The play “Of Mice and Men,” directed by Jennifer Alexander from the University of Indianapolis theatre department, has arrived at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre.

According to Alexander, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre decided to produce “Of Mice and Men” because the story, written by novelist John Steinbeck, is a required text for high school students; and the Civic Theatre wanted the students to see the play performed.

“Of Mice and Men” is set in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. Two men, George and Lenny, travel from farm to farm trying to find work and hope, and they eventually start a farm of their own.

Alexander was given the opportunity by the Indiana Civic Theatre to direct “Of Mice and Men.”

She said that she chose to take the job because she loves Steinbeck, his writing, his work and the way the play strikes a cord within her about loneliness and searching for a dream.

Cast members began researching the play and Steinbeck and started rehearsals in September.
Since “Of Mice and Men” takes place in the 30s and is set on many farms, the cast also researched the time period and the lifestyle of ranch hands.

According to Alexander, the cast practices five days a week. She “blocks” the actors, or arranges how they will stand during the actual performance. They develop their characters on and off-stage to get to know who they are going to be on stage.

According to Jeffrey Barnes, theatre production manager and technical director, Alexander has a very strong work ethic when it comes to theatre.

“She brings an attitude of fun with her into any project that she’s working on,” Barnes said.

Alexander has been a professor at UIndy for the past six years, having spent seven years focused on directing.

“I did directing in college, but I was mainly an actor until the last seven years [when] I moved into directing,” Alexander said.

Originally from Oklahoma, Alexander studied at the University of Oklahoma and received a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre, and then went on to the University of Illinois to receive a master of fine arts degree in acting.

During her career in theatre, she has directed plays such as “The Crucible,” by Arthur Miller and “Pippin,” by Steven
Schwartz.

In the spring, she also will direct the musical “Red Herring” for the dinner theatre production at UIndy.

“The one thing that carries through in everything she does is that she’s passionate and dedicated to her art,” Barnes said.

Alexander said that as a theatre artist, she’s lived and worked in many places around the country, including Chicago and New York City. She also worked in “off-off Broadway” or spaces that people have turned into more affordable theatres.

“Of Mice and Men” will continue for students through Nov. 16 at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.
Although the play is open mainly to high school students, there are two public performances planned for Nov. 10 and 18.

Further information about the show times for public performances can be found at http://civictheatre.org.