The American classic, which has not been seen on Broadway in 40 years, will be directed by Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro. Opening night is set for April 16.
Meester will play the role of Curley’s Wife. The actress began her career performing in regional theatre before receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of Blair Waldorf on the hit show “Gossip Girl.” She had recurring roles on a variety of long-running shows, including “24,” “Entourage” and “House.” Meester is also a singer/songwriter and starred opposite Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw in the feature film "Country Strong."
Additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later time.
Tickets will go on sale Jan. 11. The limited engagement will continue through July 27, 2014.
Adapted from his own novel, Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, according to press notes, is an "essential adventure, an inspirational portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship. Of Mice and Men tells the story of George (James Franco) and Lennie (Chris O'Dowd), an unlikely pair of friends drifting from job to job across the farms and fields of California, holding fast to their dream of one day having an acre of land they can call their own." "Of Mice and Men" began as a novella published in 1937 by Nobel Prize winner Steinbeck. It was adapted for the screen several times and adapted as a radio play for the BBC. The first stage production was directed by George S. Kaufman in 1937 and ran for 207 performances.
James Franco (George) is an actor, director, screenwriter, producer, teacher and author. He began his career on the cult television program "Freaks and Geeks" and received a Golden Globe Award for playing the title character in the TV biographical film “James Dean.” Notable film credits include "Oz the Great and Powerful," "Spring Breakers," Harry Osborn in the "Spider-Man" trilogy, "Milk" and "127 Hours," for which he received Academy Award, SAG and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor.
Chris O’Dowd (Lennie) was most recently seen starring in the award-winning feature film "The Sapphires," to be released in the U.S. March 22, and is well known for his starring role in "Bridesmaids" and the HBO/BBC series “Family Tree.” His theatre credits include the critically acclaimed and sold-out Druid production of The Playboy of the Western World, directed by Garry Hynes, and the Royal Court production of Under the Blue Sky.
David Binder is producing Of Mice and Men on Broadway with Kate Lear, Darren Bagert, Adam Zotovich, Barbara Whitman and Latitude Link. 101 Productions, Ltd are the executive producers.
American Express Card Members can purchase tickets Jan. 11-Jan. 22. Beginning Jan. 23, advance tickets are available to members of Audience Rewards. Of Mice and Men goes on sale to the general public beginning Jan. 26. For tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge.com. Beginning Feb. 18 tickets will be available at the Longacre Theatre box office (220. W. 48th Street).
For more information visit ofmiceandmenonbroadway.com.
