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The Charlie Pineapple Theatre Company’s production of John Steinbeck’s "Of Mice and Men," opens on Friday, Dec. 3, in Williamsburg.

In the play, George and his mentally challenged companion, Lennie, both poor migrant workers, come face to face with the harsh reality of the unattainable American dream. In pursuit of their hopes of one day owning a farm, the two friends come to work on a ranch - only their hard labor does not seem to pay off.

Previous productions by the 2-year-old Charlie Pineapple included Lyle Kessler’s "Orphans," Sam Shepard’s "True West" and John Patrick Shanley’s "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea."

What makes "Of Mice and Men" special, according to company co-founder Mark VanDerBeets (pictured), is the "traditional" approach.

"We’re taking parts of [Steinbeck’s] novel that were not in the play," he said, "and we’re incorporating them into our play."

VanDerBeets said his company practices "traditional casting" as well. The role of Lennie is played by a 6-foot-7 actor.

"We’re putting our hearts and souls into it," VanDerBeets said. "We have been preparing for this play for so long, and we want the audience to leave having a strong feeling about the performance."

VanDerBeets said that, due to technical reasons, the opening of the play had to be rescheduled from the previously announced Nov. 5 to Dec. 3. The play runs through Jan. 22; performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 pm.

The theater is located at 248B N. Eighth St. between Roebling and Havemeyer streets in Williamsburg. Tickets are $15. Mention The Brooklyn Papers at the door to get a 10 percent discount off the original ticket price. For reservations, call (718) 907-0577. For more information, log on to www.charliepineapple.com.

©2004 Community Newspaper Group