We end our season with a powerful adaptation of Steinbeck's classic novella by the father of American opera, Carlisle Floyd. Of Mice and Men delves deep into the American psyche and experience of the 1930s and brings to life the unbreakable bond between George and Lennie, migrant farm workers, striving for the American Dream. Directed by Kristine McIntyre, our production uses projections to immerse the audience in Lennie's perspective, blending intimate humanity with cinematic scope in a gripping, tragic journey.
This brand-new production is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
Content advisory: Of Mice and Men contains gunshots and depictions of violence, murder, and animal cruelty.
Principal Cast
John Moore
George Milton
Matthew Pearce*
Lennie Small
Sara Gartland*
Curley's Wife
Matthew DiBattista*
Curley
Wayne Tigges*
Candy
Schyler Vargas
Slim
Bernard Holcomb
Carlson
David Pelino^
Ballad Singer
Chorus
Tenor
- Alexander Goering
- Trent Green
- David Helder
- Kevin Thomas Smith
Bass-Baritone
- Matt Black
- Colt Hoselton
- Spencer McIntire
- Matt Scrivner
Creative Team
Joseph Mechavich*
Conductor
Kristine McIntyre
Director
Kaley Karis Smith*
Assistant Director
Luke Cantarella*
Set & Projections Designer
Kara Harmon*
Costume Designer
Kate Ashton*
Lighting Designer
David Zimmerman
Wig and Makeup Designer
Piotr Wiśniewski
Chorus Master
* Lyric Opera Debut
^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist
Listen
Hear this excerpt from the world premiere performance of Of Mice and Men at Seattle Opera in 1970.
Engage with the Story
Check out these opportunities to deepen your experience with Of Mice and Men.
Acres of Sky
April 14, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Join Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Cultivate KC for an evening on the farm exploring the American Dream through conversation and hands-on service. Learn more and RSVP.
Of Mice and Men (1992) Movie Screening at Screenland Armour Theater
April 18, 2026 | 3:30 pm
Lyric Opera is partnering with Screenland Armour Theatre to present a special screening of the 1992 film, Of Mice and Men, starring John Malkovich and Gary Sinise. Lyric Opera fans can get $5 off tickets with code LYRIC. Learn more and purchase.
Of Steinbeck and Floyd
April 20, 2026 | 6:00 pm
In this virtual session with Dr. Aaron Ziegel, explore the tragic tale of George Milton and Lennie Smalls as we delve into Carlisle Floyd’s operatic adaptation of the Great Depression classic. Learn more and RSVP.
A Novel Legacy
April 27, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Dr. Andrew Granade leads an exploration into how Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men fits into the tradition of great American novels adapted for the operatic stage. Learn more and RSVP.
Ugly Happy Hour at Mineral Lounge
May 3, 2026 | 4:30 pm (immediately following matinee performance)
Celebrate Of Mice and Men after the show as Lyric Opera partners with Kanbe's Markets and Mineral Lounge for a happy hour featuring a themed cocktail and appetizer crafted from “ugly” produce. Learn more and purchase.
Season Sponsors
With public support from the State of Missouri and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
Of Mice and Men is made possible, in part, by generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Sunderland Foundation.
