This production sets to song the story of two migrant farm workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they navigate the uncertainty of the Great Depression. They dream of one day owning a place of their own but Lennie, who has an intellectual disability, continues to find himself in trouble, despite his good intentions.
Meet the Cast and Characters
Required Reading
The novella Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck (1902–1868) is required reading in many American classrooms. Author of thirty-three books, Steinbeck’s works take inspiration from his California home and the struggles of working-class people, which he himself endured. He wrote Of Mice and Men as a novel-play, intended to be both a novella and a script for a play.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of this)
What is the American Dream?
Early European settlers came to the Americas seeking freedom and opportunity. The United States was established on the universal rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” However, it wasn’t until 1931 that the phrase “the American Dream” was popularized in the book Epic of America by James Truslow Adams. Truslow defines the American Dream as a meritocracy, where opportunity is granted “according to ability or achievement,” in stark contrast to the aristocracies of Europe, where privilege is inherited. In this dream of America, anyone can achieve their potential with enough hard work and determination.
George and Lennie dream of owning their own home, but due to a variety of circumstances they are unable to realize this dream. John Steinbeck’s literature is often skeptical of American idealism. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of America itself as a dream—“a dream yet unfulfilled”—and today about half of Americans believe the dream is still possible. Do you?
About the carlisle Floyd
Composer-librettist teams write most operas—meaning one person writes the music and another writes the text. Carlisle Floyd (1926–2021) wrote both the music and the libretto for Of Mice and Men, and for his other operas, such as Susannah (1955) and Wuthering Heights (1958). Regarded as the Father of American Opera, Floyd’s work focuses on the stories and culture of the American South, shaped by his upbringing in South Carolina. Floyd taught at Florida State University from 1947–1976 and at the University of Houston from 1976–1996, where he co-founded the Houston Opera Studio in collaboration with Houston Grand Opera. We present Of Mice and Men this year in celebration of Carlisle Floyd’s 100th birthday.
Carlisle Floyd
An interview with Carlisle Floyd:
In 2008, composer Carlisle Floyd was awarded an NEA Opera Honors award and sat down for an interview about opera and his life.
Further Reading
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
- Falling Up: The Days and Nights of Carlisle Floyd by Thomas Holliday
- Epic of America by James Truslow Adams
Engage Deeper with Of Mice and MEn
Don't miss these upcoming opportunities to further engage with the story!
Acres of Sky
April 14, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Agriculture and the American Dream are core to both Lyric Opera’s upcoming production of Of Mice and Men and to Cultivate KC’s farmer training program, New Roots. Explore these connections through an evening of conversation, musical performance, and service. Come prepared to get your hands dirty! Learn more.
Of Mice and Men (1992) Movie Screening
April 18, 2026 | 3:30 pm
Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Screenland Armour are partnering to present a special screening of the 1992 film, Of Mice and Men. Lyric Opera patron and film scholar Dr. John Tibbetts will provide an introduction. Learn more.
Of Steinbeck and Floyd
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Dive into the tragic tale of George Milton and Lennie Smalls, two migrant farm workers navigating the bleak prospects of the Great Depression. Dr. Aaron Ziegel leads a conversation about composer and librettist Carlisle Floyd’s career, style, and what to listen for in his rendition of Of Mice and Men. Learn more.
A Novel Legacy
Monday, April 27, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Dr. Andrew Granade leads an exploration on how Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men fits into the tradition of great American novels adapted for the operatic stage, including The Great Gatsby, Moby Dick, Little Women, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Learn more.
Join Lyric Opera for Of Mice and Men, May 1–3, 2026, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts!
