California Dreamin’

People, get ready…

t’s a novella that’s been around for 82 years now, but, somehow, we never did quite find the time to read John Steinbeck’s much-loved Of Mice And Men.

Thankfully, those kind your students over at Coláiste Chraobh Abhann decided to help unread and unkempt folk like our bad selves by staging the Depression era classic at The Castle Inn this week.

And, bejiggers, we got a fair slap of culture around the back of the head when we caught the first of a three-night run on Wednesday. That the teenage CCA Players were able to deliver such an emotional punch is testament to their talents, and one that has already seen them win a bucket load of awards at the recent 2019 Arklow Senior Theatre Festival.

What the hell is it with kids of this generation? When did they become so cultured, fearless and frickin’ talented? When did they become so casually confident…?

We blame the parents.

In a moving story that has been echoed in the likes of Midnight Cowboy and Adam & Paul, Hyrum Scott and Ryan Noronha Brennan were pretty much perfect as the two wandering migrant workers Lennie and George, making their way across California to a better life. And a farm all of their own, where no one ever tells them what to do, and the simple-minded Lennie can wile away his days petting soft, cuddly rabbits.

Rounding out this fine cast are Seán Douglas, Erika Bellamy, Colm Flynn, Jeremiah Scott, Reme Atiyota and Ciarán Crimes, whilst a major shout-out has to go to co-directors Seán Ó Súilleabháin and Sharon Nolan, who have been steering CCA Players to greatness for 2005.

Nicely done.

You can check out our recent interview with the cast here, and view the full gallery of the above shots here.