True Blood's Jim Parrack Joins James Franco and Chris O'Dowd in Of Mice and Men on Broadway

True Blood's Jim Parrack will join James Franco, Chris O’Dowd, Leighton Meester and Jim Norton in Of Mice and Men on Broadway, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The new mounting of the John Steinbeck classic begins performances March 19 at the Longacre Theatre; opening night is set for April 16.

Parrack, who plays Hoyt Fortenberry on HBO’s True Blood, will take on the role of Slim, a dignified and respected mule driver, in the play. The actor’s other credits include appearing in Battle Los Angeles, Fury and Annapolis among others. Of Mice and Men will reunite Parrack with Franco, who directed him in As I Lay Dying.

Adapted from Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men tells the story of two migrant workers: the sharp but uneducated and short-tempered George (Franco) and Lennie (O’Dowd), a large but simple-minded man. Together they hope to one day acquire their own piece of land. But when Lennie stirs up trouble on the job, George must choose between protecting his friend and continuing to strive for the American dream.

Of Mice and Men, directed by Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro, will play a limited Broadway engagement through July 27.