For a beleaguered high school literature student, there are few reading assignments quite as welcome as John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.”

It’s easy to read, tells a powerful story and (compared to many of the great novels) it’s blessedly short.

But even for those motivated partly by short attention span, this tale of two men on the road in search of work makes a lasting impression.

And if you’re not in a reading mood at the moment, you still can experience the story.

Barter Theatre of Virginia, a professional drama company founded in 1946,  brings its traveling stage production of Steinbeck’s story to Wells Fargo Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

It’s easier than ever now to relate to the story of George and his hulking, childlike friend, Lennie,  as they wander Depression era America looking for work and hoping to save enough to buy their own place someday.

All poor Lennie wants to do is tend some rabbits, and pet them sometimes, but not too hard.  The big guy doesn’t know his own strength.

The details: 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.  $20-$35.  wellsfargocenterarts.org,  546-3600.