The Grapes of Wrath

by Frank Galati, from the novel by John Steinbeck

April 16 - May 23, 2010

The great American epic. Hitting the ground with the ferocity of a Midwest twister “The Grapes of Wrath” is the story of the Joad family, displaced from their home and dispossessed of everything but their dignity. Their journey from the scorched earth Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to the Promised Land of California is nothing short of mythic. Holding to the simplicity and directness of the original novel, the play uses the sparest of technical means to convey its timeless message of the persistence and strength of the human spirit. The play becomes in the final essence a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the essential goodness and strength which—then as now—resides in the hearts and minds of the "common man," throughout the world.

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Grapes of Wrath

Reviews

From the Modesto Bee

4 Stars (Excellent)

SONORA -- John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" is an epic tale of one family's Depression-era migration from Oklahoma to California.

Using only a postage stamp-sized stage and minimal sets, director Don Bilotti brings this story magnificently to life in his production at Stage 3 Theatre.

The Joads' car is just an assemblage of bedposts, a short staircase and other bits of furniture. The boxcar the family holes up in as shelter from the rain is a simple platform. The campfires they gather around are just golden lights turned upward.

But the story is told so powerfully that these details fade into the background. What remains is a gripping tale of human cruelty and generosity....

"The Grapes of Wrath" is not only an American classic, it's also an important account of local history. There are countless valley residents whose families came to the area from Oklahoma under much the same circumstances as the Joads.

This fabulous production deserves sell-out crowds throughout its five-week run.

Modesto Bee

Playwrights
Frank Galati
John Steinbeck — Novel
Cast Members
Michael Crich — Jim Casy
Rob Smittle — Tom Joad
Sally McClellan — Ma Joad
Doug Scott — Pa Joad
Cristina Danielle Epperson — Rose of Sharon
Kaitlyn Brennan — Rose of Sharon (4/22-4/25)
Charles Keen — Uncle John
Susan Michael — Granma Joad
John Dahlen — Grampa Joad
Zac Price — Al Joad
Ben Roe — Noah Joad
Logan Malavey — Connie Rivers
Krysta May — Ruthie Joad
Jimmy Kress — Winfield Joad
Kaitlyn Brennan — Ensemble
Joseph Conn — Ensemble
John Dahlen — Ensemble
Shana Griffiths — Ensemble
Al Lemke — Ensemble
Logan Malavey — Ensemble
Zac Price — Ensemble
David Rodrigues — Ensemble
Susan Michael — Ensemble
Ben Roe — Ensemble
Gavin Riley Williams — Ensemble
Bev Woodland — Ensemble
Crew Members
Molly Malavey — Stage Manager
Tommy Johnson — Lighting Technician
Molly Malavey — Sound Technician
Director
Don Bilotti
Designers
Maryann Curmi — Costume Design
Lillian McLeod — Additional Costume Design
Francine La Meire — Additional Costume Design
Kimberly Teter-Cope — Additional Costume Design
Tommy Johnson — Set Design
Lillian McLeod — Properties
Rob Smittle — Fight Choreography
Michelle A'dair — Dance Choreography
Rick Barlow — Musical Composition
Don Bilotti — Musical Composition
Tommy Johnson — Lighting Design
Don Bilotti — Sound Design
Associate Producer
Douglas Ankrom, M.D.
Others
Malcolm Bull — Master Carpenter
Malcolm Bull — Set Construction
Denny Anderson — Set Construction
Ross Aldrich — Set Construction
Kimberly Teter-Cope — Scenic Artist
Denny Anderson — Special Projects