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'The Grapes of Wrath' Opens in Madison
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The Grapes of Wrath opened last weekend at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison. It is an excellent production of the John Steinbeck classic novel of the same name. It depicts the journey of a fictional family, the Joags, as they leave their midwestern farm which fell victim to the horrendous damage of the dust storms of the 1930's. As more and more people like the Joags lost their farms, homes, and ability to make a living, they set out to California with the hope of finding a new life.
The book tells of their journey and what they encounter when they arrive. The play remains true to the original writing, but it tells the story in manner that is less depressing than reading the novel; no small feat to accomplish! The script for The Grapes of Wrath was dramatized by Frank Galati who won the 1990 Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Director for his work. This version in Madison is directed by Joe Discher.
The Shakespeare Theatre uses clever staging to show the journey out west. They took an old truck and mounted it on wheels that allowed the actors to revolve the car on stage and move it forward and backward to create a sense of movement. The angles of the truck onstage are perfectly set to allow the audience to look inside the back of the truck and get a sense of what it might feel like to travel over 1,000 miles in such a rugged rig. Pools of water are set up at the front of the stage allowing the actors to jump in. The pools also serve as rain collectors in the final scene when a torrential storm hits.
The original music used in the show was created by Nick Plakias who also acts in several roles. It is a cross between country and blue grass and it highlights emotions and sentiments of those embarking on this journey. The music adds to that sense of loss and longing for a new, better world. Mr. Plakias incorporated instruments in the music that very well could have been used at the time including guitars, strings, and even a washboard.
The acting of the entire company was harmonious and very well done. Wendy Barrie-Wilson plays Ma Joad, always trying to do whatever she can to keep the family together. Pearce Bunting is the preacher turned activist and Christian Conn plays Tom Joad, the son who returns from prison just in time to join the family on the road. Susan Maris plays the upcoming matriarch of the family, Rose of Sharon, and John Little plays Pa Joag, the man who works to keep things going. The cast is quite extensive and well chosen.
The Theatre's Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte, introduced the play by saying that this was a look at hard times from past years. One will go to this show and draw parallels to current economic conditions. Although at times the situations seemed more than people could handle, the play ends with a scene that has had much written about it over the years. It is so well done that you cannot help but leave with a sense of hope that the Joags made it.
This is one well done production, don't miss it. Shows continue through November 15. Check The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's website for more information and tickets.
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