Grapes of Wrath

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Grapes of Wrath" adapted from John Steinbeck by Frank Galati

Date: Thur, March 8, 11:15 PM

Quicktake on GRAPES OF WRATH

     The Stoneham Theatre has produced several shows based on works of literature, including John Steinbeck's “Of Mice and Men” which the author adapted himself. His masterwork. “The Grapes of Wrath” was however turned into a film starring Henry Fonda, which is how most audiences remember the story. Frank Galati's adaptation of this epic for Steppenwolf won a Tony award and introduced Gary Sinese to the Broadway stage, but is a much more challenging piece. Director Weylin Symes and his staff have made an honest effort to
deal with this tale of the Joad's journey from the Oklahoma dustbowl to California’s fruitlands.

     With a large cast of professional and local actors, an effective if somewhat monochromatic unit set by Gianni Downs, and live fiddle and banjo music chosen by Jim Warner, the show does justice to the original, but doesn’t come to life often enough. It’s hard to come up to the level that a practiced ensemble can achieve. Susan Bigger and Ed Peed inhabit the roles of Ma and Pa Joad, and Jonathan Popp is believable as Tom Joad. Derek Stone Nelson doesn’t rise to the mythic figure of Preacher Jim Casey often enough. Richard Arum and Darius Omar Williams turn in effective cameo roles as does Jim Wryna as Grandpa. In the end, the production doesn’t balance the grimness of Steinbeck’s tale with the novels theme of the indominability of human spirit. Galati’s adaptation does preserve his parable and poetic ending unlike Hollywood’s effort.

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"Grapes of Wrath" adapted from John Steinbeck by Frank Galati, Dates, Mar.1 - 18

Stoneham Theatre

395 Main St. Stoneham, (781) 279 - 2200
Stoneham Theatre