John Steinbeck’s
The Grapes of Wrath
By Frank Galati
6 August – 7 September 2019
“There ain’t no sin and there ain’t no virtue. There’s just stuff people do.”
Across the Midwest of America in the 1930s, a combination of dust storms which devastated farmlands and the eviction of tenant farmers drove thousands to leave their homes and hit the road, desperately hoping to find work and a better life in the fertile valleys of California.
The Joads are one such family. Loading their few possessions onto a battered old truck, they join the great migration west along Route 66, dealing with intolerance, exploitation, death and deprivation along the way. But when they reach their ‘promised land’, the family’s dreams are dashed by the realities of the Great Depression.
Renowned first as a novel, winning John Steinbeck the Pulitzer Prize, and then as an Academy Award-winning motion picture starring Henry Fonda, this acclaimed adaptation was Steppenwolf Theatre’s first Broadway production and won the Tony Award for Best Play.
Based on Steinbeck’s person journey through the migrant camps of 1930s California, The Grapes of Wrath is an epic story of courage, determination, and survival against the odds. It is a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of goodness and strength in the face of adversity and the indomitability of the human spirit.
Winner: 1990 Tony Award for Best Play
“A thrilling theatrical achievement” The New York Post
Helen Tonkin, New Theatre’s Artistic Associate, writes about John Steinbeck and The Grapes of Wrath for Audrey Journal
creative team
Director Louise Fischer
Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Lighting Designer Michael Schell
Sound Designer David Cashman
Costume Designer Sharna Graham
Vision Designer Christina Hatzis
Choreographer Victoria Lewis
Assistant Director Brett Heath
Production Manager Rosane McNamara
Stage Manager Alexis Worthing
ASM Shayne de Groot
Operators Ricci Costa, Sasha Morrow
cast
Matthew Abotomey, Peter David Allison
William Baltyn, James Bean
Ted Crosby, Shayne de Groot
Jennie Dibley, Simon Emmerson
Angus Evans, Peter Irving Smith
Brittany Johnson, Caroline Levien
Madeline MacRae, Ryan Madden
Kirsty McKenzie, Rowena McNicol
Matthew Raven, Andrew Simpson
Lily Stirling, Loki Texilake
dates/times
Previews 6 & 7 Aug 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 8 Aug 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm
Sun 5pm
Sat 7 Sep 2pm only
running time
2.5 hours, including interval
tickets
Full $35
Concession, Groups (6+) $30
New Theatre Members $22 (with promo code)
Previews, Thrifty Thursdays $20
★★★★ “Another great classic text presented with skill and admirable performances on the New Theatre stage” State of the Art
“Director Louise Fischer has done a mighty job in taking this story to stage, with a huge cast of 20 and a strong creative team … The entire ensemble nailed the sombre atmosphere that this story deserved … Make the time to see this fine production.” Absolute Theatre
“A very big, and very strong, cast. Each character is lively and convincing, and as a team, they manufacture a sense of time and space effective in having us feel virtually transported.” Suzy Goes See
“Engrossing and impressive. A strong principal cast is well supported by a large, talented and versatile ensemble … Director Louise Fisher most successfully draws together all the characters so we the audience are carried along on their journey.” Stage Whispers
“It shines a warm light on poverty and economic injustice through committed performances, a compassionate honesty and a graceful poetry that reaches beyond its time.” Reviews by Judith – and Friends
“One of the best productions I have seen in a while. A heartfelt saga told via superb directing and brilliant acting, set, lighting, sound and costume design; a truly world-class production not to be missed” Only The Good News
Main image: © Danmir12/Dreamstime.com