MONMOUTH – The Theater at Monmouth takes a break from its Shakespearean repertoire with a production of “The Grapes of Wrath,” a stage version of John Steinbeck’s novel adapted by playwright Frank Galati.
In the capable hands of director Jerri Pitcher and the theater’s acting ensemble, this production has moments of great drama, though the script tends to be a mere skeleton of the original novel or its well-known movie interpretation by John Ford.
This production deals honestly and realistically with the social and economic impact of the Great Depression of the 1930s as the Joad family is driven from its fields by natural disasters and economic changes beyond its control. With few options for finding work and a strong will to keep the family together, the Joads travel westward to find their fortune and build a new life in California. But the journey is not an easy one. The Joads encounter sickness and death, and a string of shattered dreams that may crush their adventurous spirit.
Playing a bit like an historical documentary, the show clearly covers the themes of the importance of family, the hope for the American Dream and the retention of human dignity and spirit in the face of adversity.
Band adds authenticity
The staging is powerfully simple, depicting the American landscape of the time with shantytown houses, wooden fences, barn-board backdrops and even a swimming hole on stage – the Joads’ last vestige of refreshment from the world’s burdens. There’s also an intricately designed set piece that moves about the stage representing the pickup truck that takes the family across the country.
Director Pitcher has also added an incredibly nice touch to the piece with the addition of authentic music of the time period played on guitar, bass, mandolin and violin with stirring vocals by the Dusty Rambler Band. (The band consists of the Keach family – Stan, Liz and Carrie.)
While the ensemble cast is particularly fine, the most compelling performances come from Richard Price as Tom Joad, Janis Stevens as Ma Joad and Mark S. Cartier as Preacher Jim Casy.
Price creates a powerhouse of a character, a man who’s ready to explode from the tension and anxiety of the time. Price is skillfully gregarious when the script calls for it, though he’s perfectly capable of subtlety in his performance.
Order amid chaos
Stevens is amazingly realistic in her portrayal of a mother trying to keep order in a chaotic world. She’s a versatile actor who captures every ounce of anguish that runs through the matriarch’s body and soul.
Theater at Monmouth veteran Cartier is outstanding in the role of a former preacher who’s worn, tired of life and remains deficient in his faith. In his ninth year with the troupe, Cartier continues to excel in great character acting.
“The Grapes of Wrath” provides a wonderful slice of American history through the eyes of real-life characters. It is a wonderful addition to the season for the official Shakespearean Theater of Maine.
“The Grapes of Wrath” runs in repertory though August. For ticket information, people may call 933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.
Dan Marois is an actor, writer, and producer and owner of Main Street Entertainment and Mystery for Hire. He can be reached at [email protected].
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