Starting 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, John Steinbeck’s timeless story about the buoyancy of the human spirit, “The Grapes of Wrath,” will be presented to Columbus by the Contemporary American Theatre Company.
“CATCO’s production of this literary masterpiece, adapted for the stage by Frank Galati, is the theatre company’s largest ever, featuring 25 actors and musicians,” said Tara DiLorenzo, spokeswoman for CATCO.
DiLorenzo said that the production has been in the making for almost two years and with the reconstruction of staff and newly available resources they will be able to deliver this wonderful theatrical story.
“The Grapes of Wrath” is the unforgettable journey west for the Joad family as they search for a better life in California and, in the process, experience the ravages and devastations of the Great Depression. It is the winner of a 1990 Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award.
Starring in the production is New York native Michael Stewart Allen, who plays Tom Joad, a role he performed with the Arkansas Rep theater company last August. Alongside Allen, David Q. Combs, a professional actor for 30 years, plays the role of Jim Casey.
The ensemble cast features a number of well-known central Ohio actors, including David Ayers (Grampa Joad), Jacqueline Bates (Granma Joad), Linda Dorff (Ma Joad), Tom Fortman (Pa Joad), Michael Lorr (ensemble), Mark Mann (Uncle John), Jane Mowder (Elizabeth Sandry), Jason Podplesky (Noah), Jonathan Putnam (ensemble), Rich Stadler (ensemble) and Marianne Timmons (Rose of Sharon).
DiLorenzo said “The Grapes of Wrath” is expected to duplicate the success of “Of Mice and Men,” another Steinbeck classic, which played to sold out audiences in 1994.
Directing this moving epic is Geoffrey Nelson, CATCO’s artistic director and founder. Nelson also directed and played the role of Lennie in the theatre company’s highly acclaimed production, “Of Mice and Men.” “The Shorts Festival 2000” and “The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine” are among his recent directing credits.
The theatrical achievement is filled with Depression-era music and features the talents of John Schomburg and Jim DeGrand, two central Ohio musicians who specialize in old time music and are members of the Pit Bull String Band.
All shows will be performed in the Riffe Center Studio One Theatre, 77 S. High St., fourth floor. Tickets are $23 and $29, and student, senior, and teacher discounts are available. For tickets call the CATCO Box Office or Ticketmaster. “The Grapes of Wrath” runs through May 5.
