Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast

The Grapes of Wrath
Asolo Repertory Theatre


Jakob Silver (on top of the car) and Peggy Roeder, Samantha Crawford and Jefferson McDonald
Asolo Rep is one of the few theaters in the country who could muster the resources to mount Frank Galati's epic adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. This version was developed at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater in 1988 and later received the 1990 Tony Award for Best Play. Mr. Galati is now a part time Sarasota resident but directorial chores went to Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. Twenty-eight actors appear on stage, many in multiple parts. The technical departments seem to have worked overtime to get this stunning vision on stage.

Steinbeck's tale of American poverty is timeless. It seems just as relevant today as it must have been when it was written, as we struggle to get out of the worst economic times this country has seen since the Great Depression. The effort required to merely survive resonates as I see young people working two and three part-time jobs and Washington types argue about anti-poverty programs enacted to counter the horrors illustrated in this classic novel.

All of the acting in this production serves the story well. Asolo Conservatory third-year students augment members of Asolo Rep's Associate Artists and visiting artists. One of my favorite aspects of Asolo's repertory system is the chance to see actors in wildly different roles. The remarkable Peggy Roeder, who also appears as Sonya in Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike, here plays Ma Joad, a woman of indomitable strength when allowed to meet life head-on day by day. Andrew Sellon, another visiting artist, shows great versatility (he is Vanya in the Durang play) as ex-preacher Jim Casey. (I can't imagine the fine actor David Hyde Pierce who originated the role of Vanya being able to do this part.) Other standout performances include Douglas Jones as Pa Joad; Carolyn Michel and David S. Howard as Grandma and Grandpa Joad, respectively; Jefferson McDonald as Al Joad; and Kristen Lynne Blossom as Rose of Sharon Joad.

One of the features of this version of The Grapes of Wrath is the use of a musical Greek Chorus. Tim Grimm, listed as composer/music director, leads, assisted by Sara Moone and Carmela Pedicini. Mr. Grimm also has several featured roles, notably that of Floyd Knowles. I am not sure if all of the music was composed specifically for this production because I thought I heard a few bits and pieces that I recognized as folk music, but it is all effective.

The technical departments, always the glory of Asolo Rep, reach new heights here. The stage setting by Scott Bradley uses pieces of decaying barn to frame the action. There are several stunning theatrical effects that contribute to the excitement of this production as well. Costumes by B. Modern help to establish a world of people who have given up almost all dignity in the cause of survival. Lighting by Paul Miller is extraordinary with a full palette from dark to harsh sunlight.

Michael Donald Edwards has overseen this huge production. Many directors would breathe a sigh of relief if no one runs into one another. Mr. Edwards has illuminated the story with fine performances from his entire cast and with keen understanding of period and place. Many of his visual images have stayed with me several days after seeing this performance.

When Asolo announced The Grapes of Wrath last year I was excited. I thought it might be one of the highlights of the season. It is more, it is riveting theater in every way.

Highlights of the 2014-15 season include Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific to be directed by Rob Ruggiero, Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker, and a new revue of Jerry Herman's music developed by Gordon Greenberg with assistance from Mr. Herman and titled It Only Takes a Moment. For More information visit the website.

Asolo Repertory Theater presents The Grapes of Wrath in Repertory through April 19, 2014, at the Mertz Theater in the FSU Center. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail. Sarasota, Florida. Box Office (941) 351-8000. For more information visit www.asolorep.org.

Cast (in alphabetical order)
Tyla Abercrumbie*
Bernard Balbot*
Kristen Lynne Blossom
David Breitbarth*
Christian Conn*
Samantha Crawford
Anne-Marie Cusson*
Tim Grimm*
Cale Haupert
Tori Grace Hines
Caroline Howard
David S. Howard*
Evan Huit
Douglas Jones*
Mark Konrad
Lucy Lavely
Jefferson Mcdonald
Carolyn Michel*
Zlatomir Moldovanski
Sara Moone
Amanda Lynn Mullen
Brian Nemiroff+
Carmela Pedicini
Peggy Roeder*
Stevie Lee Romero
Andrew Sellon*
Jakob Silver
Don Walker
* Members of Actor's Equity Association
+ Appears courtesy of Actor's Equity Association

Director: Michael Donald Edwards
Composer/Music Director: Tim Grimm*
Scenic Design: Scott Bradley
Costume Design: B. Modern
Lighting Design: Paul Miller
Sound Design: Matthew Parker
Fight Director: Bruce Lecure
Dance Consultant: Peter Amster
Hair/Wig & Make Up Design: Michelle Hart
Voice & Dialect Coach: Patricia Delorey
Dramaturg: Lauryn E. Sasso
Production Stage Manager: Kelly A. Borgia*
Assistant Stage Manager: Patrick Lanczki*
Assistant Director: J.K. Musser


Photo: Cliff Roles/Asolo Rep

--William S. Oser