The Grapes of Wrath - review

[Jane Zussman]

MSU Opera Theatre has given us a powerful epic with The Grapes of Wrath. An interesting series of historic photos from the 1930’s Dust Bowl period cycle through as we find our seats — with a different set of photos cycling through during intermission. We are reminded how John Steinbeck’s original novel was based on actual history.

Scene changes also use dramatic media projections creatively framed by angular, see-through panels and a moving bridge/dock set piece. Kudos to D.J. Selmayer for set and projection design and construction, as well as technical direction. The overloaded automobile that carried the entire family was another highlight. Brent Wrobel’s dramatic lighting enhanced it all.

Director Melanie Helton was assisted by music composer Ricky Ian Gordon with a 2-week residency in September. He has returned to join Director Helton for a preview lectures 45 minutes before each performance. Librettist Michael Korie joined them for opening night.

This opera is very accessible, a sweeping human drama of desperation, hope, exploitation, cooperation and family. It is sung in English but still has the words helpfully projected above the stage. A detailed synopsis is also included in the program. The Joad family struggles highlight the social injustices of the time and echo some current conditions as well. Interesting tidbit in Helton’s director’s note: The MSU’s Auditorium Building, which contains Fairchild Theatre, was built by the WPA and Eleanor Roosevelt attended the opening in 1940.

The voices were all very good with Xiao Xiao as Ma Joad and Cole Harvey as Jim Casy particularly impressive. We also enjoyed the antics of lively, if not long-lived, Ryan Byrne as Grandpa Joad. Note that the leads are all double cast. Our opening night group will repeat Saturday and a different set of leads will perform Friday and Sunday.

The large MSU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Katherine Kilburn, conductor and Zongheng Zhang, assistant conductor, was a majestic accompaniment to this powerful adaptation of what Director Helton notes “is possibly the greatest 

American novel.” 

Note that the performance is about three hours and ten minutes including one intermission. It includes gun violence, fighting, sexual intimacy and suicide. The Grapes of Wrath continues Friday, 11/21, Saturday 11/22 at 7pm; 3pm Sunday 11/23.

Tickets at https://music.msu.edu/performances-events/featured-series/opera-theatre/

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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