Tom Joad, played by Mark Amidon, left, arrives home after being paroled from prison and is greeted by Grampa, played by Forest Amidon, and other members of his family, including Granma and Pa, played by Margaret Piatt and Raiford Faircloth, during The Grapes of Wrath dress rehearsal Monday. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)
A classic tale that takes place almost a century ago, taking a look at how a family and their community banded together to weather struggles that come their way while leaving Oklahoma during the Great Depression, is performed this weekend on the Holland Theatre stage in a joint production of the Mad River Theater Works and Windmill Productions.
This partnership enables experienced members of the community-theater based acting troupe to join forces with professional actors from Mad River Theater Works to present The Grapes of Wrath at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31.
Director Chris Westhoff related that staging the 1988 Frank Galati play, adapted from the 1939 John Steinbeck novel of the same name, seemed like a natural fit considering the recent pandemic times.
During the last year, area residents may have experienced differences in the way they reported to work or completed their job duties. Similarly, in The Grapes of Wrath, a family of tenant farmers, the Joads, face drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures that forced many farmers out of work.
To escape the Dust Bowl, the Joads set out for California, along with thousands of other “Okies,” seeking new job prospects, land and a hope for a better future.
“The production explores the timeless relationship of families to community and the importance of work,” Westhoff said. “It looks at the difficulties we encounter in society when there is an absence of work.
“The story advocates for communities working together to support each other and the work force. It felt timely with COVID and the pandemic, as people have been seeking meaning and purpose and feeling the pressures that came with being more secluded than we’re used to.
“Audiences can look forward to a fresh and inspiring retelling of this classic story of humans striving for health, well-being and understanding.”
A total of 23 cast members stage the production, including the lead roles of Preacher Jim Casy, played by Guy Davis, a professional blues musician, actor and storyteller who has visited Logan County previously for artistic residences and performances, along with Tom Joad, played by Windmill Productions veteran Mark Amidon.
Westhoff related that there are some unique connections within the cast members, with multiple generations of several families involved. Mr. Amidon’s father, Forest Amidon, also is a relation to his son in the performance as Granpa. Adam Sorenson, who plays Uncle John, said his three children are featured in the cast as well — his sons, Levi, 7, and David, 10, and daughter, Lily, 12, playing the roles of Winfield, Noah and Ruthie, respectively.
The Grapes of Wrath first debuted at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, followed by a string of performances internationally prior to its extended Tony winning run on Broadway.
Also unique to the local production is original music performed by Bob Lucas throughout the play.
Cast members also include Pa, played by Raiford Faircloth; Ma, played by Evelyn LeTeshia; Granma, played by Margaret Piatt; Rose of Sharon, played by Anastasia Hiatt; Connie Rivers, played by Garret Criner; Al, played by Brandon Osley;
Mike Larsen plays the narrator, contractor and Hooper Ranch Guard. Tom Stoner plays the Deputy Sheriff, Bookkeeper, First Agricultural and Camp Proprietor.
Logan Boggs plays Muley Graves, Floyd and Weedpatch Camp Director. Scotty Elliot’s roles include Second Agricultural, Officer and Camp Guard.
The Man Going Back and Mayor of Hooverville are both played by Bruce Smith. Other cast members include Elizabeth Sandry, played by Linda MacGillivray; Al’s Girl, played by Suzanne Dennis; Mrs. Wainwright, played by Kris Swisher; and Boy, played by Mason Swisher.
Other individuals helping to stage the production are: Tech, Quinten James; Stage Manager, Brandon Osley; Set Design, Karl Anderson and Brad Boute; Art Design, Jonathan Ryan; and Choreography, Suzanne Dennis.
Tickets prices range from $20 to $30 for adults or $5 for youths ages 17 and under and are available through the theater’s box office by calling (937) 592-9002 or online at www.thehollandtheatre.org.
