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The Grapes of Wrath
Presented by: Heidelberg Theatre Company
Reviewer: Angela Ellis
Date Reviewed: 11th July 2007
The Grapes of Wrath is set in the time of the
Depression of America. Written in 1939 by John Steinbeck, it’s a
powerful portrayal of the struggles that thousands of ordinary
families faced in the era. Just struggling to survive whilst keeping
your dignity is told in extraordinary detail.
This production is one that would not have been
entered into lightly. A large cast, many set changes, costume
challenges and harsh American accents can prove a daunting
experience. I am so glad the Heidelberg Theatre Company did not walk
away from the challenge.
The show starts with Tom Joad returning to his
family, who after being evicted from their farm make the decision to
head West to California to start again. We go with them, meeting the
same hopeful families they do, losing loved ones as well, watching
with open eyes and hopeful ones as we take in our first view of
California. We stay with them right until the end, and the end is a
moving piece of theatre.
Chris Baldock has taken on a massive task for his
40th production as director but he has met the challenge
and created something wonderful. It’s rare you will see something
that just comes together so well.
It’s understated, full of emotion, and most
importantly, believable. This is a show where there is no room for
error and one of the smartest moves a director can make is to
surround himself with talented people that will help create a
production of this calibre. This Chris has done and the work,
research and dedication that directing this production must have
taken is shown from start to finish.
The set is a character all on its own. From its
creation of a deserted Oklahoma farm house to the river and
mountains of Colorado, this was a true achievement. The scene
changes were a thrill to watch, perfectly choreographed and almost
breathtaking when you see what has suddenly been created whilst you
have been enjoying the music. It was complemented by a brilliant
lighting design which was moody, dark and perfectly in sync with
every other facet of this production. The hard work that was put in
by set designer David Dare, lighting designer Jason Bovaird and crew
certainly paid off. Congratulations.
Costumes were handled by Wendy Drowley and Lois
Connor, the blandness of the era captured well.
The casting was exceptional and it had to be.
This production could not have worked with out a cast that was
willing to give its all. There are over 20 cast members and whilst I
can’t mention them all individually, each member leaves their mark
on the stage. Everyone helping to tell this story.
Nigel Leslie plays the recently paroled Tom Joad.
No flashy performance here, just an understated portrayal of a man
returning to his family in search of starting over. Just how it
should be played. His scenes with Casey and small scenes of
interaction with his mother were some of Nigel’s best.
Juliet Hayday is outstanding as the mother doing
and saying what ever she has to, to keep her family strong and
together. Ma Joad is a powerful character, the matriarch of a family
coming close to falling apart and Juliet handles it brilliantly.
Jim Casey is the former preacher who happens to
come across the Joad family again just as they are leaving to go to
California and hitches a lift for a different life. Casey is a
complex character, at times he seems like a lost soul, others a
natural born leader, Barry Lockett brought all facets of the man to
life.
Bob Crawford has some powerful scenes as Pa Joad.
His belief in a better life is infectious.
Bruce Akers, David Orlando, Eleanor Wilson, Fred
Barker, Sandy Green, Vlady T & Eleanor & Oliver Danek round off the
Joad family and again all leave their mark.
One who must be mentioned in his first theatrical
experience is Paul Karafillis – the man with the guitar. His voice
and music help to carry this play. One of the hardest things a
person can do on stage is to become invisible. Paul nails this. You
notice him when you need to and when you do, it’s wonderful.
Yes there are some minor flaws in this
production, but why mention them when the final package is so good.
If you are going to see any show this year, make
it Grapes of Wrath.
Congratulations
Angela Ellis
has worked in the industry both professionally and non
professionally for 15 years. In this time she has worked in all
areas from sound and lighting to stage management as well as being
an award winning performer in such productions as Cosi,Much Ado
about nothing and Secret Bridesmaid's business.
Angela
recently also added Director to her resume with the multi-award
winning production of the one act play Henna Night
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