Stoneham Theatre will present Frank Galati’s Tony Award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s epic novel, "The Grapes of Wrath" from March 1 - 18.  Weylin Symes will direct the production.

"The Grapes of Wrath" is the classic tale of the Joads, an Oklahoma farming family who, in the aftermath of the Great Depression, find themselves reduced to the status of migrant workers.  From the dust bowls of Oklahoma to the promised land of California, "The Grapes of Wrath" tells the story of a nation trying to regain its innate goodness, selflessness and generosity.

Known for his sympathetic humor and keen social perception, John Steinbeck wrote "The Grapes of Wrath" in 1939 after seeing the devastation that blanked the country during the Great Depression. The novel won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1940 and was a cornerstone to the Nobel Prize in Literature he was awarded in 1962.

Artistic Director Weylin Symes commented, “Simply put, this is a great script of a classic novel about an important -- and sometimes misunderstood -- era in our country."  

He added, “Through a shared passion for the era’s music -- gospel, bluegrass, folk -- Music Director/musician Jeff Warner and I were inspired to create a musical score which will capture the mood of the nation and draw the audience into the piece.”

Adapted for the stage by Frank Galati, "The Grapes of Wrath" premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, and later transferred to the West End and Broadway. There it was nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning two for Best Direction and Best Play.

Frank Rich of The New York Times declared the play "... majestic... leaves one feeling that the generosity of spirit Steinbeck saw in a brutal country is not so much lost as waiting once more to be found."

SPECIAL EVENT-RELATED PERFORMANCES:
 
Thursday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.
"The Grapes of Wrath" and The Greater Boston Food Bank at Stoneham Theatre
Stoneham Theatre will donate $5 to The Greater Boston Food Bank for every ticket purchased at full price for the March 1 performance.
 
Saturday, March 3, 3:30 p.m.
ASL Interpreted performance
Email admin@stonehamtheatre.org for further information.
 
Saturday, March 3, 3:30 p.m.
Pay What You Want!
These tickets will be sold an hour prior to the performance. Cash only, correct change must be given. Day of performance only. This offer may not be combined with any other offers. Maximum number of tickets per order is 6. No Groups. Based on availability.
 
Sunday, March 4, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Post-Performance Talkback
with The Lost Mother author Mary McGarry Morris at Stoneham Theatre.
A post-performance discussion about the play with Author Mary McGarry Morris and members of the creative team. Ms. Morris will also be available to autograph her book.
 
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Banjos, Bones, and Ballads with musician Jeff Warner at Stoneham Theatre (free)
While books are an important permanent record of a time and place, traditional folk music is a more ephemeral record, passed down orally. Music is, however, a powerful tool for bringing those experiences to life. Stoneham Theatre and the Stoneham Library will co-present two free concerts featuring folk singer Jeff Warner (featured in "The Grapes of Wrath"). Mr. Warner has extensive experience developing programs designed to teach American history and culture through traditional songs. Learn more and listen at www.jeffwarner.com. Concerts are partially funded by the Stoneham Cultural Council and Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA),On the Same Page Grant.

Wednesday, March 7, Thursday, March 8 & Wednesday, March 14 -- 10:00 a.m.
"The Grapes Of Wrath" Student Matinees at Stoneham Theatre
In addition to 15 public performances of "The Grapes of Wrath," Stoneham Theatre will present three special student matinees for Stoneham High School students ($8/per student) studying the Steinbeck novel. In addition, the theatre is working closely with the school departments in other area towns including Wakefield and Reading.  Student Matinees are partially sponsored by Citizens Bank. For more information or to book a group, contact Christopher Webb at christopher@stonehamtheatre.org, or call 781-279-7885 x 113.

Sunday March 11, 2 p.m.
Comcast Family Legacy Offer
To continue this important intergenerational dialogue, Comcast will sponsor a special ticket promotion for the Sunday, March 11, matinee performance of "The Grapes of Wrath." Every Grandparent who brings their grandchildren to the performance on the 11th will be able to purchase their tickets at the student price of $20 each (a savings of $15 per ticket for the grandparents).  After the performance there will be a special Talk Back discussion that will encourage the Grandparents to share their memories of The Great Depression (or the stories they remember their parents telling) and how those family stories were the same or different than the experiences in the play.

For tickets and further information, stop by the box office at 395 Main Street, call 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org

-- OnStage Boston