Felicitys’ Score: 2/5 oranges.
The Grapes of Wrath at the New Theatre is an epic story, following the Joad family migrating west across the USA during the 1930s. The family’s story rang true for thousands during the The Great Depression in midwest America – farmers driven out by drought and dust, hoping to reap the benefits of plentiful jobs in California. The reality of this promised land? More of the same desperation and starvation.
The cast is huge; 18 actors play 45 roles. It’s an impressive feat. Less impressive, for me, is the show as a whole. I want the story of migrants surviving against all odds to resonate strongly with me, I really do. It’s a timeless story – Australia in particular has a lot to answer for in terms of welcoming (or in a lot of cases, not welcoming) people who are looking for a better life and just to survive. But, unfortunately, it just doesn’t for me.
The opening scene, with the cast all sitting watching a moving picture is charming. Their reactions of glee and shock at the drama on a big screen brings us into the era in a way that is darling. But, as the drama unfolds, it doesn’t come together succinctly.
The accents are all over the place – fair enough when Aussie’s do US accents there’s usually some grace for minor slip ups – but there are times when characters are yelling or being funny where it sounds distinctly Australian. The variation (not in US accent but just in accent quality) is really distracting. To their credit, the show has been directed so that there is never an ‘off’ moment during the two acts. Some of the ensemble come out, and indeed at times they all join in, on a song when scenes are transitioning. I like where they were headed with it but it felt kitschy to me at times. They became tedious rather than supportive – there were several times when I was just watching the set change and not the performance because it didn’t hold my attention. There were several (spoiler alert) deaths that I guess were meant to be impactful, but just felt a little so-so.
Tom Bannerman provided a flexible set, chairs and tables easily turning into a vehicle that could be moved with cast on it. It was delightful; so much so that the transitions where they built or took apart the car were some of the highlights for me. Aside from that, and the opening sequence, I do have to commend Rowena McNicol for her depiction of Ma Joad. A standout for me, she brought a truthfulness to the role that I so desperately wanted to see others do as well.
I should probably just follow character Jim Casey’s philosophy that “there ain’t no sin and there ain’t no virtue… there’s just stuff people do.” Some people did a show.
Felicity Anderson – Theatre Now
The Grapes Of Wrath
Based on the novel by John Steinbeck
Adaption by Frank Galati
6 Aug – 7 Sep 2019
Previews 6 & 7 Aug 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 8 Aug 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm
Sun 5pm
Sat 8 Sep 2pm only
Venue: New Theatre
Theatre Company: New Theatre
Duration: N/A
“There ain’t no sin and there ain’t no virtue. There’s just stuff people do.”
Across the Midwest of America, in the late 1930s, dust storms devasted farmlands and drove thousands of impoverished families to leave their homes in the desperate hope of finding a better life in California.
The Joads are one such family. Loading their few possessions onto a battered old truck, they head west, dealing with intolerance, exploitation, death and deprivation along the way before reaching their destination, where their dreams are dashed by the realities of the Great Depression.
Renowned first as a novel, winning Steinbeck the Pulitzer Prize, and then as an Academy Award-winning motion picture, the story of the Joad family is one of the great modern tragedies. Yet, despite the anguish and suffering it depicts, the play in the end is a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of goodness and strength in the face of adversity and the indomitability of the human spirit.
Winner: 1990 Tony Award for Best Play
“A thrilling theatrical achievement” The New York Post
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Louise Fischer
Assistant Director Brett Heath
Ticket Prices
Full $35
Concession, Groups (6+) $30
New Theatre Members $22 (with promo code)
Previews, Thrifty Thursdays $20
