The first half of our stellar ensemble was highlighted in last week’s post.
Missed it? Check it out here.
Get to know the rest of the talented artists bringing this timeless masterpiece to the stage.
Bryonha Marie
Mae
A waitress along Route 66. She’s wary of the uptick in travelers who can’t pay their way. However, her kind spirit gives the Joads hope along their journey.
Keep an eye out for her rousing solo “Truck Drivers” in Act I.
Noted Performances:
Best known for her Broadway performance in Prince of Broadway, a career retrospective of the work of the late Harold Prince (directed by Prince and Susan Stroman), The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess as Serena, After Midnight as featured and principal cover for Patti LaBelle, Toni Braxton, KD Lang and Fantasia, the revival of Ragtime as Sarah’s Friend, and The Book of Mormon.
Victor Starsky
Jim Casy
A former preacher who has lost his faith in organized religion, Casy accompanies the Joads on their trek to California.
Look for his pensive aria “Things Turn Around” in Act II.
Noted Performances:
Don Jose in Bizet’s Carmen at Sarasota Opera, Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme at Wichita Grand Opera, Romeo in New York City Opera’s Romeo et Juliette.
Malcolm MacKenzie
Uncle John
Tom’s Uncle, and brother to “Pa.” A drinker, whose wife and infant died a long time ago in childbirth. John blames himself for her death and believes that he brings bad luck to the family.
Be prepared for his heart-rending aria “Dead Little Moses” toward the end of Act II.
Noted Performances:
MacKenzie created the role of Johnson/Owen in the World Premier of the Pulitzer Prize winning opera Omar, by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels. Last summer he played The Old Doctor in Barber’s Vanessa at the Spoleto Festival.
Christian Pursell
Noah Joad
Tom’s older brother is described as being slow-witted. He believes he is a burden to his family and makes plans to leave.
Look for his aria in Act II – “I Can Be A Help.” His decision to leave the family may just break them apart.
Noted Performances:
A graduate of the prestigious Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera, his performance credits with the company include Lieutenant Ratcliffe in Billy Budd, Walter Raleigh in Roberto Devereux, the Jailer in Tosca, Count Lamoral in Arabella, and an Angel in It’s a Wonderful Life.
John Brancy
Al Joad
Tom’s middle brother. He enjoys working on cars and chasing girls. With Tom’s help, Al is responsible for maintaining the family truck, making him a crucial component in getting to California.
Fun Fact: John Brancy and Mikaela Bennett reunite for back-to-back seasons of MasterVoices productions. First Carmen at JALC, and now The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall.
Noted Performances:
This past summer, he starred in dual roles Artisan/Collector in the world premiere of Picture a Day Like This by George Benjamin and Martin Crimp, debuting first at the Aix en Provence Festival and then at London’s famed Royal Opera House. He is also the official anthem singer at NHL Hockey home games at Madison Square Garden for the NY Rangers.
Recent MV performances: Adam Guettel’s Myths and Hymns, and Bizet’s Carmen
