MasterVoices | Orchestra of St. Luke's
Based on the novel by John Steinbeck
Music by Ricky Ian Gordon
Libretto by Michael Korie
Concert narration by Kevin Doyle
Orchestrations by Ricky Ian Gordon and Bruce Coughlin
DIRECTED AND CONDUCTED BY TED SPERLING
Sound design by Scott Lehrer
Costume design by Tracy Christensen
Lighting Design by Brian Tovar
Projections by Wendall K. Harrington
Stage Management by Ira Mont
Since the day it was published on April 14, 1939, The Grapes of Wrath has captured the American imagination with its sweeping plot and epic scope – two elements that make it perfect for an opera. In the true spirit of Steinbeck, Gordon and Korie have fashioned “a people’s opera” whose orchestral score is laced with banjo, guitar, harmonica, saxophones, and barroom piano. Originally commissioned by Minnesota Opera, MasterVoices premiered the concert version in 2010. What better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Artistic Director Ted Sperling’s tenure with MasterVoices than to revisit this gorgeous piece – which he brought to us – with fresh revisions and our signature casting of theater and opera stars? At its heart, GRAPES is a plea for political and spiritual unity that is as relevant today as the day it was penned.
Run Time: 2:25 plus 15 minute intermission
CAST
NARRATORS – Joe Morton and J. Smith-Cameron
TOM JOAD, a released prisoner, Kyle Oliver
MA JOAD, Margaret Lattimore
PA JOAD, a tenant farmer, Nathan Gunn
GRANMA, Pa and John’s mother, Jan Constantine
GRAMPA, her husband, David Fleiss
ROSE OF SHARON, Tom’s pregnant sister, Mikaela Bennett
MAE, a waitress, Bryonha Marie
VAL, a line-cook, Michael Hasty
JIM CASY, a lapsed preacher, Victor Starsky
UNCLE JOHN, Pa’s brother, Malcolm MacKenzie
CONNIE RIVERS, Rose of Sharon’s husband / RAGGED MAN / TRUCK DRIVER, Schyler Vargas
NOAH, Tom’s slow-witted brother, Christian Pursell
AL, his younger brother, John Brancy
RUTHIE, Tom’s youngest sister, Ruby Waxman
WINFIELD, Tom’s youngest brother, Gordon Henry
Tickets, priced from $30, are on sale and may be purchased online at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800 or in person at Carnegie Hall’s box office at 57th and Seventh Avenue.
You’re invited to MasterVoices Spring Benefit!
Begin your evening with a special one-night-only performance of THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Following the performance, indulge in an exclusive Benefit Reception. Treat yourself to tantalizing cocktails, light bites, and the opportunity to mingle with the stars of the show, esteemed composers Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie, as well as our visionary artistic director, Ted Sperling.
Attendees of the Benefit will have access to the best seats for this glorious performance of Steinbeck’s masterpiece. Gather your friends and reserve your spot today!
Artwork by Owen Gent
