“There is an immense amount of emotion in John Steinbeck's novel, and Frank Galati has captured the epic journey and beautiful prose in an effective, inspiring adaptation for the stage,” says Jaclyn Johnson, director of the play. “Festival Theatre, as I have come to know it, prides itself on its approach to storytelling through theatre, utilizing strong production elements, fantastic talent and creative artistry.”
The play, “The Grapes of Wrath,” was adapted by Galati in 1988 and debuted at Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago that same year. In 1990, it was performed at The Cort Theater on Broadway and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play.
The “The Grapes of Wrath” will open Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Square Black Box, 125 N. Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI, with performances continuing until April 24. Tickets are $26 for adults and $13.50 for youth and can be purchased online at www.festivaltheatre.org or by contacting the box office at 715-483-3387.
For opening night, a free trolley ride with live fiddle music will take theatre goers from Stillwater to St. Croix Falls. The trolley will leave ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater at 6:15 with stops in Marine and Scandia. The ride is free but seating is limited and advance registration is required by calling ArtReach at 651-439-1465.