UMF Theater presents American classic, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ Oct. 25-28

FARMINGTON – At the end of the month, UMF Theater will be performing John Steinbeck’s provocative work “The Grapes of Wrath” for the Farmington community.

The show – adapted by Frank Galati – will be directed by Peter Simmel who has been involved in all manner of theatrical work at the university for over 11 years. Simmel commented that “The Grapes of Wrath” in particular has been a performance that’s held a special interest to him.

“It’s one I’ve wanted to do for a lot of years,” he said. “To work on this show means to be working on an interpretation of one of the greatest plays of American Theater. This isn’t the type of show you repeat every 5 years.”

The production has a cast of 27 characters, one of the largest in recent UMF Theater history. Despite the size, though, Simmel stated that every one of the actors will have their hands full with physically demanding script.

“We have choreographed fights, dancing, mob scenes,” Simmel said. “Everyone will have something to do.”

In addition, the show also calls for an in-depth stage design. In order to create as faithful an adaption as possible, the production’s tech crew had to create numerous era-appropriate props and set pieces including a full-sized, mobile recreation of the Joad family’s Hudson Truck that will be present throughout the performance. Stan Spilecki, UMF’s technical director, commented on the scope of his crew’s undertaking.

“We’re going to utilize the entire performance area,” Spilecki said. “This is a huge show so we’re essentially creating the vastness of the country on this stage.”

In spite of the numerous technical demands of the play, Simmel demonstrated enthusiasm and confidence for his cast.

“This performance is a testament to the will of the human spirit. It’s imagistic, allegorical and timeless. I wouldn’t have chosen this production if I didn’t think we could do it. We definitely have the horses to pull this wagon.”

Grapes of Wrath will be performed Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Alumni Theater on the UMF campus. Tickets will be available at the door and will cost $7 for adults, $6 for students and $5 for children and seniors.