The Grapes of Wrath: a preview
Aragon’s drama department is now preparing for a new challenge, “The Grapes of Wrath.” Originally written as a book by John Steinbeck, Aragon’s actors and actresses will transfer the famous author’s words from the page to the stage.
“The Grapes of Wrath” circles around the story of the Joad family living during the Dust Bowl and the struggles they face moving from the state of Oklahoma to California.
Director Shane Smuin says,” It is a great story, a personal favorite, it is part of the English curriculum in the San Mateo High School District and it involves a nice big cast which means more options for the kids.”
Playing Jim Casy, one of the play’s major roles, senior Alex Phinney says, “Rehearsals are different from any other production I have been a part of. As opposed to being light hearted, it’s all serious. The focus is more on acting than lighting and costumes. It has a more solemn nature.”
Many of the same actors and actresses who were in “Curtains,” Aragon’s fall semester musical, are also involved in “The Grapes of Wrath.”
Sophomore Kevin Dwyer played a supporting role in the “Curtains” and says, “I have learned from seniors and other older actors and actresses and I want to put that in to the show.”
It is freshman Erik Harden’s first year as a part of Aragon’s drama department, and he says, “Rehearsals are fun, especially when were in the process of getting inside the truck because it’s so tight and crammed. It’s a scene that is always fun to do together. Preparing for the play means constant memorization, but some days rehearsal can just be really quiet.”
Sophomore Eli Mayerson says, “We have rehearsal after school everyday except Friday, and it may seem like a lot but I love acting so I don’t mind at all.”
Dwyer also commented on preparation for the show saying, “Usually rehearsals are really relaxing and fun but five minutes before we all start, everybody mellows down and a lot of people start listening to depressing music. This helps people get into the mood of the play because it’s really sad and depressing. It gets you into character.”
Smuin says, “My hope is that the play is well received by the community. My hope is that people understand that it’s not just an 80-year-old story, but that it has relevance to our current culture.”
Aragon’s production of “The Grapes of Wrath” will premiere on Thursday, March 24 in the Aragon Memorial Theater. The play will run for four days up until Sunday, March 27.
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