FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 7, 2007
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Last Chance to see Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's The Grapes of Wrath
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans are raving about Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s centennial production of The Grapes of Wrath, and patrons have one final weekend to see the production present by Devon Energy at Stage Center on Nov. 8-10 at 8 p.m. and on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
"...I was extremely impressed by the quality acting, the creative staging and overall power of the play's message. The production is an official Centennial event and I understand why. It is a moving tribute to Oklahoma tenacity, faith in family and community, and resilience during a very dark chapter in our history. The cast received a standing ovation," said Gerry Bonds, host of Oklahoma City Metro and co-anchor of the Oklahoma News Report on OETA.
Designated as an official Oklahoma Centennial event, the adaptation from John Steinbeck’s classic novel will bring the gritty reality of the Dust Bowl and the “Okie” pilgrimage to California into theatrical life. Daily performances will run Nov. 1-4 and 8-11 at Stage Center located in downtown Oklahoma City.
The cast includes John Brumley as Tom Joad, Matt Cheek as Jim Casy, Hal Kohlman as Pa Joad, Brenda Williams as Ma Joad, Sue Ellen Reiman as Granma, Shawn Elmore as Grampa, Amber Brockhaus as Ruthie Joad, Leone Ghezzi as Winfield Joad, Brent Weber as Uncle John, and Jeff Montague as Al Joad.
Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath portrays a farming family that is driven from their home by drought, economic hardship and changes in the agriculture industry. In a nearly hopeless situation, the family journeys to California along with thousands of Oklahomans in search of land, jobs and dignity.
“This story pays tribute to Oklahoma’s rich history,” said Larry Nichols, Devon’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe the production sends an important message about the resiliency and compassion of Oklahomans, and we are delighted to help bring our heritage to life in downtown Oklahoma City.”
In addition to Devon’s contribution, Oklahoma winery Grape Ranch also is supporting the production and has created a signature wine for the occasion. The wine is available for purchase at select liquor stores in the metro area, and a percentage of the profits benefit Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park was founded in 1985 by current Artistic Director Kathryn McGill and the late Jack O’Meara. The organization is supported in part by Oklahoma Arts Council; Allied Arts; the Kirkpatrick Family Fund; College of Arts, Media & Design at the University of Central Oklahoma; Frontier Country Marketing Association; Devon Energy; Chesapeake Energy; OGE Energy Corp; National Endowment of the Arts; Cox Communications; Oklahoma Community Theatre Association; AT&T; Inasmuch Foundation; Oklahoma City Community Foundation; and Cardinal Engineering. For more information, visit http://www.oklahomashakespeare.com.
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