Photo Flash: CSC Presents GRAPES OF WRATH

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its eighteenth season with John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" in an adaptation by Frank Galati. This production features CSC Ensemble Members Justin McCombs, Sherman Fracher and Drew Fracher and is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. "The Grapes of Wrath" opens on March 30th and runs through April 29, 2012. The production design is generously sponsored by AAA.

Check out the production photos below!

Frank Galati's Tony Award-winning adaptation of "The Grapes of Wrath" tells a tale of endurance and hope in a time of hardship. Having survived the drought of the 1930s only to see their home repossessed, the Joad family embarks on a harrowing journey from the Dust Bowl fields of Oklahoma to the fertile orchards of California. But the "promised land" is far from what they imagined and the Joads must attempt to overcome the injustices that plague a nation in crisis. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present this deeply moving story about the pursuit of the American Dream in the face of adversity at a time when many Americans are facing adversity of their own.

"The Grapes of Wrath" is a 1988 play adapted by Frank Galati from the classic John Steinbeck novel of the same name. The play debuted at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, followed by a May 1989 production at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and a June 1989 production at the Royal National Theatre in London. The Broadway production opened the next year directed by Galati and starring Gary Sinise . "The Grapes of Wrath" won the Tony award for Best Play in 1990 and was nominated for 7 additional Tony Awards and 5 Drama Desk Awards. This award-winning adaption of "The Grapes of Wrath" continues to be performed most recently enjoying a successful run at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada.

This production is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC's Producing Artistic Director. Joining the company on stage for this production is Justin McCombs as Tom Joad. Ninth year CSC resident ensemble member, Sherman Fracher returns to play the powerful matriarch, Ma Joad.

A house band, comprised of CSC company members, Jeremy Dubin, Sara Clark, Cary Davenport, Kelly Mengelkoch, Ellen Beltramo and Miranda McGee, singing and playing string and percussion instruments, will serve as an essential part of the story as it unfolds on stage.

The team also includes costume designer Amy Rawe, an NKU graduate who recently designed this season's production of "Macbeth", Scenic and Lighting Designer Andrew Hungerford and Sound Designer Doug Brontrager.

"The Grapes of Wrath" also marks the first production in which CSC will be fully utilizing their grand prize as the winners of the LED Source® LEDko Challenge on Jan. 31, 2012. CSC received a complete LED lighting makeover worth $20,000 after being chosen among dozens of staging, education, studio, installation, and theater professionals throughout North America who participated in the contest. Contestants each submitted a video of their lackluster lighting systems to be considered for a complete LED lighting upgrade. As the grand prize winner, CSC has had their aging, energy-draining stage lighting replaced with eight Reflection LEDko fixtures by Coemar, the sponsor of the contest.

Performances of "The Grapes of Wrath" are scheduled from March 30- April 29, 2012 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on March 28 & 29, and tickets are only $14. No performance on Sunday April 1st or 8th. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$28 on Thursday Nights and Sunday Matinees and from $26-$32 on Friday and Saturday Nights. Ticketing fees may apply. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts and AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Photos by Rich Sofranko.