“The Grapes of Wrath” was an acclaimed novel by John Steinbeck. Then it became an acclaimed movie, starring a young Henry Fonda. It later became an acclaimed, Tony-winning play on Broadway.
Now, “The Grapes of Wrath” as an opera?
It’s appears so.
The Salt Lake Tribune in Salt Lake City reports that the story of Okies fleeing the Dust Bowl via Route 66 has been fashioned into a new production at Utah Opera. Saturday was opening night. The world premiere was a few weeks ago at the Minnesota Opera.
An early review was favorable:
The new opera by Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie masterfully captures the scope and spirit of Steinbeck’s Nobel-winning epic. “The Grapes of Wrath” works as grand opera, with its large cast and sweeping score, and as a pointed reminder that the social problems that vexed Steinbeck never really go away. “I swear, what’s this country comin’ to?” a chorus of Pump Guys sneers at the desperate “Okies.” What, indeed. […]
Gordon’s score is, as conductor Grant Gershon described it, “a patchwork – a quilt of American sound.” The composer’s antecedents – Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, among others – are clear, yet Gordon stitches them together in a way all his own. Folk music, swing, Andrews Sisters-style harmonies, jazz, even some Handelian word painting all pop through the contemporary opera fabric. Recurring motifs, such as “Handbills” and “It’s Not My Fault,” help tie it all up. And don’t be surprised if you walk out humming one of the tunes. […]
BOTTOM LINE: This new opera captures the scope and spirit of John Steinbeck’s epic novel.
Here’s a YouTube of excerpts and interviews of the opera’s producers:
Here’s a radio ad for the play:
The opera runs 3 1/2 hours. Utah Opera is hosting the production through May 20. You can buy tickets online through the Web site.