San Antonio Native Performs in CRT's "The Grapes of Wrath"

STORRS. Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) opens its 2018-19 season with Frank Galati's award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck's, "The Grapes of Wrath." Gary English will direct. Bryan Mittelstadt performs as Man 2. Performances will be held in the Harriet S. Jorgenson Theatre from October 4th through October 14th, 2018. For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486-2113.

"The Grapes of Wrath" traces the journey of the Joad family, as they are forced off their farm, and flee the Dust Bowl in search of a new life. Unrelenting struggle and strife meet them at every turn, testing the limits of the human spirit. Still, they have hope. Winner of the 1990 Tony Award for Best Play, Frank Galati's adaptation of John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize-winning novel follows the Joad's as they make the rough trek to California, the land of the American Dream. This Depression-era tale of family and human resilience asks, when thousands are without work, is survival a matter of competition or cooperation?

Mittelstadt says, "Approaching such a well-known work was daunting given its fame and history. However, the exploration through the rehearsal process has been incredibly eye-opening at the depth and layers of such a beautiful work. It rekindled the story's heart for myself and reminded me of the importance to share its visceral message of discrimination, approaching the 'other,' and human experience. Furthermore, as Man 2, it was an exciting challenge to tackle a solid six characters in speech, physicality, and backstories giving me many perspectives to live and share the story. I look forward to audience's experiencing the lessons and heart of "The Grapes of Wrath."

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

The creative team includes: Gary English (Director), Kristen P.E. Zarabozo (Scenic Design), Joey Morrisette (Lighting Design), Darby Newsome (Costume Design), Teddy Carraro (Sound Design), Eddie Vitcavage (Dramaturg), Joe Jung (Music Director), Tom Kosis (Stage Manager). The cast includes: Joe Jung (Casey), Mauricio Miranda (Tom Joad), Ken O'Brien (Pa), Angela Hunt (Ma), Johanna Leister (Granma), Dale AJ Rose (Granpa), Sebastian Nagpal (Al), Nikolai Fernandez (Uncle John), Alex Campbell (Rose of Sharon), Nicholas Greika (Noah/Man 7), Aaron Bantum (Muley Graves/Floyd Knowles), Aidan Marchetti (Connie Rivers), Rob Barnes (Singer/Narrator), Bethany Rocktaschel (Ruthie), Rosie Rossi (Ruthie), Nick Glowacki (Boy in Barn), Tristan Rewald (Man 1), Bryan Mittelstadt (Man 2), Matthew Bader (Man 3), Kevin Biciunas (Man 4), Perry Madison (Man 5), Ethan Caso (Man 6), Megan Casagrande (Woman 1), Kristen Wolfe (Woman 2), Erin Cessna (Woman 3), Sierra Kane (Woman 4), Carly Polistina (Woman 5).

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Select matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Single tickets are available now. Single tickets range from $10 to $35. All student tickets are only $10.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change.

Please call the box office at 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information or visit www.crt.uconn.edufor specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

The Harriet S. Jorgenson Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.