Casting Set for Gordon & Korie's Grapes of Wrath Opera

Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie's adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel The Grapes of Wrath.

Presented by the Minnesota Opera Company, the opera will be performed at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on February 10, 13, 15, and 17 at 7:30 pm, and February 18 at 2:00 pm.

The Grapes of Wrath will star Brian Leerhuber as Tom Joad, Deanne Meek as Ma Joad, Kelly Kaduce as Rosasharn, Roger Honeywell as Jim Casy, Peter Halverson as Pa Joad, Robert Orth as Uncle John, Rosalind Elias as Granma, Dan Dressen as Grampa, Jesse Blumberg as Connie Rivers, Andrew Wilkowske as Noah, Joshua Kohl as Al, Maeve Moynihan as Ruthie and Henry Bushnell as Winfield, with Theodore Chletsos, Anna Jablonski, Kelly Markgraf, Greg Pearson and Karin Wolverton in the ensemble.

"An epic new American opera, The Grapes of Wrath, by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Michael Korie, adapts the John Steinbeck classic in an unforgettable operatic staging that will resonate in the hearts of all who search for the American Dream. Director Eric Simonson recreates the nostalgia and harsh reality of the 1930s dustbowl days, tracing the Joad family's journey from the ruin of their Oklahoma farm to the false promise of a better life in California. The Minnesota Opera is proud to present the world premiere of this co-commission with Utah Symphony and Opera," state Minnesota Opera notes on the piece, which will be sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.

The opera will feature choreography by Doug Varone, as well as sets by Allen Moyer, costumes by Kärin Kopischke, and lighting by Robert Wierzel.

The production will also play the Utah Opera in spring of 2007, as well as the Houston Grand Opera and the Pittsburgh Opera in 2008.

Other works for which Gordon has composed music include My Life with Albertine, Dream True and Only Heaven.  Korie is the lyricist of the Broadway hit Grey Gardens, as well as co-lyricist of Zhivago.

For more information, visit www.mnopera.org.

Photo - Ricky Ian Gordon