Interview: Actor Max Greger Talks THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Theatre Charlotte presents THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Novel by John Steinbeck with adaptation by Frank Galati. A powerful and deeply affecting stage version of one of the masterpieces of American literature, THE GRAPES OF WRATH won a Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH runs October 27 - November 12, 2017. Tickets on sale at CarolinaTix or call 704 372-1000.

I took a moment to talk with Max Greger after class for this interview. He has been my acting student in Workshop Advanced at Spirit Square, since 2013. He was casual, wearing a green bomber jacket with jeans and confidently happy talking about THE GRAPES OF WRATH.

LAW: When did you start acting?

MG: I started performing when I was six-years-old. I went to University Park Elementary School for the Arts from 2nd grade to 5th grade. I performed in a lot of plays and musicals.

LAW: What drew you to the craft of acting?

MG: Well, I mean, when I was a kid, I'd watch movies and my mom would take me to musicals. I fell in love with all of it. I loved Elvis Presley and I would perform impersonations of Elvis for my family.

LAW: What made you audition for THE GRAPES OF WRATH?

MG: A classmate, Yesseña told me that Theatre Charlotte holds auditions. When I saw THE GRAPES OF WRATH was auditioning, I knew I had to audition. I did,... and a few days later I got the call that I had the part.

LAW: What will audiences see in this show?

MG: This play is about a family striving to stay together and trying to survive.

LAW: Tell me about your character.

MG: He's the protagonist, Tom Joad Jr. is the middle son of Tom Joad. He's a quiet guy. He comes up fighting. He doesn't like bullies..... yea.

LAW: How do you emotionally connect to the emotional life of this character?

MG: I use sense memory and what "if."

LAW: Tell about a typical day, how do you prepare emotionally and physically to perform?

MG: Rehearsals have been going really well. We run through the first act and add a couple of things and then go through the second act. Rehearsals are in the evenings.

LAW: What has been your best experience in rehearsal?

MG: The people.... Meeting new people. Getting feedback, pointers and advice on portraying my character. Working with the director, Ron Law. The whole experience has been great.

LAW: Where is home?

MG: Originally Chicago, I lived in Carol Stream.

LAW: What is your favorite restaurant?

MG: [Pause thinking] Brixx [Wood Fired] Pizza. I love the Bronx Bomber, it has a lot on it.

LAW: What has been your worst experience as an actor?

MG: I haven't had one yet.

LAW: What will audiences take away from seeing the show and your performance?

MG: The message is family.... Sticking together through the good times and bad times. Family members die, people leave in the hard times, but it's family that keeps you going.

LAW: What's your greatest joy?

MG: [Laughs] Seeing a new movie. And singing by myself. And my family.

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