Opera: The Grapes Of Wrath at Fairchild Theatre

Presenting the university premiere of The Grapes of Wrath, the sweeping American opera based on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. With music by celebrated composer Ricky Ian Gordon and libretto by Michael Korie, the opera follows the Joad family as they journey westward, driven from Oklahoma by the Dust Bowl in search of a better life. Both powerful and deeply human, the story explores themes of resilience, loss, and hope. Considered an “American Masterpiece,” Composer Ricky Ian Gordon’s lyrical score captures the emotional landscape of a family struggling to survive. Gordon will be a guest artist in residence during the production and will join Director Melanie Helton for preview lectures held 45 minutes before each performance. Sung in English with English surtitles.  ...

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Presenting the university premiere of The Grapes of Wrath, the sweeping American opera based on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. With music by celebrated composer Ricky Ian Gordon and libretto by Michael Korie, the opera follows the Joad family as they journey westward, driven from Oklahoma by the Dust Bowl in search of a better life. Both powerful and deeply human, the story explores themes of resilience, loss, and hope. Considered an “American Masterpiece,” Composer Ricky Ian Gordon’s lyrical score captures the emotional landscape of a family struggling to survive. Gordon will be a guest artist in residence during the production and will join Director Melanie Helton for preview lectures held 45 minutes before each performance. Sung in English with English surtitles.  
CONDUCTOR: Octavio Más-ArocasSTAGE DIRECTOR: Melanie HeltonSET DESIGNER: DJ SelmeyerLIGHT DESIGNER: Brent Wrobel
Preview Lecture 45 minutes prior to performance. Approximate run time is 2.5 hours with an intermission.
Click here to view the event program. 
The entire MSU Opera Theatre season is generously supported by the Worthington Family Foundation with additional support thanks to sponsors James and Susan Bonfiglio, the Eleanor H. and Harold E. Leichenko Opera Endowment established by Lauren Julius Harris, and the Richard and Joan Witter Endowment for MSU Opera Theatre.

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