‘Grapes of Wrath’ coming to Clearfield CAST stage

— Courtesy photo

By Andy Stine

astine@altoonamirror.com

Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST) director Mason Strouse has been involved with the organization since 2015, and in all that time it has only happened twice where a show had to be either delayed or canceled … until recently.

Various changes in personal lives forced CAST to condense their presentation of “The Grapes of Wrath” to just one week and four shows, rather than the typical six shows over two weeks.

“The first time was because of COVID. The second time was because of an actor illness, and this is the third time,” said Strouse, who now serves as the executive director of CAST. “Those are pretty good odds for 11 years.”

“The Grapes of Wrath” was originally slated to open last week, but now will open on April 22 and will run through Saturday. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m.

CAST was unable to add another week due to time constraints for the organization and for the cast members. Rather than push production back a week, they will do one week and move on to working on the next play, “Sunset Boulevard,” which is set to premiere in June.

“We’re just going to make the best of it as we can,” Strouse said.

“The Grapes of Wrath” will be directed by longtime CAST director Robert Roxby.

The play, which was based on the novel written by John Steinbeck, tells the story of the Joad family that leaves Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and heads west in search of a better life. Along their journey, the family faces hardship, loss, and uncertainty, yet the story remains a moving testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

“It’s considered one of the great American classics,” Strouse said. “A lot of people had to read it in high school or college English classes.

“It has a lot of intense moments, but a lot of heartfelt moments, too. It’s a really good story for anyone who enjoys a good drama.”

Strouse, who was a co-director in CAST’s last production of “Newsies Jr.” in January along with his wife, Kellie, also said “The Grapes of Wrath” mirrors current times, in some ways.

“A lot of people are struggling,” he said. “A lot of people are trying to make it work. It’s a family unit trying to look out for each other and do what’s best, make money and be able to eat.”

Most productions done by CAST are lighter plays with tons of humor and a lot of musicals, but “The Grapes of Wrath” strays from that path.

“It’s not one of our big musicals where it’s fun and everyone is laughing,” Strouse said. “This is on the more serious side. It’s something different.”

Strouse said there is a little swearing in “The Grapes of Wrath,” but the show is appropriate for the audience targeted — teenagers and older.

Tickets can be purchased at ClearfieldArts.org. CAST is located at 112 East Locust Street in downtown Clearfield.