GLT presents John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, Grapes of Wrath

Gaffney Little Theatre opens its 2006 season with Frank Galati’s staging of John Steinbeck’s

The Grapes of Wrath, a haunting, stark and often bitter picture of one of emerging America’s darkest hours in recent history.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the part of the country known as the Dust Bowl, the play tells the story of the Joad family on their trek to California to escape the life in which they find themselves.

Show times are Thursday, Feb. 9, through Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. at the Gaffney Little Theatre on East Robinson Street. Because of the adult nature of the play, it is not recommended for children.

Donnie Patterson as Tom Joad and Susan Baxter-Ferguson as Ma Joad head the cast of 22. Some of the notable roles include Mike Dobbins as Pa Joad, Raymond Martin as Grandpa, Jamie Grindstaff as Uncle John, Phyllis Randolph as Grandma, Susan Gibbons as Rose of Sharon and Craig Sanders as Connie Rivers. Other cast members include Timothy Leftwich, Chris Darwin, Emalea Carroll, Aidan Hopping and Chris McGraw. JoJo Mullens, Jackie Scholl, Ernest Lavendar, Bernadette Swayngim, Antwan McKelvin and Mary Carpenter play multiple roles. Kyra Carroll, Kim Carroll and Aidan Baxter-Ferguson complete the cast.

The Grapes of Wrath is produced and directed by Tim Baxter-Ferguson of the Limestone College theatre faculty, with Melinda Johnson as assistant director and stage manager, Jamie Grindstaff as technical director, and Kiah Baxter-Ferguson as lightboard operator and sound effects technician.

The Gaffney Little Theatre has served the artistic needs of Cherokee County for more than 30 years. The theatre, with the cooperation of the City of Gaffney, is planning to build a multicultural arts complex containing a 250-seat theatre for adult productions and a 100 capacity black box that will serve as a children’s and youth theatre and will also meet other vital community needs.

GLT prides itself on the arts education program that it conducts by offering children, youth and adults an ongoing skills-building program that allows each individual to grow as an actor and develop deeper appreciation for theatre, both historic and contemporary. The theatre also serves as a venue for South Carolina and North Carolina playwrights to showcase their new plays. The theatre networks with the South Carolina Arts Commission, and with area theatres, directors and actors to offer the best in theatrical productions.

Families new to the community and business and industry looking to offer cooperate sponsorship for the arts should contact the Little Theatre to offer support. Phillip Gibbons is president of the Little Theatre.

Reservations for The Grapes of Wrath may be made by calling 489-4589. Seating for the show is allocated on a first reserved/first seated or first come/first served basis. Those people with reservations should claim their seats at least 15 minutes before opening curtain. Want to go?

WHAT: John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath

WHEN: Feb. 9-11, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 3 p.m.

WHERE: Gaffney Little Theatre.

RESERVATIONS: Call the box office, 4894589. Because of the adult nature of the play, it is not recommended for children.