Grapes of Wrath

Carson-Newman theatre students are rehearsing for their production of The Grapes of Wrath, which will take the stage of Gentry auditorium next week. Director Kyle Biery expects the show to receive rave reviews from the audience."It is going to be a great show," Biery said. "People can understand it and appreciate their own lives when reflecting back on those hard times."

The play is based on the Pulitzer and Nobel prize-winning novel by John Steinbeck and begins in Oklahoma with a three-generation family living through the Dust Bowl. The family travels to California in hopes of creating a better life while enduring many hardships.

The cast is comprised of twenty-five members, who are performing over sixty roles. Destry Cloud will be playing Tom Joad. Mia sage Lowry and Kyle Long will be Ma and Pa Joad, respectively. Nathan Mcghee will be featured as Casey. The cast only has three and a half short weeks to rehearse and Biery admits the task is not an easy one.

"It is the most difficult thing we have taken on," he said.

Thursday night is traditionally the night a CLW is offered for students in attendance; however, the department is adding another special interest during this production. Students will be able to gain admission through food or clothing donations, which will be given to Appalachian Outreach..

The play will be performed February 11 through February 14. Show times are 7:30 p.m. the 11 through 13 with an afternoon performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday.