The Grapes of Wrath (Library Edition Audio CDs) (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections) [Audio CD]

John Steinbeck (Author)

Book Description

Series: L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections | Publication Date: March 3, 2003

An award-winning full-cast dramatization based on the epic novel by Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck, starring Shirley Knight and Jeffrey Donovan.

Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together. Starring Shirley Knight as Ma Joad, Frank Galati s heart-wrenching adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel finds its timeless heart in the generous spirit of the common man.

A full-cast production featuring: Shirley Knight, Jeffrey Donovan, Emily Bergl, Mike Buie, Daniel Chacon, Maurice Chasse, Shannon Cochran, Trista Delamere, Francis Guinan, Charlie Matthes, Rod McLachlan, Bob Pescovitz,Joel Rafael, Stephen Ramsey, Nick Sadler, Andy Taylor, Todd Waring, Fredd Wayne, Michael Weston and Kate Williamson with live music performed by the Joel Rafael Band.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Steinbeck (1902 -1968) was one of the best known and most widely read American writers of the 20th century. Steinbeck wrote in the naturalist style, portraying people as the center of his stories. His people and his stories were taken from real life struggles in the first half of the 20th century. His body of work reflects his wide range of interests, including marine biology, jazz, politics, philosophy, history, and myth.

From AudioFile

With a photographer's eye for honest detail and a musician's ear for the era's language and dialogue, John Steinbeck's Dustbowl epic of displacement, heartache, and hope became both a touchstone and lightning rod in American literature as soon as it was published in 1939. The novel continues to resonate and L.A. Theatre Works's full-cast performance of Frank Galati's Tony Award-winning stage adaptation hits all the high points. In this story of family and survival, Jeffrey Donovan provides a solid voice and foundation for the Prodigal Son figure, Tom Joad. Francis Guinan finds the wisdom and humor in the broken preacher, Jim Casey. And veteran Broadway star Shirley Knight shines as the matriarch, Ma Joad, bringing heart, soul, and tears to every line. A fine introduction to Steinbeck's world. B.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works (March 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580812635
• ISBN-13: 978-1580812634
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #682,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, March 4, 2009

By 

Patricia O'Tuama "rissa" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Grapes of Wrath (Library Edition Audio CDs) (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections) (Audio CD)

Pay no attention to the previous reviewer who apparently has no idea who John Steinbeck was or what this play is about. There is no excess of swearing and what there is, is part of the story. I thought this was an amazing rendition of the novel for a radio audience which can be difficult to do when the audience can't see what's going on. The music by the Joel Rafael Band is outstanding as is the performance of the actors.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not an audio book, May 4, 2011

By 

Leo (KERRVILLE, TEXAS, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Grapes of Wrath (Library Edition Audio CDs) (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections) (Audio CD)

Received it today and disappointed to discover it is NOT a rendition of the book. It is, rather, only a play (with an audience).

Have not been able to ascertain how much of the book has been abridged but it appears to be only a short version. This version is comprised of only two discs and only has 37 tracks. Pathetic and a rip-off.

This should NOT be included in the audio book section of Amazon. I'm not sure what category it belongs in but it is not an audio book.

LW

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Grapes of Blah, July 7, 2009

By 

Valerie Maryman "marymanv" (Detroit, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Grapes of Wrath (Library Edition Audio CDs) (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collections) (Audio CD)

The audio version was just OK, while it was great to have different voices for the characters, the audio version left out so much that you really couldn't appreciate how great the story really is.