| Description |
6.34 linear ft. (9 boxes) |
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I.Scripts, 1988-1990; II. Research, 1972-1990; III. Venues, 1986-1990; IV. Television, 1990; V. Oversized, 1988. |
| Summary |
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company Grapes of Wrath production files contain production and administrative materials donated by stage manager Malcolm Ewen and director Frank Galati. The collection consists primarily of scripts, schedules, memos, correspondence, notebooks, programs, research files, stage manager's reports, contracts, plans, photographs, publicity material, clippings, and ephemera relating to the Chicago, San Diego, London, New York, and television productions of the play. Several versions of the script for the play are available in the production files, including the original 1988 version and the shooting script for the 1991 PBS American Playhouse television broadcast. General papers include photocopies of research materials, production materials for unspecified productions, and other materials on Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Of particular note for all the productions, are the backstage "contest" materials. These consist of cartoons, limericks, and various humorous competitions in which the cast and crew participated. The Broadway production is the most thoroughly documented, since it had the longest run. Oversized materials consist of sections, an elevation, and floor plans for the Chicago production. The overall arrangement of the production files corresponds to file headings used by Ewen. Some materials have been restricted because they contain personal information. |
| Biography |
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company began in 1974 in Highland Park, Illinois as a collective of actors interested in fostering on-going group work. Initially formed under the leadership of Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise, the company incorporated in 1975. By 1976, it had expanded to include other friends from Illinois State University. Founded on a commitment to the principles of ensemble collaboration and artistic risk, the group's mission has been to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater, as exemplified by its award-winning production of The Grapes of Wrath. Northwestern University professor and company member, Frank Galati, first adapted and directed the John Steinbeck novel for the stage in 1988. The Steppenwolf production of The Grapes of Wrath opened September 18, 1988 at the Royal-George Theatre in Chicago to critical acclaim and went on to successful runs at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California (May 14-June 17, 1989), London's National Theatre (June 1989), and Broadway's Cort Theatre (March 22-September 2, 1990). The production also was shown on PBS's American Playhouse on March 22, 1991. The ensemble cast included Terry Kinney, Gary Sinise, and Lois Smith. The production received numerous awards, including two Tony Awards. It also was a National Medal Winner of the White House Millennium Council 2000, which included the script in the National Millennium Time Capsule. |
| Subject |
Ewen, Malcom.
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Galati, Frank.
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Sinise, Gary.
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Smith, Lois, 1930-
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Steinbeck, John, 1902-1968. Grapes of wrath -- Stage adaptations.
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Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
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La Jolla Playhouse (Calif.)
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Royal National Theatre (Great Britain)
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Cort Theatre (New York, N.Y.)
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Ensemble theatre.
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Stage management.
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| Genre/Form |
Clippings.
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Correspondence.
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Financial records.
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Legal documents.
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Photographs.
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Working drawings.
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Scripts.
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| Occupation |
Actors. |
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Directors. |
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Stage managers. |
| Added Author |
Ewen, Malcolm.
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Galati, Frank.
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Sinise, Gary.
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Smith, Lois, 1930-
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Steinbeck, John, 1902-1968.
Grapes of wrath.
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La Jolla Playhouse (Calif.)
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Royal National Theatre (Great Britain)
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Cort Theatre (New York, N.Y.)
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| Call No. |
*T-Mss 1994-010
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| Research Call Number |
*T-Mss 1994-010
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