‘Grapes of Wrath’ Looks Into the Faces of Poverty

With about 32.9 million Americans currently existing at or below the poverty level, John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel “The Grapes of Wrath” remains enormously pertinent, particularly its theme of the human spirit’s endurance of social injustice.

Such relevance informs Frank Galati’s 1990 Tony-winning Steppenwolf Theatre adaptation, the final production of West Coast Ensemble’s 20th anniversary season. Under Claudia Jaffee’s inspired direction, this account of the Joad family’s Depression-era migration from Oklahoma to California reveals exceptional comprehension from everyone involved, demonstrating that ingenuity has no price tag.

Maintaining a pace as poetic as Steinbeck’s prose is stark, Jaffee illuminates Galati’s compressed narrative with quiet imagination. Merely the depiction of the actual truck-borne journey is but one incisive image among many.

Jaffee receives evocative assistance from Evan A. Bartoletti’s minimalist set, Diana Eden’s costumes, David Mark Peterson’s sound, Lisa D. Katz’s lighting, Scott A. Vandrick’s choreography and Don Cummings’ musical supervision.

The crowning achievement, though, is the casting, which prizes essential quality over specific type. Robert Gantzos’ Tom initially seems too handsome--until he speaks, and Steinbeck’s haunted protagonist appears fully formed. Crystal Jackson’s nontraditional Ma has equal heartbreaking power, a Dust Bowl Mother Courage.

They center the largest ensemble that the tiny venue has ever accommodated, and only my own space limitations prohibit citing each performer individually. Despite the odd erratic accent or misfired beat, their superb contribution is the paramount element elevating this deeply moving presentation to the status of company watershed.

“The Grapes of Wrath,” West Coast Ensemble, 522 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends Nov. 17. $22. (323) 525-0022. Mature audiences. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes.