The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck's panoramic novel about dirt-poor, Depression-era Okies still packs a punch and Sacramento Theatre Company's production delivers the goods. Laura Kaya and Matt K. Miller play Ma and Pa, using every resource at their disposal to hold the fracturing family together. Kirk Blackinton (son Tom Joad) displays an idealistic gleam in his eyes and a tendency to lose his cool in the heat of the moment. Original music by Sam Misner and Megan Smith (who also play cameo roles) is a significant plus, and director Michael Stevenson manages to use the smallish STC stage to focus the intimate conversations, the cramped ride on the California-bound truck, etc. W, Th 6:30pm; F, Sa 8pm; Sa, Su 2pm. Through 10/26. $15-$38. Sacramento Theatre Company at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H Street; (916) 443-6722; www.sactheatre.org.