The Minnesota Opera Company will present the work — which traces the Joad family's arduous journey from Oklahoma to California — Feb. 10-18, 2007, at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, MN. Eric Simonson will direct the three-act production, which will feature the Minnesota Opera Orchestra.

The Grapes of Wrath features music by Gordon and a libretto by Korie. After its Minnesota debut, the opera is scheduled to play the Utah Opera in spring 2007 and both the Houston Grand Opera and Pittsburgh Opera in 2008.

In a mass e-mail, composer Gordon said, "It has been deeply satisfying and profound to work on this opera. Allowing Steinbeck's rich intricate people to speak through my notes and Michael's words has changed me. I hope we honor the story with what we have done. I hope we have made something beautiful. I feel excited about it."

Ricky Ian Gordon’s My Life with Albertine was presented at Playwrights Horizons. His other works include Dream True, States of Independence, Stonewall/Night Variations, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Only Heaven, Autumn Valentine, Sweet Song and Morning Star. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Betty Buckley, Audra McDonald and Dawn Upshaw. PS Classics recently released Gordon's Dream True with a cast headed by Victoria Clark, Jessica Molaskey, Jason Danieley, Brian d'Arcy James, Kelli O'Hara, Jeff McCarthy, Clark Thorell and Michael McElroy.

For Grapes of Wrath ticket information, visit www.mnopera.org.