Horton Foote's masterpiece The Trip to Bountiful may have originally been intended as a commentary on his own time and circumstance, but it plays well to the modern playgoer as well. Audiences attending the Santa Paula Theater Center’s current production are sure to enjoy this celebrated work.
Bountiful, a small Texas town, calls out to one of her long lost daughters, Carrie Watts (Nancy Solomons), who yearns to return to her childhood home. Now, alone in the crowded city of Huston, her husband gone, Carrie finds the walls of the small apartment she shares are closing in on her. Her son, the unremarkable Ludie (Hugh McManigal), and Carrie’s self-absorbed daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae (Kimberly Peters), occupy the majority of the living space, relegating Carrie to sleeping on a small cot in the back kitchen corner. As an urban dose of cabin fever sets in, Carrie softly sings to herself and moves about her daily life, longing for escape. Conflict is inevitable as the unbearable Jessie Mae picks and pokes at Carrie, who dreams of the perfect life she could lead back in her idealized Bountiful.
The sights and sounds of this production of The Trip to Bountiful draw you in and the complex relationship that Foote had with Texas is displayed in every word. The costumes are exceptional and care has been taken to present a pallet of color that does well in helping to tell the tale. The sound design by Leticia Mattson catches your ear for its ability to gently bring you into the scene and move the story forward.
Foote beautifully intertwines imagery and nostalgia to counter the harsh reality and bitterness of the three main characters in this often-produced work. The cast delivers well-rounded performances and justice is done to Foote’s sometimes formidable story demands. Solomons is solid and engaging as Carrie, brimming with strength and desperation held just below the surface. Peters deftly plays the abrasive Jessie Mae, and McManigal gives Ludie a dual nature, playing both his apathy and heart. The attentive direction of Laurie Walters gives this show a strong feeling of continuity. With an ensemble that includes Bill Spellman, Kytriena Payseno, and John F. O'Grady in strong supporting roles, Bountiful is a journey that you will enjoy.
The Trip to Bountiful runs February 10 - March 18, at the Santa Paula Theatre Center. http://www.santapaulatheatercenter.org
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