Beautiful “Bountiful” at The Waterfront

Audiences are falling in love with “The Trip To Bountiful,” now receiving a gorgeous production at the acclaimed Waterfront Playhouse through February 11th. Considered a masterpiece of the American theater, Horton Foote’s play powerfully resonates with poignancy, poetry, humor and elegance. The Wall Street Journal raves, “Unforgettable…I’ve never been more deeply moved by a theatrical production of any kind.”

Murphy Davis directs this gentle, yet powerful play with a sure hand and delicate eye. He effortlessly moves the action from the cramped Houston apartment to various bus stations, a bus trip and finally, in a lovely coup de theatre, the revelation of Carrie’s home in Bountiful.

Joy Hawkins gives another stunning performance in “Bountiful.” She plays Carrie Watts, a widow who struggles to return to her childhood home. Ms. Hawkins imbues the very determined Mrs. Watts’ with grit, humor and a compelling dignity. It’s hard to believe this warm, plain-spoken character is portrayed by the same actress who embodied the brittle, upper class matriarch in last year’s brilliant “Mothers and Sons” at the Waterfront.

John Reynolds gives a deeply felt performance as Carrie’s only child, Ludie. His love for both his mother and his wife is touching, as he attempts to keep them both happy – and in their separate corners. Caroline Taylor is wonderful as the high maintenance Jessie Mae. It’s a role that could easily cross into caricature, but Ms. Taylor keeps her grounded as the character tries to come to grips with her difficult situation. She’s funny without going over the top.

Jessica Miano Kruel is lovely as a stranger Mrs. Watts meets on her bus ride to Bountiful. The scene between her and Ms. Hawkins is one of the highlights of the play as they discuss husbands, families and home.

John Wells plays the good-natured Sheriff, who is so moved by Mrs. Watts’ dilemma, that he escorts her to Bountiful. Don Bearden plays a wily ticket taker, who tries to keep Carrie from escaping once again. Wayne Dapser and Rena Dahlgren round out the cast, as effective abettors to Carrie’s journey.

Renowned playwright Horton Foote is a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, and he won Academy Awards for his adaptions of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Tender Mercies.”He also won the Drama Desk Lifetime Achievement Award and was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2000, he was given the National Medal of Arts Award.

Michael Boyer beautifully renders the Texas locations in Carrie’s journey. Leigh Hooten creates the period costumes with an expert eye for detail. Lighting designer John Jaworski effectively captures the light of East Texas. Carmen Rodriguez is the props mistress and Alicia Merel acts as stage manager.

The production is sponsored by KONK Life, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

Tickets are $45 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. All performances begin at 8 PM. Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates are available on our website. Also, check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website.

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