A Bountiful Trip

I went into the new Broadway revival of Horton Foote's "The Trip To Bountiful" at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre with low expectations.  The reasons for my low expectations were varied - I had previously seen several prior stage iterations of this play, and all of them paled in comparison to the excellent film version of "The Trip To Bountiful" which starred Geraldine Page.  Added to this was my suspicion that casting African-American actors. largely film and tv stars no less, in roles originally written for white characters circa 1953 Texas seemed like a gimmick rather than something that flowed from the work itself.  Nothing about this play made me think it was due for a revival, especially in the form of this production as announced.

I am pleased to report that I overcame my hesitation about seeing this revival, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this wonderful and moving production.  First and foremost, using African-American actors for the main characters gives the work a level of depth and gravitas that always seemed to be lacking in prior stage versions of this play I had seen.  With just two noticeable revisions to the play as written (the opening stage scrim that visually sets the play in what appears to be a neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks in Houston, and a "coloreds only" sign at the bus station counter), there is an added inherent backstory to these characters struggling through the unquestionable racism of early 1950's Houston, Texas, which fits the melancholy mood of the play like a glove.

Then there is the luminous performance anchoring the play courtesy of the legendary Cicely Tyson.  One simply cannot take one's eyes off her during the show, and it is a priceless treat to see her performing on stage.  I will be shocked if she does not win a Tony Award for her memorable performance.  Add to that two especially fine performances by the supremely talented young actress Condola Rashad, and the spot-on Vanessa Williams, and one has the makings of a wonderful production come to life.   Indeed, sitting in the audience of this show one feels a palpable sense of appreciation and involvement among those fortunate enough to see this show.

I could quibble.  Cuba Gooding Jr. is the one cast member not fully up to the task, and that is especially evident in Act 2.  And one or two of Ms. Tyson's acting choices seemed a bit off to me.  But none of these minor flaws take away from the emotionally satisfying and worthwhile journey we take with this show.

I cannot help but wonder what the now deceased Mr. Foote would think of this production.  Before he died I would often find myself in the same audience as Mr. Foote, most notably at the venue that previously housed the Signature Theater.  It was a treat to see him, as he always seemed to be a true lover of theatergoing.  Somehow, I cannot help but feel that somewhere in the rafters of the Sondheim Theater, Mr. Foote is looking down at the stage each night this show is performed, marveling at the outstanding job this fine cast and director Michael Wilson have done with his beautifully written work.

Do yourself a favor, regardless of whatever expectations you might have - go see this show.