The current revival of Horton Foote’s wonderful play, The Trip to Bountiful, is a beautiful rendering of the work in all departments. The story of an irrepressible old woman (Cicely Tyson in a powerful, nuanced performance) who wants to see her ancestral home one more time, contrary to the wishes of her staid son (Cuba Gooding Jr) and his shrewish wife (Vanessa Williams), is sensitively directed by Michael Wilson, who allows Foote’s words to flow with a natural grace. Jeff Cowie’s sets, indoors and outdoors, express character as well as setting, with mood-creating lighting by Rui Rita enhancing each.
All members of the excellent cast, including Condola Rashad, Tom Wopat, Devon Abner and Arthur French, bring real, believable people to the stage, and there is a human glow to the whole play. We have visited a part of America, and it stirs an empathy in us. The Trip to Bountiful is fine theater from one of this country’s greatest writers, played by all involved in a way that moves us and touches our souls.
