The Center Theatre Group engagement of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Horton Foote’s American masterpiece “The Trip to Bountiful” opens Friday, September 26 at the Ahmanson Theatre. The production continues through November 2, 2014. Directed by Michael Wilson, the cast includes Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, Blair Underwood, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Devon Abner, Wade Dooley, Arthur French, Pat Bowie, Russell Edge, Dalila Ali Rajah, Keiana Richàrd, Duane Shepard, Sr. and Desean Kevin Terry.
“The Trip to Bountiful” features scenic design by Jeff Cowie, costume design by Van Broughton Ramsey, lighting design by Rui Rita as well as original music and sound design by John Gromada, hair design by Paul Huntley, make-up design by Angelina Avallone, casting by Caparelliotis Casting and Los Angeles casting by Mark B. Simon, CSA. The production stage manager is Robert Bennett, the associate director is David Alpert and the CTG associate artistic director is Neel Keller.
“The Trip to Bountiful” tells the story of Mother Watts, played by Tyson. She is an elderly woman forced to live with her overprotective son, played by Underwood, and domineering daughter-in-law played by Williams. Mother Watts’ dream is to return for one last time to her small hometown of Bountiful, Texas. Her journey becomes a heartbreaking but ultimately life-affirming and inspiring tale that examines the fragility of memory and celebrates the enduring power of hope, faith and family.