It’s 1953.  The place is southeastern Texas.  Carrie Watts, an elderly widow, is spiritually suffocating in the cramped apartment she shares with her fretful son, Ludie and his domineering wife, Jessie Mae.  Carrie yearns to return to her childhood home of Bountiful. She reasons that if she can just get home, everything will be all right. But Ludie and Jessie Mae won’t hear of it. Then one day, Carrie manages to elude their watchful eyes, and escapes. Audiences are taken on a journey that is compelling, humorous, touching and ultimately life-affirming in “The Trip To Bountiful.”

Horton Foote’s masterpiece has been thrilling audiences since it first appeared in 1953 in a teleplay on NBC. It was so popular that it quickly moved to Broadway, and it has remained one of the most produced titles on American stages. The Times called it “…the rarest of theater experiences, an evening which will prove an indelible memory.”

Joy Hawkins delivers another stunning performance as Carrie. She imbues the role with grit, humor and dignity. Ms. Hawkins’ has an impressive resume at the Waterfront with her leading roles in such hits as “Doubt” (Sister Aloysius), “August: Osage County” (Violet), “Mothers and Sons” (Katherine), “The Glass Menagerie” (Amanda) & “6 Dance Lessons in 6 Weeks” (Lily). The role of Carrie is another award-winning caliber performance for Ms. Hawkins.

John Reynolds plays Ludie, the sensitive son of Carrie, who tries to assuage both Mother and Wife. Mr. Reynolds appeared in last seasons production of “Enchanted April” (Frederick), as well as the Fringe’s “Lion In Winter.” Caroline Taylor plays the bossy, but good-intentioned Jessie Mae. She has appeared in several Fringe productions, as well as the Waterfront’s “Stepping Out.” Jessica Miano Kruel plays the pivotal role of Thelma, a young bride who meets Carrie in the Houston bus station and shares part of her journey with her. Their scene together on the bus is a theatrical high point. Ms. Kruel has appeared at the Waterfront in “August: Osage County,” “Xanadu,” “Spelling Bee” and “The Producers.”

John Wells plays the Sheriff who helps Carrie complete her journey to Bountiful. Mr. Wells has been in “August” and “Urinetown” at the Waterfront. Don Bearden, Rena Dahlgren and Wayne Dapser play ticket takers, who help to guide Carrie on her journey.

Director Murphy Davis had an impressive career in New York theater and was the artistic director of the prestigious Bay Street Theater before relocating to Key West. At the Waterfront, he directed the recent hilarious “It’s Only A Play,” as well as “Mothers and Sons,” “Casa Valentina,” “Die Mommie, Die!” and “Next Fall.”

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’s 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.