By Rod Oden, LSt
Feb. 27-29 and March 5-7

Have you heard it said, “You can’t go home again? In St. Thomas Players’ coming production of “The Trip to Bountiful,” that adage is challenged.
The St. Thomas Players brings to life this stage classic with performances of Horton Foote’s “The Trip to Bountiful,” running Feb. 27-29 and March 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. at Lee Street Theatre.
This family-friendly, audience favorite tells the story of Carrie Watts, who longs to escape the cramped Houston apartment where she lives with her protective son, Ludie, and her authoritarian daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae.

Carrie wants to return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas, one final time before she dies. While Ludie is at work and Jessie Mae is at the drugstore, Carrie escapes to the bus station and befriends a young woman named Thelma. The new friends travel toward Bountiful together. The journey is filled with highs, lows, and will have you along the ride with Carrie every stop along the way.

Based on the Academy Award Winning film of the same name, this production has won best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.
This stellar cast includes Linda Jones (Carrie), Chris Eller (Ludie), Jennifer Hubbard (Jessie Mae), Jess Johnson (Thelma), Steve Cobb (Ticket Taker), Kurt Corriher (Sheriff), and Bob Paolino (Roy).

The production is directed by Claudia Galup. Production team includes stage manager Yeimy Zelaya, props mistress Bethany Sinnott, featured scenic painting by Lauren DeFelice and Nilya Holcomb, and includes production design and technical direction by Lee Street’s Rod Oden.

Director Gallup reflects, “When I saw the movie a number of years ago, I thought it was very touching and beautifully acted. Now, directing the play, I find myself so moved by Horton Foote’s ability to evoke the longing for belonging, and yearning for home.

“It has been a sentimental journey for me personally. This cast has been such a joy with which to work. They are all talented and dear to me.”
Actress Linda Jones shares the feeling, “What a cast we have here! And what a director!”

Lee Street is honored to present and collaborate with the St. Thomas Players, the all-volunteer, award-winning theater company of Center for Faith & the Arts. Having completed their 19th season, St. Thomas Players produces performances and productions that challenge audiences intellectually and emotionally. They offer complementary (and complimentary) programming that provides dialogue among our patrons, actors, and directors. Their continued mission to create dialogue through their performances is supported by Lee Street as they have entertained and engaged our audiences thoroughly.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the feeling and ride alongside Carrie Watts and her incredible journey by seeing St. Thomas Players’ “The Trip to Bountiful,” opening Feb. 27 and running Thursday through Saturday Feb. 27-29 and March 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. at Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St. Get your tickets at leestreet.org or 704-310-5507 weekdays between 1-5 p.m.