THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL run dates: 1/11/2008 - 1/20/2008 Playcrafters Barn Theatre, Moline ____________________________________________________________________________
Surely, taking on dramatic roles originally played by the likes of Lillian Gish and Eva Marie Saint must seem like a challenge to almost any performer. But director Gary Baker – who helms "The Trip to Bountiful" at Playcrafters Barn Theatre – is the one who has the bigger task with this production of a serious dramatic work. And his work here is something to be proud of.
"Bountiful," set in the mid-50s, is a thoughtful, measured show that centers on an older woman (Mrs. Carrie Watts, played with indefatigable sturdiness by Sandy Stoltenberg) who longs to return to her rural roots. As a period piece with little to offer in the way of comic relief, this play can’t rely on contemporary references or a slapstick-and-sight-gag combination to endear itself to audiences. Baker’s cast has little to work with except the lines and characters themselves, and engaging an audience is something of a challenge.
At the opening night performance, at least, the pacing early on was a bit slow, but Stoltenberg – whose understated, near-constant presence on stage is central to every success this "Bountiful" has – eventually endears herself to the audience, and she delivers a quietly emotional roundhouse in her pivotal two-hanky scene. Altogether it is a low-key but satisfying portrayal, and Stoltenberg (correctly) never steps outside the self-effacing character – even if audience members wish that she would.
The chief obstacle to the show’s title is a horribly self-centered daughter-in-law, and Mrs. Watts’ struggle against what is essentially forced servitude and overt extortion is central to the show’s arc. After escaping the confines of a dismal mobile home, Mrs. Watts travels back to the farmhouse where she lived most of her life, and she gets one final look at the place she loves.
Jean Lupoli plays Jessie Mae, the hateful termagant whose emotional abuse is a major impetus for Mrs. Watts’ journey. The character could hardly be more boo-worthy, which is exactly why Lupoli’s portrayal deserves major praise. Her Jessie Mae is so selfish and bitter – and absolutely annoying beyond belief – that some audience members were probably tempted to head for Bountiful themselves by intermission. What few laughs to be found in this production are almost exclusively at her expense, but the relief they offer diffuses tension and thoughts of violence – which would be much worse. It takes talent to be so consistently horrible, and Lupoli delivers on every single verbal lash and grating whine.
Kevin Maynard’s turn as the tough-as-custard Ludie Watts isn’t particularly a likeable one either, though again this is appropriate. Ludie is spineless and completely incapable of standing up to his controlling spouse, but Maynard’s best choice with the character is to let us see that he is intelligent enough to know that he is being bullied. His listless delivery is typical of the kind of depression that does not obscure awareness – and it is completely on-target.
Kathy Heckman, as Thelma, is a sweet and sympathetic traveler who befriends Mrs. Watts – and Thelma’s genteel manner proves a welcome counterpoint to the ugly verbal barrage that Mrs. Watts has left behind.
While this "Bountiful" does offer plenty to appreciate, it has issues that can detract from its many positive attributes. Some are opening-night gaffes that are likely to be handled even by the second performance, such as a couple of delayed light cues which earned chuckles on Friday. Another easy fix is one performer’s unfortunate tendency to punctuate each line with a huge dramatic hand gesture made it painfully obvious when he couldn’t remember the line.
The less-than-successful pantomimed door in the first act and a couple of distracting costume mistakes are likely to survive the run of the show, but luckily they can be (mostly) ignored. There seem to be vestigial script turns as well – almost as though the play underwent a hasty edit – including a side bit about Ludie and Jessie Mae not having physical intimacy in their marriage, constant references to a past illness and their not having children. A leading discussion of Mrs. Watts’ childhood sweetheart also goes nowhere, and a late-coming lesson on The Downside of Rural Flight is also unnecessary.
Altogether, though, "The Trip to Bountiful" is a worthy beginning for Playcrafters’ drama-heavy 2008 season, which includes more challenging material for performers to sink their teeth into.
