Making the trip to ‘Bountiful’

ENNIS – The fact the COVID-19 pandemic allows for only 50-percent seating at Theatre Rocks! doesn’t seem to be stopping theatre-goers from making a trip to Ennis to see the much loved production of “The Trip to Bountiful.”

In fact, the theatre is seeing a full house at “COVID capacity,” with one weekend left if you haven’t seen it.

“The Trip to Bountiful” was written by award-winning Texan playwright Horton Foote. In Foote’s much adored story Carrie Watts (played by Johnna Leigh of Sunnyvale) longs to return to her little Texas hometown of Bountiful. She lives in a small Houston apartment with her son Ludie (Larry LeMaster of Dallas) and daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Kimberly Koelzer of Waxahachie). The three barely make ends meet – and patience is thin.

“The story deals with our attachment to our roots and upbringing and the price we pay when we get too far away from those roots, but it’s told with a lot of humor,” said Ellis County Commissioner Paul Perry, who plays the sheriff in the production. “It ought to really hit home with most Ellis County folks.”

“The Trip to Bountiful” was produced on Broadway in 1953. The 1985 film version was filmed largely in Ellis County. 

For a bit of nostalgia, Theatre Rocks! Executive Director Suzanne Rhoten appears briefly in the drug store scene in the film version of “The Trip to Bountiful” too. 

The Theatre Rocks! production of the play also features a vintage set and costume accents.

“I have an outstanding cast, and you will not be disappointed,” concluded “The Trip to Bountiful” director Bill Rhoten.

For information or reservations, call 972-878-5126 or visit www.theatrerocks.com.