THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511090392
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Bountiful isn't on the map anymore. But something is drawing Carrie Watts back to that crossroads community.
Memories.
There is a house there, long neglected and now looking like nothing more than an organized pile of wood.
Carrie grew up in that house. But now, in the early 1950s, she lives in Houston with her son and daughter-in-law.
She entered her twilight years many years ago. So it's now or never for a trip back to her childhood home.
Horton Foote's talky but fascinating Pulitzer Prize-winning play, ``The Trip to Bountiful,'' captivatingly presented by The Theatre of Dare, tells about Carrie's struggle to ignore Thomas Wolfe's advice. She wants to go back home.
The play, mostly poignant - but with some touches of humor - examines the relationships between son and mother, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law.
As far as daughter-in-law Jessie Mae is concerned, Carrie is nothing more than a pitiful burden. As far as her son, Ludie, is concerned, she is someone to be loved - and pitied.
Talk about timely: These attitudes toward the elderly seem to prevail even more today. Foote's exploration and understanding of the situation are fascinating.
An excellent cast helps preserve that intrigue.
Dot Jones, a Texan portraying the aging Texas widow, recently made the wise move from Virginia Beach to the Outer Banks, bringing with her an impressive resume from the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach.
Her performance is so convincing, you wonder if she's like that in real life.
Carrie carries on constantly, chattering and humming hymns. Jessie Mae is sure she does all that just to get on her nerves.
As far as Carrie's son is concerned, his mother is a sweet woman who needs love and understanding.
Stephanie Spence is local Tony Award-winning material with her portrayal of the often shrewish, ill-tempered, mouthy daughter-in-law who prefers not being a caretaker for the elderly.
Jessie Mae loves her hubby and just wants to be alone with him - a not too unreasonable request. A planned trip to a double feature is the highlight of her year.
That trip is canceled because of Carrie's trip to Bountiful - one she has to make on the sly since her family sees no reason for an old lady trekking from Houston to the old homestead.
Mother and daughter-in-law are constantly at each other's throats. Ludie is the man-in-the-middle, sympathizing with both. He seldom takes a stand as he tries to keep peace in the family.
Michael Allen offers a splendid look at Ludie, quite impressive considering the fact that he portrays a virtually colorless character.
All of the characters in ``The Trip to Bountiful'' are impressive, with a special kudo to Sara Jane Kramer's charming portrayal of Carrie's travel partner.
Congratulations also to those responsible for the set, particularly the old house in what is left of Bountiful. ILLUSTRATION: THEATER PREVIEW
WHAT: The Theatre of Dare presents ``The Trip to Bountiful.''
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Manteo Middle School.
by CNB