Fort Smith Little Theatre presents ‘The Trip to Bountiful’

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom
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Fort Smith Little Theater offered a select few the first glimpse of its upcoming production, “The Trip to Bountiful” on Wednesday (Sept. 13).

The theater invited area senior citizen homes and other organizations to watch the first official dress rehearsal performance of the southern classic.

“This is a service which we provide for the community that supports us so very much,” said Director Suzanne Thomas. “We invite various senior citizen homes and other centers and provide a free evening’s showing to the deserving.”

In attendance were several groups including residents from Butterfield Place, Senior Retired Citizens Association and numerous other organizations.

The “Trip to Bountiful” takes the audience on an emotional journey through one woman’s struggle to return to her childhood home. Based on Horton Foote’s screenplay, the plot centers around Carrie Watts who desires to leave life in the city and make her way back to the simple, peaceful rural life she knew as a young girl. She encounters resistance from her son, Ludie and his overbearing wife, Jessie Mae.

Directed by Amanda Elkins and Suzanne Thomas, the play includes a cast of newcomers and FSLT seasoned veterans. Playing the role of the mother, Carrie Watts is Kiańe French, who is new to FSLT, but is a long-time performer. The show also includes Wayne Mathews in his debut performance as the son, Ludie Watts. Mary Beth Koprovic, who has starred in several FSLT productions, rounds out the main cast as the daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae Watts.

The theater will host a gala opening for “The Trip to Bountiful” on Thursday (Sept. 15) at 8 p.m. The play will run Sept. 16, 17 and 20-24 with show time at 8 p.m. A Sunday matinée will be held on Sept. 18 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available to general public for $10 (Gala opening-$20). Visit the theatre website for more show and ticket details.