Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Somewhere in the wealth of tried and true mantras of life, there's a saying that "less is more." This is the principle that holds vast merit in the latest venture from the actors of Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw.
"The Trip To Bountiful" does not offer its patrons a lavish musical score, nor the exuberant choreography of the season's earlier productions. But the show lacks and wants for naught. Through tenderly crafted dialogue and a small intimate cast, from start to finish, the emotional timbre runs strong and vibrant.
The production relies heavily on the acting of Ann Whitney and directing by Ann's daughter, Sarah.
By far, the most gripping and compelling performance comes from the show's leading dramatic force, Ann Whitney. A longtime Wagon Wheel favorite, and now a renowned stage and screen persona, she carried the audience along with her in the triumphs and travails of character Carrie Watts, who desperately tries to recapture the dignity and hope she once held true in her beloved hometown of Bountiful, a small Texas town that is just this side of Utopia in Carrie's heart.
As the play begins, the audience sees Carrie pining for her lost dream, and near despondent, living an unhappy existence with her son, Ludie (Justin Bohon) and his exasperating wife, Jessie Mae (Sara Davis). In almost every turn of the first act, Ann's face clearly displays the wistful yearning that her character is feeling.
Carrie manages to slip underfoot from her daughter-in-law's eagle-eyed clutches and steals away to make the pilgrimage to her old homestead. Along the way, she meets a couple of sympathetic, kindly secondary players. Heidi Kettenring is a noteworthy ray of light as the romantic Thelma, Carrie's new-found friend on the bus ride. Also showing a soft side, and well parlayed, is Dan Zakarija as a sentimental sheriff who has roots in Bountiful as well.
Whitney never ceased to enrapture the crowd, particularly in highly-charged scenes laced with sadness. Her gift for allowing the audience to peer inside her soul and feel every pang and every hope is convincing reason enough to see the show. Many of Whitney's pivotal moments rendered the theater absolutely silent and spellbound.
A unique touch that added a heightened spiritual tangent was the use of acappella singing, whether it was a plaintive solo tune or tight, shushed harmonies. The vocal moments were intertwined through and between scenes in a clever setting of sentimental aura.
A character that was as insolent as Carrie was inspiring was that of Jessie Mae, played with a vicious vengeance by Davis. As the self-involved daughter-in-law who is completely oblivious to Carrie's suffering, Davis was so deliciously petulant that as the show progressed, her mere appearance bristled the nerves and sent the audience into collective groans.
Also convincing is the caricature of Ludie, a man who evolves beautifully through the stylings of Bohon. In the play's opening moments, the people will see someone torn between his deep love for his mother, and beckoned by the shallow whims of his wife. Later, the audience learns more on whey Ludie is not as willing to reminisce about yesterdays, and matters develop into a poignant finale that challenges a person not to weep.
Whitney's daughter, Sarah, has reason to be proud, both of the enormous talent that has been skillfully honed in the family, and of the wonderful way she directed this showcase into a celebrating of the heart that won't soon be forgotten.
"Bountiful" continues through Aug. 24. Call 267-8041 for ticket information.
