“Trip to Bountiful” reviewed by Frank Meccia

After 7 months I get to write a review again. I cannot figure out what was more exciting, to see a Live Theatre again or discovering a new theatre company not far from Chicago. First, I need to state, I felt extremely safe going to this theatre. Everything was clean, and social distance rules and mask wearing was followed. They sold their maximum seats for the night, which is only 35, for a theatre that holds 150. So, if you want to see live theatre now, get to the Overshadowed Theatre Company in Medinah Il, which only took 35 minutes to get to from Chicago.
The Trip to Bountiful was a movie, then went to Broadway twice. It brought awards and recognition to such people as Lillian Gish, Eva Marie Saint, and the Tony to Cicely Tyson.

Carrie Watts played by Reba Hervas lives with her busy, overprotective son, Ludie played by Mike Dille and over pretentious daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae, played by Jessica Means. Carrie can longer drive and is forbidden to travel alone; she wishes for freedom from the confines of her two-room house and begs her son to take her on a visit to her hometown of Bountiful. When he refuses, Mrs. Watts is determined and makes an escape to the local bus station, where she befriends Thelma played by Grace Grooms a young woman traveling home. When Ludie and Jessie Mae discover she is gone, they call in law enforcement to help, but Mrs. Watts is one step ahead of them and convinces the local sheriff to help her on her journey home to Bountiful. This drama with its touch of humor hits all of us a little, since we went into lockdown, and some of us were stuck in a small apartment with family. The cast was perfect for this play, Reba Hervas was perfect in her role, and she knows how to tug on your heart strings, and  Jessica Means is worth watching in the show as she portrays the over caring sarcastic daughter in-law who hates her mother in- law. This was a great play to come back to live Theatre with.

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions reminds me of the old Provisions Theatre Company which used to be in Chicago before moving to Palos Heights. A faith-based family friendly theatre company. Thier next play “NOAH” is an original production play in time for the holiday season. And next year they will bring back “Beauty and the Beast” the Broadway musical that was scheduled for this year.
What a gem of a theater ! The sets, the costumes, the cast- everything top notch. I Was impressed and this theater company is on my list for future productions.

“The Trip to Bountiful” will run thru October 10th

Ticket prices are from $14- $20. All seats are perfect for viewing, and with social distancing you do not have to worry about someone blocking your view. Overshadowed is located at 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, Il.

www. Overshadowed.org or call 630-634-2100.