04/16/2026
FORT BEND HERALD REVIEW IS IN!! Be sure to get your tickets at www.casttheatrical.com. Performances at 1117 First Street (Highway 36), Rosenberg, in the Fellowship Hall of the former First Baptist Church. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30, Sunday matinee at 2:30 through April 26.
"GOOD TIMES BOUNTIFUL
By Teri Mathis
Like a pair of worn slippers, “The Trip to Bountiful” is easy on the soul and gives us respite in a stressful world. Written by Academy Award winning playwright, Horton Foote, “Bountiful” is a play that speaks to generations. Cast Theatrical Company presents this time-honored production at its temporary home, 1117 First Street (Highway 36), Rosenberg, in the Fellowship Hall of the former First Baptist Church. “Bountiful” runs from April 10 through April 26, 2026, with Friday and Saturday performances starting at 7:30 and Sunday matinees starting at 2:30.
Dana Clark, as Thelma, perfectly portrays the kindly young woman who befriends our protagonist, Miss Carrie Watts. Thelma’s touching backstory doesn’t inhibit her genuine warmth and caring for someone in need and Dana’s Thelma connects the audience with her inner goodness.
Along with Dana, Roger Barkerding and Joshua Murrell are also new to Cast. Roger’s stoic ticket agent interacted with Miss Carrie in a patient but professional manner that befits his important position as the seller of … well, tickets. And lucky Joshua gets to play two ticket agents, both of whom have very personal interactions with Miss Carrie. His concern for her plight is tangible in his words and in his posture – very nice debuts for both of our ticket guys!
Bill Hale as the kindly Sherriff looks the part, sounds the part and darned if those theater classes at the University of Houston mumble mumble years ago didn’t pay off! Welcome to Cast, Bill and we hope to have you back.
Darin Mielke and Mary Ann Janeka are definitely not new to Cast as they do a superb job portraying a very realistic couple. Though set in the early 1950s, the dilemmas we see can just as easily be set in the 21st century. Darin’s Ludie Watts desperately wants his mother, Miss Carrie, and his wife to just get along, which proves to be a highly difficult challenge. Mary Ann’s broad acting method fits Jessie Mae Watts perfectly, with generous servings of humorous, wall-to-wall cringe at her extreme self-righteousness.
Which brings us to the star of the show, Lisa Jones Bevil as Miss Carrie Watts. A genteel Southern lady of a time gone by, Miss Carrie longs for the fragrant, open fields of her childhood home, Bountiful; she feels imprisoned in the small Houston apartment she shares with her son and daughter-in-law. When it gets to be TOO MUCH, Miss Carrie leaves on her trip and yes, she does indeed make it back to Bountiful. There, she revels in golden memories, thankful for the life she was given. Her heart is full, her soul refreshed and she has gained new resolve to make her life meaningful again. In Lisa’s Miss Carrie, I was reminded of my own grandmother -- her nuances, her voice inflection, her raw emotions – Lisa is a gift to Cast audiences yet again.
Sandra Barkerding and Alicia Meier, as Director and Assistant Director deserve special thanks, as they have created a production that seems current and relatable. “The Trip to Bountiful” set is, as ever, inspired AND surprising. Congrats to Jim Hernandez and Glynn Myska, et al, for a set that is solid yet mobile. Megan Harris is in the tech booth doing a great job with lights and sound. It’s harder than it looks! And to all the crew – well done! We forgot we were in a church Fellowship Hall!
As always, visit www.CastTheatrical.com for easy ticket purchases or call the Box Office at 832- 889-3808. Snacks, sodas and wine are available at each performance and donations to the Theater are greatly appreciated. In closing, there may be a major announcement soon about the future of our beloved Cast Theatrical Company. You’ll see it here, so stay tuned!"
