Michelle Obama & Daughters Take Trip to 'BOUNTIFUL'

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Malia and Sasha, attended last night's evening performance of THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, starring Tony-winner Cicely Tyson.

According to a source within the production, the Obama ladies slipped into their seats just prior to the beginning of the show, though received a "huge ovation" when they returned at intermission for the second act. After the curtain call, the Obamas went backstage and met the cast and crew, including Cuba Gooding, Jr., Vanessa Williams, and Tyson.

This afternoon, a Tweet was sent from BOUNTIFUL's official Twitter page to Obama, saying: "Thank you for taking the trip to #Bountiful last night, @FLOTUS! We hope you enjoyed the show."

As BWW previously reported, Gooding, Jr. will depart BOUNTIFUL this week on Tuesday, August 27th due to an unforeseen schedule conflict. Cast member Leon Addison Brown will assume the role of "Ludie" and take the stage alongside Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award Winner Tyson, Emmy Award nominee and recording star Williams, Tony Award nominee Tom Wopat, and rising star Adepero Oduye. The production, which has been extended twice due to popular demand, will play through October 9.

Directed by Michael Wilson, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL is currently playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 W 43rd Street) through October 9, 2013. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are available at the box office, www.Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200.

The inspiring American classic, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman forced to live with her overprotective son and domineering daughter-in-law, who dreams of returning to her small hometown of Bountiful, TX one last time. Her journey becomes a heartbreaking but ultimately life-affirming and inspiring tale that examines the fragility of memory and celebrates the enduring power of hope and faith.

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL also features Devon Abner, Curtis Billings, Pat Bowie, Arthur French, Susan Heyward, Billy EuGene Jones, Bill Kux, Linda Powell and Charles Turner.

Photo By Doug Kennedy