Cuba Gooding Jr. to Play Final Performance in THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, 8/27

Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. will give his final performance in the critically acclaimed revival of Horton Foote's American masterpiece, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, on Tuesday, August 27th, due to a change in schedule for an upcoming film project. Gooding made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival and can currently be seen nationwide in the hit film, Lee Daniels' The Butler.

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 Cicely Tyson, Emmy Award nominee and recording star Vanessa 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.

Leon Addison Brown has previously appeared on Broadway in Prelude to a Kiss, On the Waterfront and Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. His off-Broadway credits include The Train Driver, Two Trains Running, The Orphans' Home Cycle, The Alexander Plays and The Lights. Regionally, Leon has appeared at Hartford Stage, Williamstown, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Westport Country Playhouse, and Arena Stage. His film and television credits include The Whirly Girl, Music of the Heart, and Law & Order: SVU.

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 Walter McBride