Cuba Gooding Jr. & Vanessa Williams Join Cicely Tyson In Broadway Play

Cicely Tyson, who is set to return to Broadway with Horton Foote's "The Trip to Bounitful" early next year, will be joined by Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad.

Playbill reported that the trio will join the veteran actress on Horton Foote production which will begin previews on March 31 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The piece is directed by Michael Wilson and produced by Nelle Nugent and will appear on the Broadway scene in a 14-week limited engagement that opens officially on April 23.

"For years I have been searching for the perfect project to bring me back to my true home - the stage," said Tyson in an earlier statement. "In many ways Broadway is my Bountiful and I'm eager and honored to return with this strong, passionate, and funny character in a timeless American classic."

"The Trip To The Bountiful is among Horton's most beloved plays, and Carrie Watts, one of his most memorable characters. To do the play and role justice, you need an actress of rare stature and command," Wilson said. "Cicely Tyson has, over the span of a distinguished career, depicted iconic Americans engaged in immense struggle. Her legendary performances - from Jane Pittman to Coretta Scott King to Harriet Tubman, to name just a few - have contributed mightily to our sense of national identity and character. I am thrilled that she is returning to the stage now to have her trip, to lead us all on a journey that promises to be unforgettable."

According to the press notes, the play talks about the life of "Carrie Watts (Tyson), an elderly woman who dreams of returning to her small hometown of Bountiful, TX one last time, against the wishes of her overprotective son (Gooding) and domineering daughter-in-law (Williams). 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."

Rashad is the only one out of the three joining Tyson with any notable Broadway experience having performed in "Stick Fly." Gooding Jr. has been in the recent film "Red Tails," while Williams is more noted for her television roles in "Ugly Betty" and "Desperate Housewives."