Real-Life Married Couple Star as Husband and Wife in New TWS Show

There’s a reason a glance between the husband and wife characters in the Theatre of Western Springs’ new production of Trip to Bountiful, opening Thursday, might look particularly meaningful.

The couple on stage is played by real-life husband and wife Stacy and Jason McCargo, of Western Springs.

Stacy joined the theater in 2006, and Jason followed the year after. But this is the first time the pair have shared the stage.

“It gives us something to do as a couple outside of our crazy, hectic lives,” Stacy said.

The play centers on the relationship between the couple and the husband’s aging mother, who decides to return to her hometown of Bountiful, Texas, to recapture some of the pride of her youth.

Although the McCargos share the bond of marriage with their theatrical alter egos, Stacy said the similarities end there. Her character, Jessie Mae Watts, is outspoken to the point of insensitivity. Nonetheless, she said she thinks people will relate to the Jessie Mae.

“I don’t think people would admit they even like her,” she said. “But they’ll identify deep down because sometimes you want to say what’s on your mind because you’re kind of fed up.”

Director Rick Snyder said that he’s wanted to work with the McCargos for a while after seeing them perform in other shows and workshops. A role that required a southern gentleman ended up being the perfect opportunity: Jason is from North Carolina and has an accent that slides easily into a Texas drawl.

And of course, they couple had immediate chemistry.

“Sometimes when people play husband and wife, there’s a period of time where they have to get comfortable,” said Snyder, who is also the theater’s artistic director. “You don’t have to worry about that with them because they’re already married.”

The couple has three young children at home—4-year-old twins and a 2-year-old. They’ve achieved a balance between rehearsals and family life with the help of babysitters and Stacy’s mom.

“We typically support each other when we’re not in shows together, but this one’s different because we’re both vested in it,” Jason said. “We try to balance each of us learning our parts. At the same time, it’s fun, too, because we’re both helping each other out."

While Stacy acted a lot in high school, performing was something new for Jason, who works in Chicago as an electrical engineer.

“I’m not as introverted as your stereotypical engineer,” he said. “But it’s good to get out and broaden your horizons and get out of your reality for a couple or three hours.”

The production opens Thursday and runs through April 21—the McCargo’s sixth wedding anniversary. It’s a perfect way to celebrate.

“We’re both critical of ourselves, so it’s nice to have someone there who you know is going to be supportive,” she said. “It makes a big difference to know someone is rooting for you.”

Tickets for Trip to Bountiful are available for $18-$20 through the Theatre of Western Springs website or by calling the box office at 708-246-3380. View the show’s full schedule at http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/.