

Always a Bridesmaid
June 17th – August 20th
by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten
On the night of their senior prom, Libby Ruth, Deedra, Monette and Charlie promise that they will be bridesmaids in one another’s weddings… no matter what. Now, more than thirty years later, these Southern gals are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow. ‘For better or for worse’ takes on a whole new meaning in this delicious comedy about old friends.
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.


Watch clips from rehearsal!
Barter Connects: Always a Bridesmaid
Friday, August 12th, 10pm, Smith Theatre Lounge
Weddings hold a unique place in our culture—a day that we all know should be the happiest day of our life is also fraught with stress, tension, and comedy. Come join us in the Smith Theatre café and share your favorite wedding story!
Barter Connects are events designed to provide context and community surrounding Barter productions by offering informal gatherings where you can interact with both artists and audiences alike. Come on out and join us for these free and fun events!


9 to 5
June 3rd – August 21
Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick
“What a way to make a living!” Coworkers Violet, Judy, and Doralee think they have nothing in common, but when the Boss makes life unbearable, these three ladies join forces to live out their wildest fantasy – and change the world! With a toe-tapping score by the one-and-only Dolly Parton, you’ll never look at going to work the same way again.
9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Hear more about the show!
Step Inside Rehearsal
Barter Connects: 9 to 5
Tuesday, July 19th, after 2pm show, Gilliam Mainstage
Join us for a discussion about the impact of 9 to 5 - the film, the movement, the play - on the culture of women in the workforce and how it still resonates today.
Barter Connects are events designed to provide context and community surrounding Barter productions by offering informal gatherings where you can interact with both artists and audiences alike. Come on out and join us for these free and fun events!


Kentucky Spring
April 23rd – May 22nd
Book by Catherine Bush / Music & Lyrics by Dax Dupuy
Becky has worked all her life to get out of the mountains. Then her grandmother Maud decides to sell the family farm, forcing Becky to confront who she is and who she wants to be. This musical fable investigates the past and the present, revealing “what might have been” and “what still might be.” A story of love, longing, and second chances set in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
Barter Connects: Kentucky Spring
Saturday, May 7th, after the 2pm performance, Gilliam Theatre
Join a discussion with celebrated Appalachian scholar Ted Olson as we discuss the themes of Kentucky Spring.
Barter Connects are events designed to provide context and community surrounding Barter productions by offering informal gatherings where you can interact with both artists and audiences alike. Come on out and join us for these free and fun events!




A Christmas Carol On Demand
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
The joy of the Christmas season returns with this sparkling production! Come and relive the sheer exhilaration of Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghost-guided journey into his past, present and future, where Despair gives way to Hope, and Reclamation awaits all who seek it. A memorable gift to treasure with family and friends that will leave you wrapped in the warmth of holiday spirit.
SHOW PREVIEW




The Adventures of Tom Sawyer On Demand
Adapted from Mark Twain by Catherine Bush
Whether it’s fishing with Huckleberry Finn, or convincing his friends to whitewash Aunt Polly’s fence, nobody loves life more than the irascible Tom Sawyer. Then one night in a spooky graveyard, Tom and Huck stumble upon a deadly secret. Will they be able to save Muff Potter before it's too late? Join Tom and Huck on the most exciting adventure of their lives, where they learn that man’s greatest treasure is the gift of friendship.




Aesop's Fables On Demand
Adapted by Catherine Bush
with Music by Ben Mackel
Aesop is in trouble, and his only hope lies in his ability to weave fantastic stories with timeless lessons of truth. So it is that fables such as Androcles and the Lion, The Oak and the Reed, The Fox Without a Tail, The Beast in Love, The Hare and the Tortoise and The Boy Who Cried Wolf are brought to life in this exciting, new musical adventure.
Aesop, a Greek slave, has escaped from his cruel master Xanthus. In the forest he discovers a wounded Lion with a thorn his paw. When Aesop removes the thorn, the Lion pledges his gratitude but is unable to prevent Aesop’s capture and subsequent return to the house of his master. Xanthus, heartbroken and bitter over the recent death of his wife Calliope, is determined to put Aesop to death for escaping. Aesop’s only hope for salvation is to regale Xanthus with stories whose lessons not only help Xanthus cope with his suffering but help him remember happier times with Calliope as well. So it is that we hear various fables including The Oak and the Reed (it is better to bend than to break),
The Fox Without a Tail (misery loves company), The Beast in Love (love tames the wild beast), The Hare and the Tortoise (slow and steady wins the race) and The Boy Who Cried Wolf (no one believes a liar). But even these stories aren’t enough to persuade Xanthus to change his mind and he orders Aesop to be thrown to the lions. But the Lion charging Aesop is the same one Aesop met in the forest and instead of devouring Aesop, he licks his hand in gratitude. Xanthus is dumbfounded; Aesop explains how he helped the Lion and Xanthus finally recognizes that Aesop has been trying to help him as well. In gratitude he frees Aesop, who stays on to become storyteller to Xanthus, guaranteeing that the memory of Calliope will live on.
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS




Alice in Wonderland On Demand
Adapted from the book by Lewis Carroll by Catherine Bush
When Alice chases the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole, she tumbles into a curious world with a zany cast of characters including the Mad Hatter, a grinning Cheshire Cat, a mischievous Caterpillar, and the imperious Queen of Hearts. This adaptation of the timeless classic celebrates the wonder of imagination and promises to take you on a colorful adventure for your whole family!
Show Preview




The Legend of Sleepy Hollow On Demand
A Musical Adapted from Washington Irving's Novel by Catherine Bush and Dax Dupuy
Sleepy Hollow, a village haunted by the legendary Headless Horseman, has a new schoolmaster—the somewhat hapless and extremely superstitious Ichabod Crane. When Ichabod tries to win the hand of the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, he makes an enemy of her former suitor, the brawny Brom Bones. Brom vows revenge and, one dark and spooky night, Ichabod finds himself in for the ride of his life!
Show Preview




Peter Pan On Demand
Adapted by Catherine Bush from the novel by J. M. Barrie
Wendy Darling and her younger brothers love nothing more than playing make-believe in their family’s upstairs nursery. Then one night, a young boy named Peter Pan and his fairy friend Tinkerbell fly into the nursery window and whisk the Darling children away to a fantastical Neverland filled with Lost Boys, pirates, and a man-eating crocodile. Brought thrillingly to life with only six quick-changing actors and your imagination, the Barter Players’ special brand of creativity make this an adventure you will never forget!
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS




The Princess and the Pea on Demand
Adapted by Catherine Bush from the story by Hans Christian Andersen
The Queen wants her son, Prince Harold, to marry, but Harold has yet to find a princess whom he can love. Then the beautiful maiden Marigold appears at the castle door, and Harold realizes he has met his match. But can Marigold pass the Queen's test and detect the pea placed under her mattress? Will she be able to prove to the world that she is truly a princess?