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
Full Show Preview
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Watch Zoë Velling sing "Get Out and Stay Out"!
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!
Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
September 3rd – November 5th
Adapted by Ken Ludwig from the story by Agatha Christie
World-famous detective Hercule Poirot is headed to London aboard the luxurious Orient Express, a train packed with the most eccentric passengers ever seen. Trouble begins when a snowdrift stops the Express in its tracks, and the situation quickly spirals from bad to worse when one of the passengers is found murdered in his compartment. Can Poirot solve the crime before it’s too late? This classic murder mystery, adapted by the king of comedy, will have you laughing one moment and gasping the next. Come join us for the ride of your life!
"Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Hear more about the show!
Barter Connects: Murder on the Orient Express
Saturday, September 10th, 4:30 Gilliam Stage
This classic mystery features characters from all over the globe. Come join Barter’s Resident Dialect coach, Zacchaeus Kimbrell, as he talks about how he helps actors approach different dialects and maybe even try a few yourself!
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!
Black in Appalachia Initiative Virtual Monologue Writing Workshop
September 10th, 1 -3 pm
Join playwright Quinton Cockrell via Zoom for tips on how to write a great monologue. This workshop is in conjunction with BIAI’s annual SHINE event - a night of monologues celebrating Black Appalachian stories written by Black playwrights. Young or old, experienced or not- all are welcome! We’d love to hear what you have to say.
This event is part of our Black in Appalachia Initiative, which grew out of our Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights. For more information about our Black in Appalachia Initiative, click here.
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Airness
June 30th – August 18th
by Chelsea Marcantel
When Nina enters her first air guitar competition, she thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers that there’s more to this art form than playing pretend. Will Nina be able to let go and find the raw joy of air guitar? Following Nina’s mission to shred or be shredded, Airness is an exuberant reminder that everything we need to Rock is already inside us.
This production contains adult language and humor.
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Always a Bridesmaid
June 17th – August 18th
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 a preview of the show!
Behind the Scenes with the Ladies of Always a Bridesmaid
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!
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Every Brilliant Thing
May 20th – August 20th
by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe
Could you name a hundred things that make life wonderful? A thousand? How about a million? When he was 7, a boy started a list of things to live for in an attempt to save his mother. As he grows up, the list takes on a life of its own. From “Ice Cream” (#1 on the list) to “Staying up all night talking” (#9,999), Every Brilliant Thing shines a hilarious and compassionate light on dark corners of the human condition. A play about the lengths we will go to for those we love—told in collaboration with the audience.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Tuck Everlasting
October 4th - November 5th
Adapted by Mark Frattaroli from the novel by Natalie Babbitt
Tuck Everlasting is produced by special arrangement with Stage Partners. (www.yourstagepartners.com)
Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but when she becomes entwined with the never-aging Tuck Family she gets more than she bargained for. Winnie soon learns the magic behind the Tucks’ unending youth and must fight to protect their secret from the sinister Stranger in the Yellow Suit. Will Winnie choose to return to her life, or join the Tucks on their infinite journey?
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Ripcord
September 16th – November 5th
by David Lindsay-Abaire
Join us for a high-stakes comedy about two women locked in a no-holds-barred battle. A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Assisted Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new-arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A bet between the two quickly escalates into a hilarious game of one-upmanship that reveals the tenacity of these worthy opponents, as well as the adventures that await us at any age, if only we will leap.
RIPCORD is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Hear more about the show!
Barter Connects: Ripcord
Thursday, September 29th, 4pm Gilliam Stage
The odd couple at the center of this wonderful comedy are played by two of Barter’s veteran actors, Mary Lucy Bivins and Tricia Matthews. Join us as we take a look at their unique relationship in the play as well as the leaps they’ve taken and the fears they’ve faced in their own careers.
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!
The Royale
September 29th – November 5th
by Marco Ramirez
Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world but it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are virtually nonexistent. Then a promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of the century,” pitting Jay against the reigning white champion… and Jay soon discovers there’s a lot more at stake than a title. An incredibly theatrical look at what it is to climb into the ring with destiny.
"The Royale" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Hear more about the show!
Barter Connects: The Royale
(Black in Appalachia Initiative Night)
Saturday, October 22nd, 9:30pm Smith Theatre
Immediately following the 8pm show
We invite BIPOC community members, students, artists, journalists and theater lovers of all kinds to the Black In Appalachia Initiative Night of The Royale. We’ll watch the play together and engage after the show in conversation about the themes of the play with the cast and director as part of our Barter Connects event series.
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.
Barter Theatre is partially funded by:
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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.