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 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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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?
Show Preview
The Scarlet Letter On Demand
Adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Classic Novel by Catherine Bush
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.
For her crime, Hester Prynne has been sentenced to wear the scarlet letter A for the remainder of her life. But someone in the town of Boston is as guilty as she, and Hester’s husband, Chillingworth, is determined to find out who it is. Share with your students this faithful adaptation of one of America’s most famous and moving stories.
The Tempest On Demand
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Carrie Smith Lewis
Available starting April 12
Barter Theatre continues its tradition of incredible spring Shakespeare, this time On Demand. The Tempest will take you on an adventure far away from everything you’ve ever known. As Prospero conjures a meeting with his enemy Antonio, he struggles between his desire for revenge and the power of forgiveness. Join us for an evening of magic and mischief on a fantastical island where nothing is as it seems.
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.
This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. Barter Theatre is one of 40 professional theater companies across the nation selected to perform a Shakespeare play with a professional team of actors for middle- and high-schools and conduct related educational activities for students