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.
Show Preview
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!
It's A Wonderful Life
November 12th – December 28th
Adapted by Catherine Bush
In this brand new adaptation, written especially for Barter’s resident acting company, ten quick-changing actors bring to life the world of Bedford Falls and its most famous resident. The town’s citizens have relied for years on the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan, and George Bailey has sacrificed his dreams and ambitions to keep it alive against all odds. But on this Christmas Eve disaster strikes, and it takes a guardian angel named Clarence to make George realize that not all is lost, and that no man is a failure who has friends. A beloved holiday classic for the whole family.
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: It's a Wonderful Life
Saturday, November 26th, 4pm Gilliam Stage
It’s A Wonderful Life is one of the most famous and beloved Christmas movies of all time. Meet playwright Catherine Bush as she talks about adapting iconic stories for the stage and why this particular story has remained resonant throughout the years.
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!
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 17th – 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.
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
Romeo & Juliet on Demand
By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. When Romeo first sees Juliet, he has no idea that she is a Capulet, whose family is a bitter enemy of his own. Determined that love shall conquer all, the young lovers attempt to escape the prison of their families’ dispute, only to be met with tragedy.
This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
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.
Give By Phone: 276-619-3315
or Check: Payable to Barter Theatre - Mailing address: PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212
during this time all donations are matched
- All previous tiers plus
- Usher concierge service at performances
- Invitations to company parties
- Additional customized benefits available upon request
- All previous tiers plus
- Access to a VIP hotline for reservations
- VIP Will-Call for tickets & intermission concessions
- follow the creation of a production from start to finish
- All previous tiers plus
- VIP parking
- invitation to a dress rehearsal
- All previous tiers plus
- invitations for two complimentary seats at each opening performance at Gilliam Stage at Barter Theatre and Stage II, including galas
- All previous tiers plus
- invitation to watch the set being changed between performances
- a production mini-poster signed by the cast
- All previous tiers plus
- unlimited use of 15% discount for Barter’s Gift Shop & concessions (non-alcohol)
- All previous tiers plus
- invitation to Theatre Thursdays, a luncheon & discussion series giving you an insider’s view of Barter Theatre
- invitation to the 2020 season preview event
- All previous tiers plus
- Behind the scenes tour
- listing in the souvenir program
- biannual donor e-newsletter
- window decal
Give By Phone: 276-619-3315
or Check: Payable to Barter Theatre - Mailing address: PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212
- All previous tiers plus
- Usher concierge service at performances
- Invitations to company parties
- Additional customized benefits available upon request
- All previous tiers plus
- Access to a VIP hotline for reservations
- VIP Will-Call for tickets & intermission concessions
- follow the creation of a production from start to finish
- All previous tiers plus
- VIP parking
- invitation to a dress rehearsal
- All previous tiers plus
- invitations for two complimentary seats at each opening performance at Gilliam Stage at Barter Theatre and Stage II, including galas
- All previous tiers plus
- invitation to watch the set being changed between performances
- a production mini-poster signed by the cast
- All previous tiers plus
- unlimited use of 15% discount for Barter’s Gift Shop & concessions (non-alcohol)
- All previous tiers plus
- invitation to Theatre Thursdays, a luncheon & discussion series giving you an insider’s view of Barter Theatre
- invitation to the 2020 season preview event
- All previous tiers plus
- Behind the scenes tour
- listing in the souvenir program
- biannual donor e-newsletter
- window decal
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
November 29th - December 23rd
by Catherine Bush
Lively Lucy Lesprit is overjoyed when she is assigned the “whistle solo” in her school’s upcoming Christmas pageant. Then tragedy strikes! Two weeks before the show, Lucy loses her two front teeth! Although she is unable to whistle a note, Lucy is determined not to lose her solo to archrival Anna Lori Pringle. Come join this exuberant seven-year-old and her friends as they embark on a Christmas adventure that will fill the whole family with holiday cheer!
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.
Over the River and Through the Woods
November 19th – December 24th
by Joe DiPietro
Every Sunday, Nick crosses the river to New Jersey and has dinner with both sets of his Italian-American grandparents. But Nick has dreams, and when he receives the perfect job offer from the west coast, he is determined to take it. His grandparents – Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma – are just as determined that he stay put. Thus begins a series of shameless schemes and hilarious shenanigans that will have you roaring in your seat while reminding you of the wonderful zaniness that is family.
OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS 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: Over the River and Through the Woods
Saturday, December 17th, 10PM, Smith Theatre
The holidays are all about food and family. Join us in the lounge for some holiday cheer as we share stories about the worst and best Christmases ever!
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!
Ripcord
September 17th – 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!