Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest-running professional theater with nearly 90 years serving audiences across the southern states, announces its Summer 2023 season. The theater is ready to welcome audience members from across the country to their two stages, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tucked away in small-town Appalachia, Abingdon is the perfect getaway for vacationers– and the historical Barter Theatre is a must-see destination. With multiple shows in repertory rotation, visitors throughout the warm months can look forward to an array of performances suited to their own personal taste.
This upcoming season, on its main Gillam Stage, Barter presents the high-energy rock n’ roll classic “Footloose.”
The summer season continues with the fresh comical adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel “Sense and Sensibility” at Gilliam Stage and the zany comedy “Country Girls” at Smith Theatre.
For those looking for a fun family option, The Barter Players present an exciting line-up of kid-friendly shows, including “Rapunzel” and “Robin Hood” at Smith Theatre.
Barter’s ticket prices start at $20 ($16 for shows by The Barter Players).
“This is such an exciting time of year for us, as the weather warms up and our small town comes to life. We strive to present productions that reflect that liveliness and invite theater lovers of all ages to come out and enjoy beautiful Abingdon and all it has to offer,” says Katy Brown, producing artistic director of Barter Theatre.
“Footloose” is on Gilliam Stage through Aug. 20. When Ren and his mother leave Chicago and move to the rural community of Bomont, Ren finds himself at odds with most everyone, including the powerful Reverend Moore. As a result of a recent tragedy, Moore has convinced the town fathers to outlaw dancing. With the help of Ariel (Moore’s daughter) and Willard (his new friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let teenagers dance again, and in the process, helps to heal the whole town.
“Robin Hood” is at the Smith Theatre through July 8. Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men are determined to save their fellow citizens from the clutches of the wicked Prince John. One day, while robbing from the rich to give to the poor, Robin meets the beautiful Lady Marian, who is being forced to marry the prince against her will. Can Robin rescue her before it’s too late?
“Rapunzel” is on stage at the Smith Theatre, July 11 through Aug. 5. An angry witch is keeping the beautiful maiden Rapunzel prisoner in a tower with one window and no door. When Prince Frederick discovers Rapunzel’s predicament, he climbs her golden braid of hair in order to rescue her. But Rapunzel has a few surprises of her own, including a lesson in girl-power and a super-cool haircut. With Frederick at her side, Rapunzel convinces the witch and the world that true love does indeed conquer all.
“Sense and Sensibility” takes to the Gilliam Stage through Aug 19. Playwright Kate Hamill provides a fresh, comic take on this beloved novel. This wildly theatrical adaptation follows two radically different sisters — sensible Elinor and emotional Marianne—in the wake of their father’s death, as they face wave after wave of dance partners, dinner parties and great loves amid an English society mad for gossip.
“Country Girls” is on the stage at the Smith Theatre through Aug. 12. Megan hates country music singer Rick Montgomery, and she and her best friend Kimmy have decided tonight’s concert will be his last. The two teens hatch an ill-conceived plot to kidnap the country music star in this laugh-out-loud, offbeat comedy. Songs will be sung, shots will be fired and the girls will discover that revenge ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theater, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theater opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theater by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information, call 276-628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com.
