It's show time once again at one of the country’s longest-running, professional theaters. Barter Theatre continues its reopening with its first, in-person Spring Season since the pandemic’s onset.
“This is the year to come out and reconnect with each other, so the theme of our season is Common Ground. We are presenting stories about people drawing strength from one another, even across differences and deep divides,” says Katy Brown, producing artistic director of Barter Theatre. "As our country emerges from the pandemic and amid so much political and cultural upheaval, Barter is proud to offer a place to celebrate what unifies us all.”
Barter Theatrekicks off its season with a production of Romeo & Juliet (running through April 16), followed by the world premier of Kentucky Spring, a new musical celebrating what it means to be Appalachian (April23 - May 22), and the timeless fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, presented by The Barter Players, Barter’s theater for young audiences company (April26-May 14). More details in the schedule below.
Spring Season:
Romeo & Juliet
by William Shakespeare
March 31st – April 16th @ Barter’s Gilliam Stage
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.
Kentucky Spring
Book by Catherine Bush / Music & Lyrics by Dax Dupuy
April 23– May 22@ Barter’s Gilliam Stage
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 flashes between 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.
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.
Jack & the Beanstalk
Adapted by Katy Brown, music by Ben Mackel
April 26- May 14@ Gilliam Stage
Tickets: $16
Jack is different from the other kids: every time it rains, he hears beautiful music up in the sky. Then one day the rain stops, and the ensuing drought forces Jack into town to sell his beloved cow, Bessie. Before he gets there, he meets a swindler who sends him instead on a madcap adventure up a magical beanstalk—an adventure that includes six quick-changing actors playing an entire town full of people, a Goose that lays golden eggs, a singing Golden Harpand one angry Giant.
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.
In accordance with recommendations and standards set by the CDC, all patrons (including children) must adhere to Barter Theatre’s indoor masking requirement and stay home with any symptoms of illness.
Barter is additionally offering a selection of Enhanced Protocol Performances throughout its 2022 season, at which all attending patrons must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR compliant covid test, to provide audiences desiring enhanced safety measures an opportunity to visit.
For more detail on Barter’s policies, visit: https://bartertheatre.com/safety-protocols/
