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ABINGDON, Va. — It’s show time once again at one of the country’s longest-running, professional theatres! National treasure 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 Theatre will kick off its season with a production of Romeo & Juliet (March 31 – April 16), followed by the world premier of Kentucky Spring, a new musical celebrating what it means to be Appalachian. The play will run from April 23-May 22, and the timeless fairy tale Jack & the Beanstalk, presented by The Barter Players, Barter’s theatre for young audiences company will play April 26- May 14.
Based on the book by Catherine Bush, Kentucky Spring is the story of a young girl, Becky, who 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.
Tickets are $20 for Level 1, $42 for Level II, and $49 for Level III.
Presently showing at the Barter Theatre is Romeo & Juliet, 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. The perfect play to open up Barter’s Season of Common Ground.
This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Jack & the Beanstalk will play at Barter April 26 – May 14.
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 Harp, and one angry Giant!
Tickets are $16.