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Feature article
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Barter Theatre gearing up for 2009 season
By staff report
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Barter will open 2009 with ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ on Feb. 5
The curtains are closing on Barter’s 75th anniversary season, but already, the state theatre of Virginia is looking ahead to another year of family-friendly shows, out-of-this-world musicals, mythic tales, Appalachian stories, provocative new works and uproarious comedies.
After “Miracle on 34th Street” wraps up Dec. 28, Barter’s cast and crew will spend January readying for the theater’s 2009 main stage season opener, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which debuts Feb. 5. “Joseph” will be followed by the John Steinbeck classic “Of Mice and Men,” opening Feb. 27. This captivating tale of two traveling workers, George and Lennie, illuminates their quest for the American dream. But as all too often happens, “the best laid schemes o’ mice and men” go awry in this timeless American classic.
In late spring, hear the story of “Jimmie Rodgers: America's Blue Yodeler” by Douglas Pote, the playwright of previous Barter offerings “Keep on the Sunny Side” and “Man of Constant Sorrow,” and learn about the man who influenced such landmark musicians as Hank William, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and B. B. King. “Jimmie Rodgers” opens April 23.
Celebrate summer with the timeless MGM musical version of “The Wizard of Oz,” opening May 29. Premiering June 11 is “Showtime at First Baptist,” the hilarious and moving sequel to “First Baptist of Ivy Gap,” about six diverse women who share an inspiring journey filled with laughs, loss and lots of love.
Rounding out the warm-weather months will be the hit musical “Forever Plaid.” Opening Aug. 14, this fun and deliciously goofy show celebrates the music of the 1950s sung in thrilling four-part harmony and features such songs as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Chain Gang,” “Heart and Soul” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”
Fall will get off to a chilling, thrilling start on Sept. 25 with “Frankenstein,” faithfully adapted from Mary Shelley’s classic novel by artistic director Richard Rose. Also on tap is the beautiful Appalachian tale “Heaven Sent” by Rick Whelan. When a young, abandoned girl in need of care appears at recluse Samuel Langley’s door in the middle of the night, he is revived and begins to find the beauty in life.
For the holidays, come home to audience favorite “WMKS: Christmas 1942,” opening Nov. 27. As the effects of World War II spread throughout America, the Carroll family honors patriotism and Christmas memories with a selection of Christmas, patriotic and old-time music in this fun celebration of the holiday spirit.
At Barter Stage II, “Adjoining Trances” and “Four Places” will kick off a season of compelling musicals, new works and old favorites, including “Othello” (opening April 15); “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” (opening May 21); “La Cage aux Folles” (beginning June 24); “The Foreigner” (opening Sept. 3); “Little Shop of Horrors” (beginning Sept. 11) and “Holiday Memories” (opening Nov. 23).
It’s not too early to purchase a Barter Season PassBook, the most cost-effective way to enjoy the 2009 season with five different options and a savings of up to 65 percent off the regular single-ticket price.
Orders placed before Jan. 1 will receive an additional $1 off each ticket.
To purchase a PassBook, call Barter’s box office at 276-628-3991.
For more information, log onto bartertheatre.com.
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