2012 Season Preview

2012 Season Preview

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Mystery, Intrigue and Insane Hilarity –

Due to Popular Demand, This Barter Smash Hit Is Back for One Month Only!

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps

Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock
February 2 – March 4 • Barter Stage II

A true spy thriller with special effects that will knock your socks off! Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves to laugh and the magic of theatre! This secret agent adventure will have you on the edge of your seat agasp with pyrotechnics and giddy with the humor of four actors playing 150 characters that will keep you guessing what is going to happen next.

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture,

Book by Patricia Resnick
9 to 5: The Musical
February 23 – May 12 • Barter Theatre

Full of laughter and side-splitting Southern sass and with Dolly’s Grammy®-nominated score, this musical comedy comes direct from Broadway based on the hit movie starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. This sensational musical, guaranteed to delight audiences young and old, tells the story of three unlikely friends who scheme to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do, even in a man's world. Hilarious and a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about joining forces and taking care of business.

A Tale of Two Cities
From the novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Richard Rose
March 8 – May 12 • Barter Theatre

Spies, treason and love abound in this classic tale set in London and Paris during the French Revolution. Aristocrats, barristers, lovers and foes fight for love and freedom in “the best of times, and the worst of times.” “Liberty, equality, fraternity or death; the last, much the easiest to bestow O Guillotine!” Will the guillotine fall as Dickens’ masterpiece moves swiftly to its surprising and unforgettable conclusion?

Swamp Gas and Shallow Feelings
Book and lyrics by Jack Eric Williams and Randy Buck; Music by Jack Eric Williams; Based on material by

Jack Eric Williams and Shirley Strother

A Brand New Nashville Music Fable
March 15 – May 6 • Barter Stage II

Swamp Gas: (noun)

1. Methane gas given off by marshes, thought to cause hallucinations and mystical mirages.

2. Also refers to certain flatulence that tends to linger in the room.              

A term primarily used in the South. Ex: You are full of swamp gas!

Nashville is a town of broken hearts and broken dreams. But every now and then, with the love of a good woman and the right song, dreams can come true. With music and lyrics by the renowned New York and Nashville composer, Jack Williams, and book by Johnson City native, Randy Buck, this musical treasure is sure to make your heart sing!

The Oval Office Through the Eyes of a Man Who Served Four Presidents

Looking Over the President's Shoulder

By James Still
May 11 – July 21 • Barter Stage II

Based on the real-life story of Alonzo Fields, the chief butler at the White House for 21 years during the Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower administrations. Hailed as a great man with a story to tell, Fields looks on the presidents with respect and without judgment. He describes the experience as “being in the front row and watching the passing parade of history.” Step into the White House and into his story, one filled with humor and pride, that will grant you unique access to the most famous address in the nation brought to life by one of Barter Theatre’s most popular actors.

This Much Fun Shouldn't Be Legal!

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Book by Heather Hack, Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin,

Based on the movie Legally Blonde

May 19 – August 19 • Barter Theatre

The Hollywood blockbuster turned award-winning Broadway musical sensation follows a Beverly Hills blonde, Elle Woods, as she sets out on a journey to prove to everyone that fashion-savvy girls can be taken seriously. After her boyfriend dumps her for someone a little more “serious,” she puts down the shopping bags, picks up the books and heads to the illustrious Harvard Law School! This singing, dancing, feel-good musical will have us all saying, “Being true to yourself never goes out of style.

The Red Velvet Cake War
By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too With This Delicious Southern Comedy
May 31 – August 18 • Barter Theatre

This riotously funny Southern-baked comedy follows three cousins – Gaynelle, Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette – as they attempt to throw a family reunion. Their outrageous antics have the whole town of Sweetgum talking. Things spin hilariously out-of-control when a neighbor’s pet devours everything edible, a one-eyed suitor shows up to declare his love, and a shocking, high-stakes wager is made on who can bake the best red velvet cake. As this fast-paced uproarious romp barrels toward its surprising climax, you’ll wish your own family reunion was this much fun!

Avenue Q
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty
June 8 – August 12 • Barter Stage II

Winner of the TONY® “TRIPLE CROWN” for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK, Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that follows the trials and tribulations of recent grad, Princeton, as he tries to find his place in the world. Princeton moves into a shabby apartment all the way down on Avenue Q. There he meets a colorful cast of characters ranging from an exotic dancer and an Internet addict to the beautiful girl-next-door, all who help him find himself and his true calling in life. Did we mention there are puppets and the landlord just happens to be Gary Coleman? You’ll laugh and laugh and laugh some more! (Warning: This play may contain puppet nudity.)

A Refreshing and Surprising Comedy

Two Jews Walk Into a War...

By Seth Rozin
June 20 – August 10 • Barter Stage II

Inspired by real-life events, this hysterical and poignant comedy follows the story of the last two Jews in Afghanistan whose temple has been ransacked and their Torah stolen. Together they wish to rebuild and restore the community – but the problem is that these two pillars of the society can’t stand each other. With crackerjack comic timing this unusual comedy cleverly poses provocative questions about faith, freedom and intolerance while reminding us that religion can bring us together even in impossible times.

A Wise and Witty, Down-Home Story

Walking Across Egypt
Adapted by Catherine Bush from Clyde Edgerton's novel
July 31 – August 11 • Barter Stage II

Barter's Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights Mini-Production

Mattie Rigsbee, a Southern widow with a grown son, nosy neighbors and strong religious convictions, is looking for something more than soap operas to fill her time. She longs for company and someone to cook for – she makes fabulous corn bread, by the way. And when the local dogcatcher ends up on her front porch, she gets just that and then some. She takes in a troubled, foul-mouthed boy when no one else will and gives him a chance, proving that with a little direction, Southern cooking and prayer, you can stand up for what you believe and stand on your own two feet.

A Man After God's Own Heart, A Musical That Will Capture Yours!

The New Musical: DAVID
Music and Lyrics by Danny Hamilton and Book by Gary Richardson
August 23 – September 8 • Barter Theatre

This inspiring story of courage and faith traces the life of Israel’s great shepherd-turned warrior-king: David. This stirring new musical follows David’s journey from shepherd to singer to his battle with the giant Goliath and then finally his path to the throne. With original acoustic music, this epic tale of good and evil – fit for the whole family – reminds us that wondrous things can happen when we have faith.

A Thrilling 50s-Style Atomic Rock-N-Roll Musical Romp

Zombie Prom

Music by Dana Rowe, Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey, Based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy
September 6 – November 10 • Barter Stage II

What’s a pretty senior to do when her rebel-without-a-cause boyfriend drives his motorcycle into an atomic power plant, only to come back as an oozing zombie hell-bent on winning her back? Does she still go with him to the prom? At Enrico Fermi High the answer is likely to be “yes.” With supercharged doses of Little Shop of Horrors and Grease, this girl-meets-ghoul musical explodes with exciting mutations of doo-wop, teen ballads, rousing gospel and rock music to release a radioactive feel-good glow upon the entire nuclear family!

A Masterful Exploration of the Nature of Good and Evil

The Sunset Limited
By Cormac McCarthy
September 11 – October 7• Barter Stage II

The brilliantly articulated story, penned by the wildly acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning author of No Country for Old Men, involves two strangers and their struggle over the meaning and value of life. Death seems to be the desired escape for one, while a life filled with hope and faith provides meaning for the other. Hope and despair clash in a battle that strikes both men to the core of their existence. Opposing beliefs and rich dialogue unfold in this intense, gripping and thought-provoking story.

Based on the Disney film

Tarzan: The Stage Musical

Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins and Book by David Henry Hwang
September 14 – November 17 • Barter Theatre

Based on the Disney film and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original story “Tarzan of the Apes,” this award-winning musical will create a lasting memory for your entire family. Tarzan’s adventure begins when a shipwreck lands him on the shores of Africa to be raised by she-ape, Kala. Growing into a great hunter and leader, Tarzan yearns for acceptance from his ape father, Kerchak. When Tarzan encounters the beautiful explorer, Jane Porter, their worlds are transformed forever. Despite challenges, foes and differences, Jane and Tarzan find that together they can overcome all odds. This unlikely love story, full of adventure and songs by Phil Collins such as “Two Worlds” and “You’ll Be in My Heart,” comes wrapped in a musical that will touch your heart for years to come.

A Heart-Pounding, Emotionally Charged, Close-to-Home Story

"Audience Favorite of Barter's 2011 Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights"

October, Before I Was Born
By Lori Matthews
September 27 – November 17 • Barter Theatre

This suspenseful story follows a Kingsport family stranded at their rural farm, desperate for news regarding their loved ones after the October 1960 Tennessee Eastman Company explosion. Emotions come to a boil when the ties between Anne, a soon-to-be mother; Martha, her mother in-law; and Houston, the difficult son and brother-in-law, begin to unravel. Amid their circumstances they may just discover they truly need each other. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as this fast-paced emotional roller coaster follows the family’s attempts to cope with the unknown – ultimately igniting a different kind of explosion.

An Emotional Story About Chance, Circumstance and Breaking Free

The Wind Farmer
By Dan O'Neil

The Second Play of Barter's SHAPING OF AMERICA SERIES
October 11 – November 11 • Barter Stage II

Ramona has been chained to the family farm her entire life, and her controlling father forbids her to leave. Her only chance for freedom lies in the hands of a rookie wind developer, Leo, who is stranded at their doorstep. An alliance forms as Leo realizes a green opportunity and Ramona sees a doorway to freedom. Making either dream a reality will take convincing Ramona’s father that the only way to keep what he holds dear is to let something go. Will the fate of Leo and Ramona, and possibly the world, hang in the balance of a dead man’s signature?

Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Goose
By V. Cate and Duke Ernsberger

By the comedic duo that brought you Elvis Has Left the Building, Dracula Bites and

Don't Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell
November 20 – December 30 • Barter Stage II

The famous sleuth and his trusty sidekick are at it again in this Christmas mystery fit for the whole family. Embark on this holiday adventure with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they endeavor to solve the mystery of the missing diamond and the Shopshire Slasher. Who could be behind such dastardly plans? The “genius of the underworld,” Professor Moriarity? A tale of mystery, intrigue and  “fowl” play await on the trail to unraveling this Christmas case.

A Christmas Story

By Philip Grecian. Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story,

Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

We "triple-dog-dare you" to join us for this Christmas classic!
November 23 – December 30 • Barter Theatre

All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun, but all of the adults in his life only respond with, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” This well-loved Christmas movie tradition comes to life on Barter’s stage featuring all of your favorite scenes including the school bully, bunny suit, the tongue on the flagpole triple-dog-dare, the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin and the iconic leg lamp. Don’t miss this laugh-filled Christmas comedy – perfect for the whole family.