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Looking for the Promised Land I first read Clyde Edgerton’s Walking Across Egypt over 20 years ago when it was first published. I had just read his book Raney and was already a huge fan of his voice. Walking Across Egypt just confirmed my fandom.more >
Show Reviews
One of the best productions I have seen there for several years.more > — Robert McKinney, Bristol Herald Courier, tricities.com
Walking Across Egypt was one of the best plays I have ever seen.more > — Tina Pate via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
The play "Walking Across Egypt" was excellent, the acting superb, the staff friendly and the surroundings a beautiful glance at an elegant past. I definitely recommend.more > — Via TripAdvisor.com
One play you shouldn't miss.more > — Julie Lynn Ashens via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
My husband and went an seen this play, one of the best I have seen so far. We loved it!more > — Chris Lindsay-Bowen via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
Loved it! Tears and laughter combined!more > — Janie Weaver McNew via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
Moments that were so funny but the play has one of the best "messages" from a play or movie I've seen in a while! I would give it 5 stars.more > — Tim Bowen
Just saw this hilarious and heart warming production! Don't miss it!!!!more > — Kenny M. Davis via Facebook.com/bartertheatre
"Walking Across Egypt" is one of my all-time favorite books, and the play was all that I hoped it would be! We can't wait to see it again this season. Mary Lucy Bivins was the perfect Mattie! I can see her opening a napkin so precisely for the cornbread right now!more > — Janet Allison Powell Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
It was excellent! I laughed so much and there is a sweet message and lesson for all of us in this play. The leading lady, Mary Lucy Bivins, is fantastic!! A must-see production!more > — Joy via email
Joe and I would like to tell you what a wonderful time we had watching Walking Across Egypt during this past Saturday’s matinee. We saw all the elements of laughter, sadness, uplifting moments and mischievousness. The acting was top-notch and the time just flew by!more > — Lisa via email
My church's adult group thoroughly enjoyed Walking Across Egypt. It conveyed the message of "serving Christ by serving others" in a contemporary setting.more > — Jeanette Hall via email
Walking Across Egypt
Adapted by Catherine Bush, from the novel by Clyde Edgerton
From Barter Theatre's 2012 Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights Mattie has always been feisty, but at seventy-eight, she is afraid she might be slowing down. That changes when she strikes up an unlikely friendship with juvenile delinquent Wesley Benfield. Armed with only her mouth-watering cornbread and her deep, abiding faith, Mattie is determined to woo Wesley to the side of good … if she can only manage to stay out of trouble herself. Starring Barter favorite Mary Lucy Bivins, this funny, heartwarming story will restore your faith in mankind while proving that you’re never too old to be needed and you’re never too lost to be found.
Stage: Barter Theatre
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Mary Lucy Bivins
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The cast of "Walking Across Egypt"
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Nicholas Piper, Wendy Piper
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Nicholas Piper, Mary Lucy Bivins
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David Alford, Sean Michael Flattery, Mary Lucy Bivins
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Michael Poisson, Mary Lucy Bivins
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Mary Lucy Bivins, Sean Michael Flattery
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Justin Tyler Lewis, Mary Lucy Bivins
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Highlights from the show
Cast & Credits
THE CAST
Mattie Rigsbee: Mary Lucy Bivins
Robert Rigsbee: Michael Poisson
Alora Swanson: Wendy Piper
Finner Swanson: Nicolas Piper
Lamar Benfield: Justin Tyler Lewis
Wesley Benfield: Sean Michel Flattery
Reverend Bass: Rick McVey
Sheriff Tillman: David Alford
Church Pianist (recorded): Lee Harris
Choir: Paris Bradstreet, Parris Cromer, Andy Cumbow, Abbey C. Elliott, Adam Gambrel, David Large and Holly Williams
THE COLLABORATORS
Director: Eugene Wolf
Choral Arranger: Eugene Wolf
Set Designer: Derek Smith
Costume Designer: Megan Schuler
Lighting Designer: Camille Davis
Sound Designer: Miles Polaski
Properties Designer: Helen Stratakes
Stage Manager: Cindi A. Raebel
Corporate Sponsors: Strongwell and Abingdon Roofing
Media Sponors: WBEJ, Fun Things to Do in the Mountains and WBEJ.






