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Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Va., the nation’s longest-running professional theatre with nearly 90 years serving audiences across the southern states, announces its Summer 2023 season. With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, the theatre is ready to welcome audience members from across the country to their two stages, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tucked away in small-town Appalachia, Abingdon is the perfect getaway for vacationers – and the historical Barter Theatre is a must-see destination. With multiple Broadway-quality shows in repertory rotation, visitors throughout the warm months can look forward to an array of performances suited to their own personal taste.
This upcoming season, on its main Gillam Stage, Barter presents the high-energy rock n’ roll classic Footloose.
The summer season will continue with the fresh comical adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility at Gilliam Stage and the zany comedy Country Girls at Smith Theatre.
For those looking for a fun family option, The Barter Players will present an exciting line-up of kid-friendly shows, including Rapunzel, and Robin Hood, at Smith Theatre.
Barter’s ticket prices start at an affordable $20 ($16 for shows by The Barter Players).
“This is such an exciting time of year for us, as the weather warms up and our small town comes to life. We strive to present productions that reflect that liveliness and invite theatre lovers of all ages to come out and enjoy beautiful Abingdon and all it has to offer,” says Katy Brown, producing artistic director of Barter Theatre.
While best known for its unrivaled hiking along The Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon also tops USA Today’s list of Best Small Town Food Scenes and offers an array of fine art galleries, antique and artisan shopping experiences, and beautiful local vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing stay and spa treatment at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. And, if there happens to be a spring shower, a matinee at Barter will ensure they stay dry and entertained!
For a full schedule of Barter Theatre shows and more detail on each, visit: https://bartertheatre.com
– June 3 – August 20, Gilliam Stage; Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the ’80s movie. When Ren and his mother leave Chicago and move to the rural community of Bomont, Ren finds himself at odds with most everyone, including the powerful Reverend Moore. As a result of a recent tragedy, Moore has convinced the town fathers to outlaw dancing. With the help of Ariel (Moore’s daughter) and Willard (his new friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let teenagers dance again, and in the process, helps to heal the whole town.
– June 6 – July 8, Smith Theatre; Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men are determined to save their fellow citizens from the clutches of the wicked Prince John. One day, while robbing from the rich to give to the poor, Robin meets the beautiful Lady Marian, who is being forced to marry the prince against her will. Can Robin rescue her before it’s too late? Join us for an action-packed adventure through Sherwood Forest as we relive the most famous English legend of all.
July 11 – August 5, Smith Theatre; Rapunzel. An angry Witch is keeping the beautiful maiden Rapunzel prisoner in a tower with one window and no door. When Prince Frederick discovers Rapunzel’s predicament, he climbs her golden braid of hair in order to rescue her. But Rapunzel has a few surprises of her own, including a lesson in girl-power and a super-cool haircut. With Frederick at her side, Rapunzel is able to convince the Witch and the world that True Love does indeed conquer all.
– June 17 – August 19, Gilliam Stage; Sense and Sensibility: Playwright Kate Hamill gives us a fresh, comic take on this beloved novel. This wildly theatrical adaptation follows two radically different sisters – sensible Elinor and emotional Marianne – in the wake of their father’s death, as they face wave after wave of dance partners, dinner parties and great loves amid an English society mad for gossip.
– June 23 – August 12, Smith Theatre; Country Girls: Megan hates country music singer Rick Montgomery, and she and her best friend Kimmy have decided tonight’s concert will be his last. The two teens hatch an ill-conceived plot to kidnap the country music star in this laugh-out-loud, offbeat comedy. Songs will be sung, shots will be fired, and the girls will discover that revenge ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.