Media Contact: Kathleen Bundy 276-619-3343 communication@bartertheatre.com December 16, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BARTER THEATRE ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL SHOWS FOR 2017

ABINGDON, Va.—Barter Theatre announces two additional productions for the 2017 season, “The Music Man” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Fall 2017, “The Music Man” will play at Gilliam Stage at Barter Theatre alongside “Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem.” In late November, Barter Theatre will produce Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Gilliam Stage.

Bring the entire family for “The Music Man.” Never seen before on Barter Theatre’s stage, there is nothing more American than Meredith Willson’s classic Broadway

musical about the fast-talking “Professor” Harold Hill. Harold convinces the parents of River City, Iowa, to buy instruments and band uniforms for their youngsters to save them from the corrupting influence of the local pool hall. Before Harold can skip town with the money, he falls for the local librarian, Marian Paroo. Chaos ensues as Hill’s credentials are questioned; the town is divided. This story features some of musical theatre’s best characters including: Mrs. Paroo, Winthrop, Hill’s sidekick Marcellus, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, and a whole host of others. See Barter’s Resident Acting Company, the actors you know and love, perform Willson’s timeless score including, “Goodnight, My Someone,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Shipoopi,” “You Got Trouble,” and “Till There Was You.”

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” is a timeless tale of joy and goodwill filled with Irving Berlin’s call songs, topped off with glorious dancing and lots of snow. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas“ tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, finding their perfect mates in the bargain, and honoring their beloved army general in the process. Full of romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including: “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “Snow,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

For more information visit bartertheatre.com or call the box office at 276-628-3991. Barter Theatre’s 2017 season begins in February and feature the following shows:

Gilliam Stage at Barter Theatre

• Mamma Mia!—Spring • A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Spring • Footloose: The Musical—Summer

• The Cottag —Summer • Ain’t Misbehavin’—Summer • The Music Man—Fall • Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem—Fall • White Christmas—Christmas

Barter Stage II

• Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks—Spring • Uncanny Valley—Spring • The Savannah Sipping Society—Summer • Leaving Iowa—Summer • Ghost, Ghost, Come Out Tonight—Fall • Friendly’s Fire—Fall • Tuna Christmas—Christmas • The Santaland Diaries—Christmas

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