Barter Theatre to Open Summer Season with GREATER TUNA

Barter Theatre's summer season, always known for it's comedy and grandeur, opens with beloved comedy "Greater Tuna" starring Mary Lucy Bivins and Michael Poisson on May 20.

"Greater Tuna," which was most recently performed at Barter Theatre more than a decade ago, has always been a favorite of Barter audiences. This eccentrically fun performance features just two actors portraying 20 different oddball characters at Barter's intimate Stage II.

Audience favorites, Mary Lucy Bivins and Michael Poisson are excited to be taking on the challenge of such a fun but demanding show. Mary Lucy Bivins said, "Two actors playing twenty characters between them is both challenging and enormous fun! I love the intimacy of Stage II and having the audience close. It is the perfect space for a comedy like 'Greater Tuna.'"

Richard Rose, who will direct "Greater Tuna," sees the comedy as an inherently relatable production. Rose said, "We laugh with recognition at the behavior and beliefs of the people of Tuna. Yet, in some manner, we know we share many of the characteristics and beliefs they represent. That's why we can laugh so hard at and with them."

Barter Theatre's recent pricing changes stand to make "Greater Tuna" accessible to an even larger audience than ever. On April 26, Barter Theatre announced they are now offering tickets to all performances starting at $20 along with other pricing changes, which simplify the ticket buying process.

"Greater Tuna" is made possible by corporate sponsors Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and The Rogers Group. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

To purchase tickets to "Greater Tuna" or another Barter production call 276-628-3991 or visit bartertheatre.com.