Supernatural Effects Abound in Barter Theatre's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Long before there was Stephen King, Ray Bradbury was crafting imaginative stories of fantasy and fright masterfully intertwined with family-friendly morals. Now, Bradbury's famous tale, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" opens at Barter Theatre September 16.

Barter Theatre's skillful use of special effects and brilliant costuming creates creepy nostalgia in "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Additionally, astounding artistry includes the use of prosthetics to turn actors into animals and sideshow freaks and replicate the 50 year-long aging process in only five minutes. Matt Martin, lead singer and guitarist with Asheville, NC-based band Holy Ghost Tent Revival, wrote the original score for Barter Theatre's "Something Wicked This Way Comes."

"Something Wicked This Way Comes" is set in late fall as two best friends, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, watch a mysterious carnival roll into town. Jim and Will are inexplicably drawn to the fairground filled with supernatural characters, like the sinister Mr. Dark, a two-headed lady, the Dust Witch and Mr. Pinhead. In "Something Wicked This Way Comes," Jim, Will and Will's father struggle valiantly to save their town from the secrets and spells of Mr. Dark's carnival, but will they find a solution in time?

Director Richard Rose says, "Bradbury is a master at crafting a story that captures the struggle of being human." Rose's favorite lines from 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' come from Mr. Halloway to his son, Jim: "Since when do you think being good meant being happy? Learn otherwise. Being good is a fearful occupation.... You work twice as hard to be the farmer as to be his hog."

Rose adds, "Bradbury, like no other before him, weaves a tale of good and evil that captures your imagination and takes you on an unforgettable journey."

The large cast of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" includes Rick McVey as Mr. Halloway, Joseph Matthew Veale as his son, Will Halloway and Barrett Guyton as Will's best friend Jim Nightshade along with other Barter Theatre favorites. The cast will also feature returning young actors Emmitt George Breeding and Olivia Stevens.

Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is made possible by corporate sponsor Ecological Energy Systems.

To purchase tickets, visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-628-3991. Tickets for all performances of Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes" begin at just $20.

Barter Theatre, the nation's longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the state theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Pictured: Mr. Dark (Nick Koesters) looks out over his carnival and the town he holds captive.