The Barter Players Stage CINDERELLA thru July 20

There are versions of the story of "Cinderella" in countless countries and languages from the eastern to the western hemispheres. Now the story filled with hope and magic comes to Barter Stage II in a new version through July 20.

Welcome to the town of Agricul. It's full of farmlands and hides a very special "secret pumpkin farmer" whose pumpkins are said to have healing properties. The Prince of Agricul, Titus, must find this secret pumpkin farmer and get married by his birthday to save his kingdom. All the maidens in the land are invited. Will Cinderella make it to the ball or will her terrible stepsisters and stepmother thwart her plans? Will the prince find true love in time to save his people?

Written by Audrey Layne Crocker, former Barter Player, it's the story of a young woman who meets her fairy godmother, sees a pumpkin change into a coach and her friends, who happen to be mice, turn into horses. Everyone works together to help Cinderella get to the ball in time to meet her prince.

Director Carrie Smith, who is also a former Barter Player said, "If you have the courage to believe, impossible dreams have a way of coming true."

Up next for The Barter Players is "Mother Goose: The Musical," beginning July 24. This is also an original piece for The Barter Players by Catherine Bush ("All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" and others) with music by MAndy Williams.

"Cinderella" is sponsored by Timothy E. Collins, pediatric dentistry and the season sponsors for The Barter Players are Alpha Natural Resources and Blue Ridge PBS.

The Players meet and greet the audience before each performance and talkbacks are available with prior arrangement.

Tickets are $12, and group rates are available. For more information visit BarterTheatre.com or call 276.628.3991.

Barter Theatre. With its unique beginnings during the Great Depression, Barter Theatre, one of this nation's oldest professional non-profit theatres, is located in beautiful historic Abingdon, Virginia. Barter Theatre is a theatre of firsts: one of this nation's first professional regional theatres, the first professional theatre to be designated a state theatre - The State Theatre of Virginia and more. Today, Barter offers a variety of musicals, classics, comedies, dramas and new southern and Appalachian plays performed February - December yearly on two stages: Barter Theatre and Barter Stage II. Barter Theatre continues to be one of the nation's most vibrant and exciting professional theatre experiences.