Barter Players open 2011 season with THE UGLY DUCKLING

Back home in Abingdon, Virgnia after a three-month tour across the Southeastern United States, The Barter Players - Barter Theatre's company of actors dedicated to performing for young audiences - will open their season with The Ugly Duckling running April 6-30.

"The Barter Players are a talented and energetic group of young actors. The strong work ethic that they bring into rehearsal directly translates into strong performances that always captivate their audiences," said director Rick McVey.

"Combine that commitment, enthusiasm and talent with the wealth of experience that they gain from their three-month performance tour of the southeastern United States and you get what is unquestionably one of the most exciting and well-rounded group of young actors you can find anywhere in the country."

A familiar tale, The Ugly Duckling is about being different. Originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, Catherine Gray has adapted the story for The Barter Players.

Little Ugly - yes, Ugly is his name - wants nothing more than to be just like the other ducks. After many failed attempts to "fit-in," Ugly sets out on a journey to find his true place in the world. He learns that he must learn to love himself before he can discover who he really is. Along the way, Ugly (Bryan Pridgen) meets a whole cast of characters including Fluffy Duck, Young Turkey (Kelli Winn), Elder Duck, Swan (Ashlie Roberson), Goose, Old Woman (MAndy Williams), Frizzy Duck, Bird Dog, Cat (Jamal Crowelle), Fuzzy Duck, Farmer (Justin Tyler Lewis) and many others.

"Watching six talented actors quickly transition back and forth between portrayals of ducks, geese, swans, goats, humans, turkeys, a fox, a hen, a dog and a cat is pretty much a show in itself," said McVey.

Now that The Barter Players have come back to Abingdon after spending so much time with children in other states and counties, they have a grasp on what an effect live theatre can have on children.

"It's so great to hear stories of how kids who have seen the show during the tour have identified and come to care so much about the ugly duckling," said McVey. "For children who have never heard the story, it's a faithful rendering of the classic tale that they will likely remember for the rest of their lives. For those of us who are a little older, it's a beautiful revisiting of the story we know and love. There's humor, warmth, action and a stage full of characters that take the entire audience - no matter how young or old - through Ugly's adventures in a way that is both fun and fulfilling."

The Ugly Duckling begins April 6-30 at Barter Stage II. Call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com for ticket information.

Pictured: MAndy Williams and Bryan Pridgen in The Ugly Duckling at The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia

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