Barter Theatre Stages THE GHOST IN THE MEADOW, Beg. Tonight

Barter Theatre is adding to the paranormal activity in Abingdon this fall with "The Ghost in the Meadow," a present-day ghost story, beginning tonight, September 10.

Written by Joe Simonelli, the play has been compared to the terrifying play, "The Woman in Black," which was produced by Barter in 2010.

Two sisters move in to a farmhouse in upstate New York which has been vacant for many years. The house's history predates the Civil War, and the sisters quickly realize that they are not alone. With the help of a friend and an experienced psychic, they are all about to go on a dangerous and extraordinary journey. What does the mysterious, and seemingly malevolent, spirit want?

Will they have to give up their new home? What happens when the spirit makes itself known? Is this a ghost or something more evil? Are their lives in danger?

Richard Rose, Barter's producing artistic director, directs the chilling tale featuring Tricia Matthews and Wendy Piper as the sisters, Nicholas Piper as an ex-boyfriend and Mary Lucy Bivins as the psychic.

"The difficulty with the paranormal world is trying to figure out the relationship and how to communicate with them; there are more questions than answers," said Rose.

But the hauntings do not stop there! The whole town of Abingdon has a fascinating history and there are many rumors of ghost sightings. That is why Barter Theatre assembled a group package for 7 or more that will be available only during the month of October: the Haunting Tour package. For $35 per person, see the show at Barter Stage II and take a walking tour of Haunted Abingdon led by either the acclaimed storyteller, the Haint Mistress herself (Donnamarie Emmert) or the Haint Mistress-in-training (Callie Heitela).

The spirit tour covers Abingdon, Virginia, and includes stories from the Martha Washington Hotel, Barter Theatre and the Tavern restaurant.

"The Ghost in the Meadow" is sponsored by Dr. Fances Anne Johnston, DDS, PC and ABC WKPT-TV. Barter Theatre is funded in part by the Virginia Commission of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For tickets and more information, call 276.628.3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com. To book the Haunting Tour package call group sales at 276.619.5406.