FRIENDLY'S FIRE Comes to Barter Theatre

One man will see just what lengths a good friend will go to when he is in need this fall in Friendly's Fire, starting Oct.5.

When Gulf War vet Guy Friendly brings home the wrong woman for a one-night stand, it means nothing but bad news. Guy's best friend Todd finds him in a frenzied state and joins him on an adventure that includes a polar bear, a man dressed as an astronaut and even bees, to help him unravel the events that led to his current state.

"For those struggling to make sense of a senseless world, Friendly's Fire is for you," said Producing Artistic Director and show director Rick Rose. "Those trying to find their way out of the stress of trauma don't always go down the dark paths or extreme actions of violence to solve their problems. At times, they look for and use humor and absurd, sometimes fun and interesting, hallucinations to look for the solutions to the pain they feel to make sense of their world. Friendly's Fire is truly a fun and wonderful journey about a very serious and important subject."

Join Barter Theatre Oct. 28 for a special night of Friendly's Fire, and see a panel discussion provided by veterans and experts who work with veterans struggling with PTSD following the show. Prior to the show that evening, James McCormick, director of West Virginia Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture program, will discuss how the program has provided a therapeutic outlet for veterans in our region. Light refreshments start at 6:45 p.m., presentation at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. and a panel discussion will follow the show.

Corporate sponsor, Barter Theatre Board of Trustees, makes Friendly's Fire possible at Barter Theatre.

Be sure to get your tickets to upcoming Barter Theatre productions, with tickets for every show starting at $20. Call the Barter Theatre Box Office at 276-628-3991 for more information.

About Barter Theatre

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.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

28.7% of votes

2. Kevin Adams - Chess

16.1% of votes

3. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

7.8% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats