THE MUSIC MAN Marches Into Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre introduces the all-American classic, Meredith Willson's The Music Man to Gilliam Stage for the first time ever on Sept. 15.

When fast-talking con man Harold Hill tries to convince the parents of River City, Iowa that a marching band will help keep their children out of trouble, life changes for everyone. Chaos and hilarity ensue when even Harold can't withstand the charm of Marian the Librarian and the town starts to question his credentials. The Music Man features Nick Koesters (photographed), Holly Anne Williams and other members of Barter Theatre's resident acting company.

"The Music Man celebrates all that is truly great about America's small towns and cities that make up the heartland of our country," says Producing Artistic Director and Director of The Music Man Richard Rose. "This musical speaks about a time of hope and redemption, where a person and a community are able to seek, find a new life and a new path forward despite great adversity."

Corporate sponsors Food City and Wells Fargo Advisors make The Music Man 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.

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.