'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Opens Tomorrow at Barter Theatre

"Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Thus begins the classic Christmas poem that has become a seasonal staple for children around the world since the 1800s. This holiday season, families can see the story brought to life by the Barter Players in a magical new musical version, presented December 3 - 21 on the Barter main stage.

It's Christmas Eve, 1823, and it looks like the holidays will not be so happy for Clem Moore, a hardworking newspaper writer. There's no money to pay for his ill wife's medical treatments or even pay his rent, let alone give his family presents, and he has been given an impossible assignment - to write the best Santa Claus story ever written. Just when things are looking far from merry and bright for Clem, "out on the lawn there arose such a clatter" and what follows is a night of magic that not only changes his life forever, but also how the whole world celebrates Christmas. See the Barter Players present the wonder of that fateful night onstage as only they can.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" is a collaboration between Barter Playwright-in-Residence Catherine Bush and composer MAndy Williams, based on the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clark Moore. Earlier this season, the pair of audience favorites worked together on the Barter Players' production of "Mother Goose: The Musical," and they have previously partnered to bring the Christmas stories "Rudolph" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" to the stage.

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas" is sponsored by Dr. Timothy E. Collins Pediatric Dentistry. The Barter Players are sponsored by Alpha Natural Resources and Blue Ridge Public Television.

For even more classic Christmas cheer, don't forget to also see "A Christmas Story," also playing at Barter Theatre through December 29, which is appropriate for all ages 5 and older.

To purchase tickets and find more information on The Barter Players and Barter Theatre's holiday season performances, visit BarterTheatre.com or call (276) 628-3991.

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