Krieger, Cryer Pen Music for VA Musical Premiere Hats!

Presented by Sibling Entertainment Group Inc, Hats! The Red Hat Society Musical – a new musical based on the life-embracing ideas of the The Red Heat Society – will receive its World Premiere at Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia from August 18 until September 17.

Hats! is written by husband-and-wife team Marcia Milgrom Dodge and Anthony Dodge, and boasts original music by several Tony Award nominated composers, including Susan Birkenhead (Jelly's Last Jam, Triumph Of Love), Gretchen Cryer (I'm Getting My Act Together And Taking It On The Road) and Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls, Side Show). A complete list of songwriters will be announced shortly.

"Silliness is the comedy relief of life! That is the philosophy of The Red Hat Society - a self-proclaimed dis-organization for women over 50 from all walks of life who come together for one reason: to have fun! The Red Hat Society officially formed in 1998 when Sue Ellen Cooper and a group of five friends, dressed in purple clothing and red hats met for afternoon tea. The word quickly spread, and over the past eight years, The Red Hat Society has become the fastest and largest growing women's movement in the United States. The Red Hat Society has created a worldwide sisterhood by forming more than 40,000 chapters across all 50 states, and in 30 countries, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, and as far as Japan and Egypt," state press notes.

"Hats! embodies The Red Hat Society spirit in song, in dance, in humor and in pathos", says Sue Ellen Cooper, Exalted Queen Mother of The Red Hat Society. '"This is THE show for 'the women of a certain age,' and everyone who loves her!"'

Hats! – The Red Hat Society Musical plays at the Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA) from August 18 until September 17. Tickets are $24-$36, Box office: 276-628-3991. For group sales, call Linda Pruner at276-619-5406. For further information, visit www.bartertheatre.com.