CIRCUMFERENCE OF A SQUIRREL Opens at Barter Theatre, 4/30

The award-winning play Circumference of a Squirrel rolls onto Barter Stage II on April 30: 'Round and 'round it goes, where it stops, even Chester doesn't know and the results are laugh-out-loud moments of comedy and discovery, plus heartfelt moments of revelation.

Circumference of a Squirrel, at its core, is the story of Chester (Nicholas Piper) and his relationship with his father, although other characters rotate in and out.

"Everyone who's ever had a family will relate to this," says Richard Rose, producing artistic director at Barter Theatre. "Chester is at a crucial crossroads. He can keep carrying the weight and harbor feelings toward his father, or he can let go. Even he doesn't know what he's going to do."

"It's one of the best things about theatre - we as an audience are present for the moment of a discovery that could change life forever," says director Katy Brown. "I can tell you that the discoveries and choices have not been decided."

The play begins as a tiny squirrel tries to make its way up a tree carrying an oversized bagel in its mouth.

"A squirrel and a bagel - It's an odd thing to start a play from, but often it's the odd things that push you in interesting directions," says playwright John Walch.

The squirrel's Sisyphean task is an analogy for Chester's own struggle: The squirrel cannot move forward because of the weight of this huge bagel in its mouth. What will Chester choose to do with the weight that holds him from moving forward?

"As Chester goes along a journey of self-reflection and discovery, the audience gets to ride along as he jumps to different memories in his life. He will go from different times, places and people, but every single word connects. The results are laugh-out-loud, moving, compelling and totally inspiring moments," says Rose.

Nicholas Piper stars and has been seen as the Creature in Frankenstein and the title roles of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily and Dracula. Learn more about what Katy Brown and Nicholas Piper have to say about Circumference of a Squirrel on Barter Theatre's Youtube Channel, www.youtube.com/bartertheatre.

A special grant from Altria allows Barter Theatre to expand audience engagement programs, including 360° Panels - special pre and post show discussions. Director Katy Brown, actor Nicholas Piper and special guests will speak and open the floor for discussion 30 minutes before and after the performances on May 3 and May 5 beginning at 7:15 pm. To date, Barter has conducted 360° Panels for Civil War Voices, Age of Arousal, Revolutions and others.

"Our audiences have appreciated the 360° Panels because of the enrichment and enlightenment it adds to a show. Being able to ask questions to the director about certain decisions and gaining insight into a character or the time period is a special treat," says Rose.

Additional audience engagement opportunities include The Barter Theatre Insider Magazine and special Info Sheets for selected shows that delve deeper than just a show's description. Both publications are available for download at BarterTheatre.com.

For tickets and more information about Circumference of a Squirrel, as well as other shows playing at Barter Theatre, call 276.628.3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com.

Pictured: Nicholas Piper in Circumference of a Squirrel

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