THE GLASS MENAGERIE Opens at Virginia's Barter Theatre

Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, starring Ashley Campos, Tricia Matthews, Nick Koesters and Nathan Whitmer,  will be produced later this fall  at Virginia's Barter Theatre. The State Theatre of Virginia will produce the classic American play tonight through November 12 at Barter Stage II.

The Glass Menagerie was chosen after Barter Theatre learned the script for Swamp Gas and Shallow Feelings (originally slated to open October 7) would not be completed in time for rehearsals.
 
"Barter is excited to produce a great American play on our great American stage," said Richard Rose, producing artistic director at the Barter Theatre. "There will also be several school matinees offered and soon, teachers can download a free study guide from our website, www.BarterTheatre.com." 

Nicholas Piper directs the four-character play with Barter Resident Acting Company members Ashley Campos as Laura Wingfield, Tricia Matthews as Amanda Wingfield and Nathan Whitmer as Jim O'Conner.
 
"I'm truly excited to get the chance to work on this great American play that is just as relevant today as it was when it was written nearly 70 years ago. Like all great plays, the themes are timeless and universal and we have a wonderful cast with which to tell this story," said Piper.
 
"Campos, Matthews and Whitmer are giving stellar performances in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and I am excited to work with them," Piper continued.
 
Campos is 'Babette' in Beauty and the Beast, as well as 'Tammy' in Saving Old Smokey - currently in rep with the Disney musical. She was last seen as Clio in Xanadu on Barter's Main Stage earlier this year. 
 
"Matthews' 'Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast is absolutely stunning," said Rose. Matthews is also playing 'Jinks' in Saving Old Smokey with Campos.
 
"Whitmer is making a name for himself as he wows audiences with his portrayal of Gaston, as well as 'Hannay' in Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps, playing in rep at Barter Stage II," added Piper.
 
Tom Wingfield will be played by and newcomer Nick Koesters, who has spent the last 17 years performing professionally in more than 60 productions in northeast Ohio.
 
Rose said Barter Theatre will most likely produce Swamp Gas and Shallow Feelings at a later date, when the script is ready for production. For more information on The Glass Menagerie and other Barter Theatre shows, call Barter Theatre's box office at (276) 628-3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com.

Pictured: Ashley Campos and Nathan Whitmer