Barter Theatre to Present DRIVING MISS DAISY & 'THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLES' this Fall

Historic Barter Theatre announces two of the most riveting stories in American culture, coming to its stage this fall: one is a gloriously funny Southern story that proves some friendships are as surprising as they are life-changing; the other a thrilling mystery starring the world's most famous detective. Barter Theatre's fall schedule now includes the much beloved "Driving Miss Daisy" at Barter Stage II and "Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles" on Barter's Main Stage.

"Driving Miss Daisy" begins August 29th at Barter Stage II, starring two of Barter audiences' favorite actors-Mary Lucy Bivins and Jasper McGruder. Some friendships are as unexpected as they are beautiful. Set in Atlanta during an age of true transformation, the story begins when Daisy Werthan's son hires her a chauffeur after she has wrecked her automobile. The seemingly indomitable Daisy has no idea that her stubborn chauffeur will become a fixture in her life for decades to come. Over the span of 25 years the two develop an unlikely bond despite their mutual differences, growing closer and more dependent in the ever-changing times of the Civil Rights movement.

A highly acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, it was later adapted into an Oscar-winning movie, and a recent Broadway success starring Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones. This story is brought to life on Barter's stage by Producing Artistic Director Richard Rose and an all-star cast featuring Mary Lucy Bivins as Miss Daisy, Jasper McGruder as Hoke and David Alford as Daisy's son Boolie. Bivins is fresh off her role as Edith in "Welcome Back to Ivy Gap," and McGruder returns once again to Barter Theatre where he was last seen in Barter's box office-breaking production of "Looking Over the President's Shoulder."

"Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles" begins September 25 on Barter's Main Stage, starring Nicholas Piper as Sherlock Holmes, and Rick McVey as Dr. Watson. In the most famous and most popular of the Sherlock Holmes stories, brash Henry Baskerville inherits an English manor, a title...and a life-threatening mystery. What are the creatures roaming the moors at night? Who would want Sir Henry dead? Only England's most brilliant detective can solve the puzzle before it's too late. Audiences can expect suspense and laughs alike in this classic Holmes tale as adapted by Barter's Producing Artistic Director Richard Rose.

To make room for these additions to the schedule, "The Crucible," "The Starving" and "The Whipping Man" have been postponed to future seasons.

"Driving Miss Daisy" corporate sponsors are CGI and Big Weenie Productions. Media Sponsors are The Loafer, abc 19, Charter Media and WETS. Corporate sponsor for "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Baskervilles" is Frances Anne Johnston, D.D.S., P.C.; media sponsors are abc 19, Voice Magazine for Women and WETS.

"Barter recognizes that we need to respond to the needs of our patrons," said Richard Rose, Producing Artistic Director. "It was a tough winter earlier this year and we know that our audiences are all looking for both a good time and an affordable experience that they can share with family and friends."

"We have adjusted programming in the past when we were able to recognize that our audience was seeking a certain experience, and we happily do so now. Barter exists to serve the needs of our patrons and our region. We are here to make sure that Barter, and the region as a whole, continues to thrive. This programing change is in response to serving those audience needs," added Rose.

Barter draws between 155,000 to 162,000 visitors to Abingdon each year and recently completed a study that concluded that the theatre generates a $34 million economic impact annually. As a non-profit, professional theatre, Barter's ticket sales make up over 64% of its annual revenue.

A full calendar of performance dates for both "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles" is available at BarterTheatre.com or by calling Barter's Box Office at 276-628-3991.

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