Barter Theatre Presents WHERE TROUBLE SLEEPS, 10/9-11/13

Step back in time to Listre, North Carolina, an indiscreet small town, steeped in tradition and superstition, populated by some of the most eccentric characters you'll ever meet as Barter Theatre presents the world premiere, "Where Trouble Sleeps." It's a typicAl Small town where everyone knows each other's secrets."
 
"Where Trouble Sleeps" is based on the book by North Carolinian Clyde Edgerton and adapted by Barter's own Catherine Bush. It is another among a long list of world-premieres produced by the State Theatre of Virginia and among an even longer list of Appalachian themed pieces.
 
Listre, N.C. is inhabited by an intriguing cast of characters. "From fist fights to friendship, grave digging to romance, and a gun toting spinster to a weather predicting dog, "Where Trouble Sleeps" has it all!" said young actor Matthew Torbett of the upcoming Barter Theatre production.
 
Torbett plays Stephen Toomey in the play. Stephen's mother, Alease (Ashley Campos), is determined to keep him on the straight and narrow with a visit to the electric chair.
 
Evalyn Baron portrays Bea Blaine, a proprietor who will do anything to protect herself from thieves. Ezra Colón and Ben Mackel play Train and Blake Redding, brothers who own a garage serving the "sinful" drink, beer.
 
Poor Mrs. Dorothea Clark (Kristen Gehling) has broken her ankle so she must live in her office at the church. She is quite all right with this arrangement because it puts her in an excellent position to meet Jesus. And she does.

Young Cheryl Daniels (Kelli Winn) is looking for a way, any way, to get out of this one-light town, and Preacher Crenshaw, played by Michael Poisson, is too busy keeping sin out of everyone else's lives to think much about his own.
 
Let sleeping dogs lie has taken on a whole new meaning in this town where Trouble the dog predicts the weather - literally and figuratively.
 
When a stranger (Dan Folino) comes to town and the dog goes inside to sleep, will the town weather the troublesome storm that's brewing?
 
Jasper McGruder is making his Barter Theatre directorial debut with this show. McGruder has directed the Off-Broadway productions "Enough is Enough" and "Monk 'n' Bud." McGruder is also playing Noah "Horse" T. Simmons in "The Full Monty."
 
"It is in this community, two young boys are attempting to understand their spirituality and reconcile the changes they will have to make in their lives to be able to enter the gates of Heaven.  It is against this spiritual backdrop that this story unfolds," McGruder said.
 
"'Where Trouble Sleeps" gives us a look into the spiritual and moral fiber of this community. Think back when you were young and introduced to the concept of good and bad. As a youth there seemed to be a clear delineation all acts were one or the other; good stood a long way from bad. As an adult sometimes that gulf is not as distant," McGruder added.
 
A story about faith and temptation, this play will uncover the truths of small town life and remind us that young or old, our faith is challenged every day.
 
Don't miss the world premiere of "Where Trouble Sleeps" sponsored by the Bristol Herald Courier, Universal Fiber Systems and WABN AM & FM. Barter Theatre is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. '
 
For tickets and more information, call Barter Theatre's Box Office at 276.628.3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com. Also connect with Barter Theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

WHAT: "Where Trouble Sleeps" by Clyde Edgerton, adapted by Catherine Bush
WHEN: October 9 - November 13
WHERE: Barter Stage II
TICKETS: $28, $31, $34, call 276.628.3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com

--