FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 16, 2013
Barter Theatre and Symphony of the Mountains
Team Up For “Les Misérables”
(Kingsport, TN) – The big buzz this summer has been about Barter Theatre’s
production of “Les Misérables,” arguably the best musical of all time. Now, the
already epic show will grow to larger-than-life proportions when Barter artists
join The Symphony of the Mountains on one stage for two nights only. The
Barter/Symphony collaboration will take place at the Toy F. Reid Eastman
Employee Center in Kingsport, TN, on August 16 and 17 at 7:30pm.
This is a very rare chance to hear all the gorgeous and powerful songs of “Les
Mis” backed by a full, professional orchestra.
For the collaboration, the staging will be simplified to accommodate the larger
orchestra, with just enough production elements (like props and costumes) to tell
the story clearly. Audiences who want to see the fully-staged production should
make reservations to see “Les Mis” at Barter Theatre before it closes August 11th
– and then make reservations to see the special collaboration as well, with its
added emphasis on the music.
“Doing the show with the Symphony is truly about the music,” said Richard Rose,
Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre. “This collaboration is much more
about the musical experience – both orchestra and vocals – than it is about
staging, special effects or spectacle.”
Since “Les Mis” opened at Barter Theatre in mid-May, audiences have literally
been jumping to their feet for standing ovations for the cast. Theatre critic Gary
Aday of Washington County News called it “a work of great beauty and power.”
Critic Robert McKinney of the Bristol Herald Courier wrote, “In more than two
decades of reviewing Barter plays I have never seen a musical that thrilled me
more.”
Now audiences can watch all twenty-six professional Barter actors performing
with 30 professional musicians on one stage.
The story is set in early nineteenth-century France and opens with Jean Valjean
(Pat McRoberts) serving 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to save his
sister’s starving child. When he breaks parole, prison guard Javert (Rick McVey)
vows to pursue him. Eventually Valjean turns from a life of crime to one of grace
and forgiveness.
The first collaboration between the two arts powerhouses came in 2011 when they
produced “Cabaret.” This kind of partnership just made sense to the two
organizations, allowing for a truly spectacular event. Since Barter Theatre does
not have the room to host a full orchestra, productions at main stage feature a sixpiece orchestra in the pit, led by music director Lee Harris.
Music is a core piece of “Les Mis” and moving the production to a larger venue
that can accommodate a full orchestra will take this classic show to another level.
With such a strong musical energy, the emotions the actors portray will create a
stronger, more dramatic impact on the audience.
All the songs will be included in the Barter/Symphony production including “I
Dreamed a Dream,” "On My Own," "Who Am I?" and "One Day More."
To celebrate this occasion, Barter and the Symphony are hosting two special
events: a cocktail reception following the performance Friday August 16th at the
Reid Center and a special dinner with key “Les Mis” cast members Saturday
August 17th beginning with cocktails at 4:30pm at Meadowview Convention
Center.
For tickets and more information, visit SymphonyoftheMountains.org or call
(423) 392-8423. For behind-the-scenes information and an introduction to the
cast and collaborators, visit BarterDoesLesMis.com
###
Speakers:
Richard Rose, Artistic Director
Barter Theatre
127 West Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
(276) 628-3391
Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Music Director
Symphony of the Mountains
1200 E. Center Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 392-8423
Press Contacts:
Amanda Leslie, Director of Marketing
Barter Theatre
Phone: (276) 619-3342
E-Mail: dirofmarketing@bartertheatre.com
Melissa L. Roberts, General Manager
Symphony of the Mountains
Phone: (423) 392-8426
Cell phone: (423) 383-3842
Fax: (423) 392-8428
E-Mail: melissa@SymphonyOfTheMountains.org