Media Contact: Kathleen Bundy 276-619-3343 communication@bartertheatre.com August 23, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MURDEROUS MAN AND WIFE THRILLER MAKES UNITED STATES DEBUT AT BARTER THEATRE

ABINGDON, Va.—Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” makes its first-ever theatrical appearance in the U.S. at Barter Theatre’s Barter Stage II beginning September 8. This comedy-thriller brings author Peter James’ novella of the same name to life with horror, intrigue, mystery and comedy. An international best-selling author, Peter James is known for his crime fiction works including “The Perfect Murder.” In this spine-tingling production, Victor Smiley finds himself searching for a way to get rid of his wife Joan…forever. But, things don’t always go as planned. This tale of an unhappy husband and wife explores the strange events that can be triggered with just one decision. Director Katy Brown, is excited to be at the helm of “The Perfect Murder” calling it a “roller coaster ride.” Brown said, “Joan and Victor remind us just how close we all are to choices that could change our world forever. They are only one shockingly strange decision away from their new lives.” The cast of “The Perfect Murder” includes Barter favorites Michael Poisson, Carrie Smith Lewis, Justin Tyler Lewis and Nicholas Piper. The cast will be joined by Jill Anderson, known for her previous tenure at the theatre which included “Sweeney Todd,” “The Full Monty,” and “Keep on the Sunny Side” among others. Carrie Smith Lewis said, “’The Perfect Murder’ is a blend of comedy and mystery and will keep audiences guessing until the very end. It’s such a treat to do a great modern murder mystery.” Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” is made possible by corporate sponsors Abingdon Roofing and Dr. Frances Anne Johnston, DDS. To purchase tickets, please visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-628-3991. Tickets for all performances of Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” begin at just $20.

About Barter Theatre Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the state theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Victor Smiley (Michael Poisson) gets the cold shoulder from his wife Joan in Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder.”