Barter Theatre Presents "Man of Constant Sorrow"

Barter Theatre and Ralph Stanley–A Legendary Combination

You’ve Heard the Music, Now Hear the Story Behind
Grammy Winner Ralph Stanley’s Music

Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, will open the true story of Virginia’s legendary brotherly duo, Carter and Ralph Stanley, on April 21. “Man of Constant Sorrow,” the story of the Stanley Brothers is an evening of constant old time, bluegrass, and gospel favorites that has come to define the Appalachian region.

Dubbed “a pretty perfect evening” by The Roanoke Times and “a masterpiece” by the Bristol Herald Courier, “Man of Constant Sorrow” will hit Barter Theatre’s Mainstage bigger and better after playing to many sold out houses at Barter Stage II last summer, as well as sold out venues throughout the region on its local tour last fall. The national tour set for summer 2006 is already quickly being booked.

The original cast returns to the stage after recently recording Barter Theatre’s Cast Album of “Man of Constant Sorrow.” The Original Cast Recording, with all the songs included in the play laced together with bits of dialogue, is on sale now exclusively at Barter Theatre’s Gift Shops, The Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance in Bristol, and Hometown Gifts and Cards in Marion.

This heritage and biographical play is the second play written by Southwest Virginian Douglas Pote. After seeing an overwhelmingly positive response by the 100,000 plus people who remembered to “Keep on the Sunny Side,” by enjoying the songs and story of the Original Carter Family, Pote decided to write about another iconic country music family: The Stanley Brothers.

The play, named after the song made famous by the Cohen Brothers’ film, “O Brother Where Art Thou?” delves into the backstage and personal life of two brothers that love to play music. From their humble beginnings on a pew in church, Ralph Stanley and his older brother Carter were determined to remain true to the music of their roots. Even with the struggles they endured to get a rock n roll world to appreciate their old-timey mountain sound, they stayed loyal to their homeland.

This funny and touching story contains some of the great original, classic, and traditional songs made famous by The Stanley Brothers. It is a celebration of their enduring music. Some of the songs featured in this piece are “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “O Death,” “Rank Stranger,” “Amazing Grace,” “How Mountain Girls Can Love,” “White Dove,” “Angel Band,” and a host of other Stanley Brothers’ songs that will have you singin’ along and flat-footing in the aisles.

“Man of Constant Sorrow” reveals the struggle of Ralph and his older brother Carter, to find an audience for their music at a time when bluegrass and mountain music were being rapidly replaced by country and rock. Folk, traditional gospel and bluegrass were the music of their home in the hills of Southwestern Virginia. Record companies and radio station managers urged the brothers to get in on the rock n’ roll craze led by Elvis Presley, but they refused to give up the music on which they were raised. They remained loyal to their family, their roots, and who they truly were.

Ralph and Carter Stanley performing on WCYB in the 1940s.

Follow the struggle of the young and brilliant Carter and the loyalty of his brother Ralph Stanley as the show examines from whence this brilliant music originated and the depths of the soul from which this unique music was born. Witness the beginning of their careers from humble beginnings on local TV and radio, to the formation of the renowned Clinch Mountain Boys bluegrass band. This show takes you on a journey through their lives and their determination to succeed against all odds.

Following the untimely death of his brother Carter, Ralph resigns himself to a life of obscurity, playing his music on the road for small audiences that barely provide a living for him and his new wife. Little does Ralph know, he would explode into national prominence (depicted during the play’s final scene) during the 2002 Grammy awards where Ralph wins the award for Best Male Country Vocal and the soundtrack of the movie, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?,” wins the award for Album of the Year. The album featured two Stanley Brothers’ songs: “O Death” and “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

“Man of Constant Sorrow” is made possible by Eastman Credit Union, Bristol Broadcasting, and WCYB. Call 276.628.3991 for tickets. Matinees are available. Purchase early for better seating. Student Night is April 27 at 7:45pm, where with a valid Student ID, tickets are only $12. Students may also receive $12 tickets fifteen minutes before any show any day. Barter Theatre: Experience…the Difference.

Learn more about the Stanley Brothers

Be sure to visit the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, VA