Barter Theatre [1], 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.

Learn more about the Stanley Brothers [2]

Be sure to visit the Ralph Stanley Museum [3] in Clintwood, VA