Featured image for post: Theatre at Barton Presents “Five Hundred Nights in the Theatre: Full Circle” March 24-27

Theatre at Barton Presents “Five Hundred Nights in the Theatre: Full Circle” March 24-27

WILSON, N.C. — March 1, 2022 — Theatre at Barton presents “Five Hundred Nights in the Theatre: Full Circle,” a musical revue celebrating the work of Mark Peterson, Director of Music at Barton College, who will be retiring at the end of spring semester. The production scheduled for March 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 27 at 3 p.m., will feature some of Peterson’s favorite selections from Broadway musicals and Theatre at Barton productions. The performances will be held in the Kennedy Family Theatre on the Barton campus.

“The theme of “Five Hundred Nights in the Theatre” references the amount of time spent in rehearsal and preparation for live theatrical productions, and is a salute to Mark Peterson’s many experiences and dedication to Theatre and a career in music education,” shared Sherry Lee Allen, director of Theatre at Barton.

“In his role as director of music at Barton, Mark has served as conductor of the Barton College/ Wilson Symphony Orchestra, director of the Barton College Choir, and as an instructor of piano,” she added. “He also has served as music director for countless musical productions at Barton College and other locations. He is a wonderful musician, I admire his sense of humor, and I am proud to share a love of music with my esteemed colleague.”

Advance reservations are required at www.barton.edu/theatre. No tickets will be sold at the door. Social distancing will be required at all performances, and face masks will be encouraged but not required. Maximum attendance for each performance will be 70 people.

Tickets for the family-friendly event will be $10 each. Barton faculty, staff, and students will be admitted free; however, donations to support Theatre Educational Workshops for Students will be welcomed.

“The selections for the revue, suggested by Mark, were chosen to convey his sentiments and fond memories, as well as respected composers and/or lyricists,” Allen noted. “We are thrilled to honor Maestro Mark Peterson at this fundraising event, creating an opportunity for students to attend workshops during the academic year and to further their experience and inspiration with Broadway performances.”

Allen will direct and choreograph the musical revue. Performers will include Barton College students, faculty, and alumni. Broadway veteran Dirk Lumbard will also participate in the celebration as a returning guest artist. Costumes and props will be designed by Dorothy Austin-Harrell, with set and lighting by technical director Michael Dornemann. The stage managers will be Jessica Simmons and Kerri Kinard.

For additional information about this event, please contact Sherry Lee Allen, director of Theatre at Barton, at slallen@barton.edu or 252-399-6492.

About Mark N. Peterson — 

Peterson was named Director of Music at Barton College in 2001. Since his appointment, he has directed more than 50 concerts with the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra and has brought dozens of extraordinary guest artists to several Wilson area venues.

A native of Massachusetts, Peterson holds degrees from Boston University and the University of New Hampshire, and served for many years on the faculties of Bradford College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. At Barton College, he also directs the college choir and has served as Music Director for numerous college musical theatre productions.

Peterson also serves as Director of Music at the Parish of St. Therese in Wilson, where he provides his congregation with a “well regulated” music program, which includes a steady diet of Bach organ music. During his time away from campus and church, Peterson enjoys practicing, composing, lawn maintenance, and studying German.

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