No Barking at Barksdale?

BY KATHERINE CALOS - Staff Writer
Published: July 22, 2008

One of the oldest theater experiences in Richmond is also one of the newest. Depending on how you count, the Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern is either 55 years old or 2½.

Barksdale pioneered the concept of dinner theater in 1953 when six young actors bought a historic 1791 tavern building across from the Hanover Courthouse. The troupe renovated it so members could live upstairs and put on plays in the basement. Since dinner choices nearby were limited-to-nonexistent, they offered meals before the show.

Two of the original six, Muriel McAuley and David “Pete” Kilgore, stuck with it for 40 years and created a Richmond tradition.  Hard Times

Like most traditions, it went through some hard times. After they stepped down, Hanover Tavern had to close for renovation. Barksdale created a successful new stage at Willow Lawn Shopping Center, and many wondered whether the tavern would return.

It took 10 years, but on Jan. 27, 2006, Barksdale productions returned to the tavern, newly accessible and sturdier than ever after a $3.1 million renovation. Barksdale performances also continue at Willow Lawn.

To Bruce Miller, artistic director of Barksdale and Theatre IV, “the building itself was so near and dear to the hearts of Pete Kilgore and Muriel McAuley that when the opportunity came up to return, there was no question on our part that we owed it to their legacy to make sure that we once again brought theater to the historic tavern.”

Joe Inscoe, co-star of this year’s “Greater Tuna,” describes the new setting as “wonderful and bittersweet.

“I had done seven plays here in the original incarnation as a theater, which was a theater like no other because it had a family (the Kilgores) living here,” he said. “It was a home.” The family dog was trained not to bark between 8 and 10 p.m. when a show was going on. After the show, actors would gather upstairs in the living room to celebrate or commiserate.

“My goodness, the renovations are stunning,” Inscoe added. “In the end, it’s a real joy to be back at Barksdale.”

Dining Options

Just as in the original days, theater-goers at Hanover Tavern often begin with a meal. These days, that meal is prepared by Michelle’s Restaurant, and it’s not just for Barksdale patrons.

If you want tavern atmosphere, you can order a burger and a beer when the pub room is open downstairs at Michelle’s. If you prefer something like warmed brie with toasted pecans and raspberry maple syrup, hushpuppy breaded catfish with horseradish aioli and red onion relish, or grilled filet mignon with bourbon-blue cheese brown butter, you may feel more in tune with a meal at one of Michelle’s upstairs rooms.

I opted for brunch on The Veranda before a Sunday matinee and ordered stuffed French toast with mascarpone cheese and cherries, served with applewood smoked bacon. 

A Day Out

Sitting at the next table were season-ticket holders from Lancaster County.

“It’s a nice day out,” said Joyce Bernard, there with friends Gloria Wallace and Susanna Collins.

“My husband and I came here 15 years ago and saw ‘Pump Boys & Dinettes’,” Bernard said. “It seems pretty much the same, except the restaurant is new. That really looked ancient at the time. It looks like it’s been improved a lot. We’re very happy to know they still have meals here.”

Downstairs in the theater lobby, Martha Jones, who’s an English teacher at Orchard House School and a Richmond Shakespeare board member, said she’d come to see Inscoe in action while playing 10 parts in “Greater Tuna.” David Clark played the other 10 characters in the comedy of small-town life.

“The characters, the costume changes, you forget about it’s only two guys,” she said. “Their chemistry is impressive.”

Inscoe was glad to see the charm of the old Barksdale retained in the renovation. It’s a different vibe than the Willow Lawn stage.

Willow Lawn is the place where Barksdale pushes the envelope with its choice of plays. Hanover Tavern is the place for proven theater standards attractive to occasional tour group bookings.

“At Willow Lawn, the theater itself is more state-of-the-art. It has dressing rooms made as dressing rooms,” Inscoe said. “Here, we’re in a little bedroom on the third floor.”

Those twists are some of the things that make Hanover Tavern distinctive. Whether you call it old or new, it’s definitely a destination.

IF YOU’RE GOING TO BARKSDALE:

Theater: The 2008 schedule for Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern offers “Shirley Valentine” through Aug. 24; “Driving Miss Daisy,” Sept. 11-Oct. 26; and “Sanders Family Christmas,” Nov. 21, 2008-March 1, 2009. Tickets are $34-$38.

Details: Call the Barksdale Theatre box office at (804) 282-2620 or visit http://www.BarksdaleRichmond.org.