43 Reasons to See 'Psyche' at the Barnyard Theatre

"Psyche," directed by Steven Schmidt, is a darkly humorous retelling of the Eros and Psyche story from Greek mythology. Peter (Anthony Pinto) is a poet locked in an attic coaxing poetry from his muse, the immortal Psyche (Madeline Stone). His mother (Alison Whismore), an aging movie star, is trying to restart her career with the help of her new lover (Jason Oler) and a dedicated assistant (Camille Beaumont).

You can catch the show July 20-22, July 26-28 and August 2-4. All performances will begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general, $10 students and seniors, and with Thursday and Sunday performances A set of "pay what you can" tickets will be available for each performance; starting July 1^st you can purchase tickets at this website;  to reserve tickets, call (530) 574-1318. The barn is located at 35125 County Road 31. 

Here are 43 reasons to check it out, courtesy of Maddy Ryen and the Barnyard Theatre Facebook page. 

1. There are goats.
2. The writing is breathtakingly beautiful.
3. Maddie Stone is just about the most wonderful person you’ll ever see on or off a stage.
4. You get to see Anthony Pinto be angsty and flirty and angry. There might even be maniacal grinning if you’re lucky.
5. There is an awesome attic built out of barn wood.
6. The sky is so clear out there, you’ll be able to stargaze during intermission.
7. I hear there’s a secret handshake that people get to learn.
8. Jason Oler hits on people in a British accent. It’s fun.
9. Alison Whismore is a talented actress making her Barnyard debut!
10. We’ll be selling all the soda and water and brownies and yummy things your heart could desire.
11. It’s been three years since the curly-haired guy directed a main stage show at the barn, and it’s nice to have him back as a director.
12. There are hidden messages of love written on the set by the world’s most dedicated construction crew.
13. I can’t stress this enough – the show might be interrupted by pigeon sex.
14. It’s a chance to see a piece that we had a reading of last summer come to life in a full production.
15. You’ll walk out knowing more about Greek mythology than you did before.
16. Just wait for the “motherfucker” line. It’s my favorite.
17. Color scrollers!
18. The final lighting effect is going to knock your socks off.
19. You’d be crazy to pass up a chance to see Cami Beaumont on stage, let’s be honest.
20. You will be roaring with laughter amidst the drama.
21. Nothing more beautiful than a sunset at the barn.
22. Less exciting to the audience members, perhaps, but we built an actual dressing room.
23. Gena Whitman has designed a fancier set than should realistically be possible in a barn.
24. Super cool projections from the ever-amazing Ian Wallace.
25. Playwright Meghan Brown worked with us to develop the current draft of the script, and I hear she’ll be in the audience opening night.
26. Alix Miller is making her Barnyard costuming debut!
27. Everyone I’ve talked to responds strongly to a different theme in the play. It’s one that’s going to be fun to talk about with your friends.
28. If you donated to our Kickstarter project, you’re getting all sorts of fun rewards tied to the opening of the show.
29. There’s a really sexy video part way through the show. Highly enjoyable.
30. It’s an original work – you’ll be seeing something for the very first time.
31. We have a triumvirate of talented lighting designers working on the show, and the best damn master electrician we know making it all happen!
32. Look at who’s RSVPed to say they’re coming. All the cool kids are going to be there.
33. Going to see “Psyche” will inspire you to check out Barnyard’s other offerings this summer: the fast-paced, funny, and flirty “Or,” the workshop of our own Brian Oglesby’s new play “Dammed,” and lots of work by company members at the Nights of New Plays Festival.
34. Josh van Eyken plays a Greek god, do you need to know more?
35. We have copious amounts of blankets and bug spray to be put to use.
36. You won’t be able to believe that underneath all this theatrical equipment is a working barn.
37. There's lots of sexy romance. Not just between the characters on stage, but also between the pigeons in the rafters.
38. At long last, you’ll be able to purchase new Barnyard Theatre merchandise.
39. The chances of dead rodents falling on your head are slim to none.
40. You know you’ve been checking out the awesome photos and videos of rehearsals and tech work – you’ve got to come see the finished product.
41. Maddie Stone makes seagull noises.
42. It’s “a classic tale of love, betrayal, and blindingly good sex.” With a tag line like that, you’re not going to come?
43. If you get tired, you can close your eyes and just listen to the beautiful sound design (and the sound of the goats shuffling in their pen).

Will you be attending the Barnyard Theatre this summer? 

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