Written by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and Anthony Dodge, the musical is based on the ideas of The Red Hat Society and will feature original music by Jelly's Last Jam's Susan Birkenhead, I'm Getting My Act Together's Gretchen Cryer and Dreamgirls' Henry Krieger. Additional composers will be announced shortly. In a statement, producer Mitchell Maxwell said, "We are thrilled to be creating this musical. In doing so we have come to learn of the importance of The Red Hat Society and the message of joy and goodwill that they bring to their members. The organization has clearly touched a nerve in the public's imagination. These women are a powerful, positive force in today's world. Our musical will allow their message and spirit to reach greater numbers through this theatrical production."

The Red Hat Society, according to press notes, was created in 1998 when "Sue Ellen Cooper and a group of five friends, dressed in purple clothing and red hats met for afternoon tea. The word quickly spread, and over the past eight years, The Red Hat Society has become the fastest and largest growing women’s movement in the United States." In fact, the Society has formed more than 40,000 chapters around the world.

The Barter Theatre is located at 127 West Main Street in Abingdon, VA. Tickets, priced $24-$36, are available by calling (276) 628-3991. For more information visit www.bartertheatre.com.