ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, July 5, 1996 TAG: 9607050130
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: ABINGDON
The legend of Pecos Bill will be dramatized at Barter's First Light Theatre starting Monday and continuing through July 20.
Young William Goodman of Jersey City, N.J., pursues his lady love, Sweet Betsy from Pike, when her father sends her west to break them up.
His search leads him to the Pecos River where he becomes the finest cowboy around, thus earning his nickname.
Riding a famous horse known as Widow Maker, Bill also finds himself befriended by a phantom guardian angel - the Apache called Geronimo - in the guise of a coyote.
Betsy, meanwhile, has assumed a new identity as Belle Starr, who becomes a bandit to defend settlers against encroaching land-grabbers. Only when Bill is sent to bring her to justice do the would-be lovers finally cross paths.
It might not have much to do with actual history, but "Pecos Bill and the Wild West" by John Hardy brings a piece of Americana alive on the Barter stage.
Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 368-3240.
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB