Barter Players Present I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas at HMT   Clifton Forge, VA (Nov. 30, 2025) - On Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm at The Historic Masonic Theatre, Barter Player will thrill people of all ages with I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. This heartwarming holiday family adventure, a live theatrical production, is free to the public. It’s Christmas time at the Cincinnati Zoo, and everyone eagerly anticipates the birth of Bella, the zoo’s first baby hippo. Seven-year-old Lois Jean, the zookeeper’s daughter, is especially excited—she’s counting on Bella to reunite her family in time for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens, and only one person can prevent tragedy. Will Santa arrive in time to save Bella—and Christmas?
A heartwarming musical adventure for the whole family. As a special treat, Clifton Forge Public Library will be giving the first one hundred families a copy of the I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas book! The Barter Players company has been creating Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) programming for over thirty years, performing both on tour and at their artistic home at Barter Theatre, one of the longest-running repertory theaters in the country. Comprised of young professional artists from across the country, The Barter Players company is passionate about utilizing theater as a tool for education and social impact, creating performances and experiences that speak to the imaginations of young people through exceptional performances, incredible storytelling, and timeless themes. For more information about The Historic Masonic Theatre holiday events, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or call the Theatre box office at 540 862 5655.

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