Based on the haunting folk ballad of "Barbara Allen". Set in the Smoky Mountains, Dark of the Moon recounts the story of John, a strange "witch boy" who upon first beholding the beautiful Barbara Allen immediately falls in love. He is given human form to woo and marry her on the condition that she remain true to him.
Written by Howard Richardson and William Berney. Richardson's initial script was first performed at the University of Iowa in 1942 under the title Barbara Allen. After rewrites by Berney, the play was performed at the Brattle Playhouse in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Premiered on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre on March 14, 1945. Premiered in London at the Lyric, Hammersmith on March 9, 1949.
