WINE LOVERS, THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL Begins Tour In Saratoga Springs

WINE LOVERS, THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL which has enjoyed Sold Out runs in New York City and New Orleans, will kick off it's upcoming 2012 National Tour with a limited two-week run in Saratoga Springs, NY at the Universal Preservation Hall.

The Saratoga engagement, presented by Universal Preservation Hall and Andrew Meader of the Applause Factory will feature the talents of Broadway favorites Kristy Cates (Wicked), Bryan McElroy (Jersey Boys) and Jamie Wax (Treme), as wine teacher, Charles Thompson. Holly-Anne Ruggiero (Jersey Boys) directs, with Musical Direction by Gary Negbaur and Choreography by Holly Cruz (Seussical).

This incredibly unique show, in which audiences drink six glasses of wine during the 70 minute musical, has been beloved by audiences since 2007, premiering at the Triad Theatre in New York City.

"WINE LOVERS is the perfect hybrid of music, laughter and libation. I have yet to see anyone walk out of this show without a huge smile on their face, music in their heart, and wine on the brain! We are thrilled to bring this one of a kind show back to the East Coast during the 2011 Saratoga Racing Season!" says Wine Lovers Director and Lead Producer Holly-Anne Ruggiero.

WINE LOVERS tells the story of lovable painter Brian Scott and know-it-all business woman Katherine Reese, two mismatched students, attending a wine class led by an effervescent teacher, Charles Thompson, whose goal in life is to take the mystery out of wine. Over the course of 70 minutes, Brian, Katherine and the audience learn all about reds, whites, screw caps, Zinfandels...and a little bit about love.

"The original concept came out of the inherent theatricality of a wine class, and the reasons why people attend such a class," says Michael Green, the show's creator and a long-time participant and seminar panelist of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. "Wine is such an inherently romatic beverage that turning a wine tasting into a musical love story just felt natural."

Hailed as a "great evening out" by the New York Post, WINE LOVERS "has something for everyone... beginners and wine snobs alike! - You'll be drunk with love over this unique, witty show!" (DrVino.com).

WINE LOVERS features a score written by international wine expert Michael Green and jazz pianist Gary Negbaur and book by Travis Kramer with additional contributions by Green and Negbaur.

Universal Preservation Hall is located at 25 Washington Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 584-2627. To learn more and to purchase tickets, go to www.universalpreservationhall.com or www.wineloversthemusical.com. Tickets are $59, which includes the 6 tastings of wines. For Group Sales of 10 or more, please email groups@wineloversthemusical.com