Le Petit Theatre Presents WINE LOVERS - THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL Through 6/13

WINE LOVERS, the wine-tasting musical, returns to New Orleans for a limited run at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré's Muriel's Cabaret Theatre through Sunday, June 13 with a performance on Friday, June 11 to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Over the course of the play, audience members enjoy a tasting of six delightful wines along with the cast.

"No one knows music, wine or food like New Orleans. The way in which this community is able to share a meal, hoist a glass, and channel soul through song is incredible. WINE LOVERS is the perfect hybrid of these passions, and is sure to bring New Orleanians together for a wonderful evening out, doing what they do best - celebrate!" says Wine Lovers Director and 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. Presented by Holly-Anne Ruggiero (Broadway: Jersey Boys, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays) who also directs the show , and New Orleans-based Solomon Group. WINE LOVERS is choreographed by Holly Cruz (Broadway: Seussical, CATS), stars Jamie Wax, P.J. McKinnie and Jennifer Schemke and features wines from Muriel's Jackson Square's own vineyard.

The first week of performances of WINE LOVERS are held in partnership with Muriel's Jackson Square and the NEW ORLEANS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE, which runs from May 25th - May 29th. For more information on the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience, go to www.nowfe.com.

Muriel's Cabaret Theatre is located in Le Petit Theatre at 616 St. Peter Street New Orleans, LA 70116; 504.522.2087. To learn more and to purchase tickets, go to www.lepetittheatre.com or www.wineloversthemusical.com. Tickets are $59 which includes the 6 tastings of wines.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

WINE LOVERS will play the following scheduling:

Wednesday, May 26th at 5pm - Special NOWFE Full Registrants Performance

Thursday, May 27th at 9pm - OPENING NIGHT/NOWFE Patrons - Discount price of $50 for NOWFE package registrants.

Friday, May 28th at 8:30pm

Saturday, May 29th at 12:30pm -Special NOWFE Performance

Saturday, May 29th at 5pm - Special NOWFE Performance

Sunday, May 30th at 1pm - Special NOWFE Performance

Thursday June 3rd at 8:30pm

Friday, June 4th at 8:30pm

Saturday, June 5th at 8:30pm

Sunday, June 6th at 5:00pm

Thursday, June 10th at 8:30pm

Friday, June 11th - 8:30pm -Benefit Performance for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Saturday, June 12th at 8:30pm

Sunday, June 13th at 5:00pm
All seats are $59, which includes six glasses of wine, and are available online at www.wineloversthemusical.com, www.lepetittheatre.com, or at the Le Petit Box Office at 616 St. Peter Street New Orleans, LA 70116. Group Sales for 10 or more patrons are also available.

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, approaching its 95th season, continues its long history as a cultural icon in the New Orleans theatre and performing arts community. A launching place for young talent, a stalwart for local talent and a return stage for those who have gone on to further careers, Le Petit features a full season of traditional and new musical productions. In addition, Le Petit offers concerts, a daily film series and an eclectic mix of other productions on both its Main Stage and in the smaller Muriel's Cabaret Theatre.Tickets for Le Petit's 95th season can be purchased online at www.LePetitTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 504-522-2081.