Mere months after a devastating blaze destroyed the bulk of a Niagara winery, a cast and crew of a Chatham-created theatrical production will soon make the trip to help the historic business reopen.
Five Cork Productions, which will present Winesday: the Musical + Wine Tasting, announced a partnership in early March with Hernder Estate Wines, a winery with more than six decades of operation.
A few weeks later, a fire destroyed much of the property, including its main event and public spaces.
However, the Luna Lounge, a new adjacent space at the winery, was fortunately spared. Winesday is set to be the first public event held at Hernder since the fire.
“When we woke up to the news about the tragedy at Hernder, we were absolutely devastated for everyone at Hernder Estates,” said Larissa Vogler, co-founder of Five Cork Productions, in a recent release.
“We knew how much history and tradition existed in those buildings. We wanted to support the Hernder family the best we could, so we delayed our production until we knew what the future held. We wanted to be able to continue our partnership if possible, as a way to support Hernder during this difficult time. This is why we could not be more honored to be the first public event as they begin to rebuild.”
The show is also a chance to attend a performance produced by one of Canada’s only female-founded and operated theater companies.
With book and lyrics by Jenne Wason and music by Joseph Benoit, Winesday is the journey of five wine-drinking women who get together every Wednesday.
“The last two months have been overwhelming, but we aren’t giving up,” said Angel Fusarelli, manager of Hernder Estate Wines. “We want to rebuild and welcome our customers back to the winery as soon as possible. What better way to do that than with an uplifting, heartfelt and musical fun that celebrates wine?”
Winesday premiered at the Chatham Capitol Theater in 2017 with several sellouts across Southwestern Ontario, including the Olde Walkerville Theater in Windsor.
Five Cork Productions was preparing to launch additional runs across southern Ontario, including the London Fringe Festival, when the pandemic stopped live performances.
The first run of shows starts in mid-July. Tickets go on sale Tuesday at 10 am For ticket information and an exclusive presale offer, visit www.winesdaymusical.com.