December 22, 2020
Curtain Up: New Theatrical Libations and Experiences Worthy of a Standing Ovation
Ryan Leeds READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Drinks and theater are often a package deal. Either pre-show dining or post-show cocktails can enhance the entire evening with stimulating conversation, hearty laughs, and/or possible romance. Coronavirus has halted that tradition for the time being.
But the show continues for several entrepreneurs who have found creative ways to blend their love of live entertainment with their affection for quality libations while at the same time helping industries in need.
EDGE Media Network spotlights these three companies with offerings that are ideal for last-minute holiday gifts–or as a reward to yourself for surviving 2020.
Holly Anne Devlin curates Santa's naughty list this year, and she wants to add your name to it with the immersive "Speakeasy on Demand." Join Madam Lulu (Lauren Irving) and her lovely ladies as they invite you into their world of song, sass and sizzle. Along the way, you'll meet dashing male dancers, acrobats and even an impressive chihuahua with fancy skills.
Throughout the 90-minute spectacle, viewers are encouraged to mix five different cocktails under the direction of Jayre Wuo, a sexy bartender with a voice like Barry White. The ticket includes an at-home mixology kit filled with mixers, garnish, and Absolut vodka. (Old Forester bourbon will be included in the new year).
Pernod-Ricard sponsors this theatrical event that Devlin said, "is of interest even to those who ordinarily wouldn't go to the theater. It's perfect for an evening in because you get everything delivered to you. It's all set up, and you don't think about anything. You can just relax and enjoy yourself. It's our goal for people to have a really good time and take their minds off of everything that's going on right now."
Tickets are available through mid-2021, making it a unique idea for both the holiday season and Valentine's Day.
Wine enthusiast and Broadway producer Arvind Ethan David was unhappy with the quality of wine being served in Broadway theaters. With the help of co-producer Nathan Marcus Brown, the duo took matters into their own hands. They started talking to concession companies and winemakers to see if they could launch a branded wine of quality for their show "Jagged Little Pill." The result? An Oregon-based red dubbed "Jagged Little Pinot."
After COVID-19 hit, the producers flipped the idea of putting wine in theaters and began shipping it to Broadway fans. Club members can enjoy discounted bottles and Zoom tastings with Broadway stars like Kate Rockwell ("Mean Girls"), Elizabeth Stanley ("Jagged Little Pill"), and Daniel J. Watts ("Tina: The Tina Turner Musical"). David promises new releases every quarter from renowned winemakers like Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman.
"As an immigrant and person of color, I've been conscious in the wine business as well as entertainment to find individuals who are diverse and interesting," David said. When public gatherings are safe again, David and Brown plan to bring the wine to more theaters and host live tasting events. "My joy is creating an experience," David said. "A lot of the most meaningful interactions we've had have been over food and drink."
The Happy Hour Guys: Curtain Up Beer
Since 2016, Broadway actors Mark Aldrich and Jimmy Ludwig (aka "The Happy Hour Guys") have been combining three great passions: charity, beer and theater. They paired the casts of hit Broadway shows with craft breweries to produce limited-edition beers, with a portion of proceeds benefitting different charities. The sixth beer in the series was about to launch when COVID shuddered their industry.
The pair quickly pivoted, partnering with Gun Hill Brewing Company in the Bronx to create Curtain Up, a hazy IPA recipe that was then distributed to dozens of local brewers around the country. A portion of the proceeds will support the Actors Fund and other local arts organizations.
"This dire situation has hit us too close to home – we knew we had to do something," said Aldrich. "Our mission with Curtain Up was to create a palpable relief funding for our fellow arts workers. We're thrilled The Actors Fund and Gun Hill Brewing Co. have jumped on board as well as our brew partners across the U.S."
Four new brews are slated within the next month, and they have commitments from brewers through spring 2021. The beer can be shipped to 31 states through Half Time Beverage.
