Special Event Series at Syracuse Stage Kicks Off with Local Musicians, Eateries, Experts

Special events during the 2014/15 Season at Syracuse Stage will kick off with live music, tastings, lectures and talks throughout the run of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” the Tony-Award winning “ripped-roaring” comedy running Sept. 24-Oct. 12.

“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” plays at Syracuse Stage Sept. 24-Oct. 12.

Following the opening night performance on Friday, Sept. 26, the post-show party in the lobby will feature music by Castle Creek, with SAMMY award-winning vocalist Kim Monroe, and Chris Eves, who has toured with national acts including Justincase and American Idol. Complementary food from Phoebe’s Restaurant will be available for guests, and the Stage bar will stay open late.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, Happy Hour will start at 6 p.m., a free event with cider and donuts for grown-ups. Fall-themed martini tastings will be offered by World Lounge & Martini Bar, and gourmet cupcakes and donuts will be provided by Picasso’s Pastries and Café. Half-priced drinks will be available at the Stage bar from 6- 7:30 p.m.

For the Wednesday @ 1 Lecture series on Oct. 1, Chris Woodworth, an assistant professor of theater at Hobart & William Smith Colleges, will speak on “Chekhov in PA: Durang’s Riff on Nostalgia, Longing and the Importance of Place.” Wednesday Lectures take place at 1 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion, before 2 p.m. Wednesday matinees.

Three times throughout the run, pre-show discussions with actors will take place as part of Stage’s Prologue series. Prologues are moderated, 20-minute discussions that begin one hour before select performances. “Vanya” prologues will take place on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m., Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 5, following the 7 p.m. performance, an Actor Talkback will take place in the theater where audience members may interact with cast members.