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| The cast of Godspell. |
July 28, 2008
From Bob Curtis, Producer
As you may have read, the Souza Scholarship for the Performing Arts is presenting “Godspell” in four performances at the Palaia Vineyard in Highland Mills, from Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3. But “Godspell,” at the winery? Just how did this particular “miracle” occur?
Well, it wasn’t a miracle, really. But sometimes, things just seem to come together, even when you least expect it. Some might call it serendipity, or coincidence, or kismet, or maybe even divine intervention. But no -- you see, Maureen Burt, M-W middle school teacher, director of Middle School plays, and Souza Committee member, wanted a last chance to do a summer show with a group of talented youngsters. Many of them had just graduated from M-W, and would be going off to college in September.
As Souza Chairman Bob Curtis recalls, “Maureen came up with the idea of doing the show outdoors at a winery. So she floated the idea, first by me, and then by the people at the winery – Jan and Joe Palaggi, who coincidentally turned out to be theater people.” The group got together at the vineyard and sealed the deal over a bottle of Palaia wine. In fact, the Souza group now hopes to adopt the winery site as its "summer home," especially if Godspell is a success, and do appropriate Souza shows there every summer, perhaps continuing next year with "Into the Woods."
As Burt reflects on meeting vineyard owner, Jan Palaggi, “My connection with Jan was instantaneous. We immediately started talking theater, and found we loved the same shows, and had multiple people in common.” In speaking of the vineyard venue, Burt comments, “The winery itself is perfect for the show. I love the outdoor setting and how natural everything is. To me it makes the perfect backdrop considering the significance of wine in the Bible.”
Palaia Vineyards -- "Pa-Lie-Ahh" – is named for the winemaker's grandfather, Angelo Palaia (his last name was changed to Palaggi by immigration officers at Ellis Island), who emigrated from Italy and passed his winemaking skills on to his son and grandson. The Palaggi’s have taken the basics he passed down, and with modern winemaking techniques, have been able to make some truly outstanding and award-winning wines. They believe that at their winery property, formerly a dairy farm called Sweet Clover Farm, they are celebrating and preserving in one place the history of their family, country, town and homestead.
The former farm, in existence for over 200 years, is now home to over 10 acres of vineyards with more planned for the future. Also, the 200-year old barn has been restored and is now a beautiful, modern winery on the lower level, with storage and a tasting room above preserving the look and feel of the historical building.
Jan Pilaggi notes, “We have live music at the vineyard all year round on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and now hope to do at least one play or musical a year, or both, now that we have a covered stage and lawn.”
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