Authorities shut down a San Benito Stage Co. musical at Leal
Vineyards on Friday, the eve of the production’s last show, because
they contended the venue did not have proper permits for food and
fire regulations, the musical’s producer confirmed.
”
She Loves Me,
”
however, will move to the Granada Theatre tonight for the final
performance, and The Vault has agreed to host those attending for
dinner beforehand.
HOLLISTER
Authorities shut down a San Benito Stage Co. musical at Leal Vineyards on Friday, the eve of the dinner-theater production’s last show, because they contended the venue did not have proper permits for food and fire regulations, the musical’s producer confirmed.
“She Loves Me,” however, will move to the Granada Theatre tonight for the final performance, and The Vault has agreed to host those attending for dinner beforehand. Doors will open at 6 p.m. as usual, with the show starting at 7:15 p.m. nearby at the theater. Tonight’s performance is sold to capacity with 120 tickets purchased, while there were 65 tickets sold for Friday’s show.
Show producer Sean McEachin credited the cast and crew for their hard work in setting up the Granada and securing the dinner partnership with little time.
“Our big thing is, the show must go on,” the producer said.
Stage company members wanted the show to go on Friday, too, but the vineyards canceled the performance after food and fire inspectors arrived and disallowed dinner service, McEachin said. Authorities also were requiring an inspector to announce fire exits for the show to proceed, he said.
Vineyards owner Frank Leal criticized inspectors who called him Friday and first arrived at 2:30 p.m. – before coming back about 15 minutes before doors opened at 6 p.m. for Friday’s scheduled performance.
He said fire Capt. James Dellamonica in particular had been through his winery “20 times” and contended authorities had known about his venue’s set-up long before shutting down the show.
Leal said he could not recall exactly what authorities deemed in violation, but noted how they found the stage too big and a lacking fire exit behind it.
He said he had not been issued any fines, but expected he will eventually get penalized.
“They show up hours before an event and shut you down knowing very well I’ve been here for 10 years having weddings and events, and the stage company’s been here,” he said. “It’s typical of this county. They ran out builders, developers, the casino, the race track and senior housing.”
An employee with the county fire department said an official who can speak on the matter will be in Monday and he declined to comment further.
