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Audience members enjoy seven wines, cheeses, nuts and chocolate during a stage show winery tour. Sustainable arts. Educational and fun.

MER-ZIN = wine & theater

"MER-ZIN" is an interactive stage show comedy that takes the audience on a Wine Tasting and Tour.  Different groups of audience members will be part of the different scenes.  As they get their pours at the “Caves,” the “Cellar,” the “Scenic Overlook” or the “Crush Pad”...  the audience tastes that same delicious wine from the glass in front of them.  Perhaps a complex Bordeaux blend with Asiago cheese, then Cabernet Franc, a Malbec, and the finalé – a Tawny Port and caramelized walnuts.  The show is a natural for Napa Valley's three million annual wine-loving visitors.

The video above features the Producers, Robert Battaile and Bonnie Zimmermann demonstrating how THE SHOW works.  

For more info about the producers and previous projects, watch the video "Why Who & What" on our "Producers-Bio" movie below.

Our plan is to rent a venue and stage the show from April thru October for 60-80 people at 8:00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with some Sunday matinees.  With seven great wines, three food pairings of cheeses, nuts and chocolate, genuine wine education and tons of jokes...  MER-ZIN is an excellent entertainment value for a $60-70 ticket price.

MER-ZIN will become part of the Napa Valley experience – a “must-see” tourist attraction.

The BIG PICTURE  

We realized how much synergy could be derived from utilizing the off-season to stage our other original shows and produce indie film versions.  The revenue from MER-ZIN helps develop and partially fund these, and ticket sales help with production costs.  The rehearsal and show time is invaluable to the quality of the final product.  Funds raised over $100,000 will go towards these productions:  www.calexas.com/calexas-indie-films.pdf 

Helping incubate the arts also requires investing in commercial art ventures to help build the talent community and employ artists.  This is one such sustainable model given the numbers of wine-interested tourists and the need for evening cultural activities.  We plan to provide income to actors and production people as well as create a venue from which to launch many more projects.  

The Script, Synopsis, Business Plan and Bios are online at our website www.mer-zin.com.  Here's our Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ).

REWARDS

  • Discount priced $40.00 Advance Tickets (instead of $60.00 - $70.00) 
  • The Producers' Special edition eBook "Tootster's Amazing Adventure"  
  • Robert's cd "zymphonix" with an extra Bonus Song Track
  • "MER-ZIN" Logo wine items limited to the first run with "Producer" logos
  • 50's, 60's, Broadway Theme Parties and "Inner Burlesque" Workshops
  • Invites to Special Events, Premiers, Previews and Live Videotapings
  • Mention in the Show Program and on the website

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

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7
Backers
$356
pledged of $58,000 goal
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Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on May 25, 2012.

Funding period
Mar 26, 2012 - May 25, 2012 (60 days)

  • Pledge $1 or more

    1 backer

    Six Special Issues of Bonnie Zimmermann's "MER-ZIN Producers" Bi-Monthly eNewsletter of inspiring wine info, cheese and food pairings, Napa Valley happenings and other items you can't live without. Plus invitations to Special Events, Parties and Previews.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $5 or more

    0 backers

    Secret link to special edition of "Tootster's Amazing Adventure" eBook (written by Tootster the African Grey parrot) which includes high-res artwork files (suitable for printing) of two Robert Battaile paintings "Tootster in Space" and "Sgt. Zephyr." This children's book is educational and exciting to read aloud. "Flock U" chapter includes photos of the Flock and commentary from Bonnie, who's also an avian expert and eco-tour guide by the way. Includes Item #1 Newsletter also.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    0 backers

    Bonus song track and link to Robert B+ cd "zymphonix" with it's eclectic mix of original songs, unique arrangements and melodies. Sneak preview at www.calexas.com/robert-cd (includes Item #1 Newsletter, and Item #2 Children's eBook)

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    0 backers

    Four "MER-ZIN Napa Producer" logo wine glass covers. Made by Vino Chapeau, the food-grade plastic discs keep the aromas in and the fruit flies out. These "Producer" logo series items will be retired after the first production run (i.e. collector's item). Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. All items ready in July except cd.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    0 backers

    Four bamboo coasters with the "MER-ZIN Napa Producer" logo imprinted. These "Producer" logo series items with funny slogans will be retired after the first production run (i.e. collector's item). Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. All items ready in July except cd.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    1 backer

    One double-hinged corkscrew with the limited "MER-ZIN Napa Producer" logo. The double-hinge makes life in Napa amazingly easier. These "Producer" logo series items will be retired after the first production run (i.e. collector's item). Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. All items ready in July except cd.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $40 or more

    1 backer

    ONE "You're In the Show" ADVANCE TICKET to "MER-ZIN" wine-tasting show in Napa. (reg. price $60-70) Ham it up and join us on stage during one scene. Planned to run on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights during the visitors season. Limited to 25 per show. When dates are scheduled, you will book your tickets online. The ticketing agency fees will be paid when you book the seat. (not good for Grand Opening evening) Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. You must be 21 or older to attend the show.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $80 or more

    1 backer

    TWO "You're In the Show" ADVANCE TICKETS to "MER-ZIN" wine-tasting show in Napa. (reg. price $60-70) Ham it up and join us on stage during one scene. Planned to run on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights during the visitors season. Limited to 25 per show. When dates are scheduled, you will book your tickets online. The ticketing agency fees will be paid when you book the seat. (not good for Grand Opening evening) Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. You must be 21 or older to attend the show.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $120 or more

    0 backers

    THREE "You're In the Show" ADVANCE TICKETS to "MER-ZIN" wine-tasting show in Napa. (reg. price $60-70) Ham it up and join us on stage during one scene. Planned to run on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights during the visitors season. Limited to 25 per show. When dates are scheduled, you will book your tickets online. The ticketing agency fees will be paid when you book the seat. (not good for Grand Opening evening) Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. You must be 21 or older to attend the show.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $120 or more

    0 backers

    ONE GRAND OPENING AND PARTY TICKET to the Gala Premier of "MER-ZIN" in Napa and an invitation to the Cast Party after the show. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. Must be 21 or over to attend.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $160 or more

    0 backers

    FOUR "You're In the Show" Advance Ticket to "MER-ZIN" wine-tasting show in Napa. (reg. price $60-70) Ham it up and join us on stage during one scene. Planned to run on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights during the visitors season. Limited to 25 per show. When dates are scheduled, you will book your tickets online. The ticketing agency fees will be paid when you book the seat. (not good for Grand Opening evening) Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. You must be 21 or older to attend the show.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $240 or more

    0 backers

    TWO GRAND OPENING AND PARTY TICKETS to the Gala Premier of "MER-ZIN" in Napa and an invitation to the Cast Party after the show. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song. Must be 21 or over to attend.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $800 or more

    0 backers

    INNER BURLESQUE DANCE WORKSHOP. Find your "Inner Burlesque" at Bonnie's "Burlesque 101 Dance Workshop." This three-hour class for women only combines classic burlesque, jazz, belly dancing, striptease and tribal. Includes four Show Tickets. For up to forty guests, we provide the room for four hours. Food and beverages are additional. To be scheduled in 2012 or 2013 at a mutually agreeable date. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    1950's THEME PARTY. Former Vegas impersonator, Robert brings Elvis, Roy Orbison and others to life with a small combo of friends. For up to forty guests, we provide the room for four hours with up to two hours of live entertainment. Food and beverages are additional. To be scheduled in 2012 or 2013 at a mutually agreeable date. Includes four Show Tickets. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    1960's THEME PARTY. Former Vegas impersonator, Robert brings Paul McCartney, the Beatles and other 60's music to life with a small combo of friends. For up to forty guests, we provide the room for four hours with up to two hours of live entertainment. Food and beverages are additional. To be scheduled in 2012 or 2013 at a mutually agreeable date. Includes four Show Tickets. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    BROADWAY-CABARET THEME PARTY. Bonnie and Robert are joined by a few other singers to perform classic show tunes. For up to forty guests, we provide the room for four hours with up to two hours of live entertainment. Food and beverages are additional. To be scheduled in 2012 or 2013 at a mutually agreeable date. Includes four Show Tickets. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $2,800 or more

    0 backers

    PRIVATE PERFORMANCE of "MER-ZIN" along with use of the room and audio-visual gear for daytime meeting. Great corporate event. Your staff and clients are part of the show! For up to eighty guests. Food, beverages and catering staff costs are additional. To be scheduled in 2012 or 2013 at a mutually agreeable date. Also receive Item #1 Newsletter, plus Item #2 special eBook and Item #3 link to cd with bonus song.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012