The quality of its productions reminds Lyceum Theatre patrons of Broadway and now the social scene in Arrow Rock may do the same with the addition of The Vine Wine Bar and Garden in the Old Schoolhouse.

"We brought a little bit of New York to Arrow Rock," said co-owner Steve Bertani.

Bertani, the Lyceum's Managing Director, and his wife, actor Leslie Lorusso, got the idea for the business, which opened early in May, when they hosted a party in Arrow Rock last summer.

From left, Leslie Lorusso and Steve Bertani, co-owners of The Vine Wine Bar and Garden. The couple remodeled the former cafe in the Old Schoolhouse in Arrow Rock, creating a relaxing, cozy atmosphere that is designed with Lyceum Theatre patrons in mind. The establishment offers food and a wide range of wines and beers. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

"We turned our entire house into a martini bar," Bertani said.

The party was such a hit that Bertani and Lorusso looked at each other as the idea struck them both.

"It had to be done," Lorusso said.

The two were able to get the former cafe remodeled in just seven weeks and offer the kind of fare theater-goers in New York typically enjoy after seeing shows.

"It completes the experience," Bertani said.

There are wines of all kinds and from various places around the world, ranging from very affordable to fairly expensive, and the couple have plans for offering even more variety in the future.

Several Lyceum actors from the East gathered after the first rehearsal for "Into the Woods" Monday, May 21, seemed to appreciate the new establishment, finding it a touch of the familiar in a strange land.

April Woodall, from Philadelphia, said she was struck by the solitude during her first moments in little Arrow Rock.

"When I walked through there were no people out," she said. "I met some dogs and cats."

In the city, she said, there are sometimes as many people walking along a single block as live in the entire village of Arrow Rock.

But the peacefulness is a welcome change, she said.

And Marie Casamento, who like Woodall is performing in "Into the Woods," said she and her husband actually prefer the quiet of the country even though their jobs require them to live near New York City.

"I can't wait for my husband to visit," Casamento said. "I told him I can hear frogs. He's jealous."

Bertani and Lorusso are hoping other members of casts and production crews will enjoy hanging out at The Vine this summer, and they think the place will create opportunities for audience members to mingle with the people who bring to life the stories and songs that grace the Lyceum stage, as happens routinely in New York.

"This will give audiences a chance to meet the cast and talk about the show," Larusso said.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net