New to SPAC this summer: Wine, cheese and waiters in the balcony

PHOTOGRAPHER: Tatiana Zarnowski

Balcony patrons at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer can get Italian sparkling wine and artisan cheese delivered to their seats during classical performances.

The new bar and waitservice is part of a number of food-related changes at SPAC this summer.

People will be able to order a glass or a split, a half-bottle of wine, at the bar and then have it and the complimentary cheese delivered to their seat, said director of development Shane Williams-Ness.

Italian sparkling wine Prosecco will be served.

SPAC officials want to make the balcony popular again, said president and executive director Marcia White.

“There was a time in SPAC’s earlier days when the balcony was the most coveted spot in the amphitheater,” White said, adding that people met friends there after going to Saratoga Race Course for the day.

The traditional pre-show buffet at the Hall of Springs will be replaced with a prix fixe menu with a choice of five entrees. The gourmet offerings will feature a special theme depending on that night’s show, Williams-Ness said.

For example, the meals might have a German, American or French theme based on the kind of music played.

Scotia’s Angelo Mazzone and Mansion Catering prepares the food at the Hall of Springs.

The salad bar will remain, Williams-Ness said: “We’ve asked that they really try to use more local farms.”

Prices will be $24.95 per person for matinees and $28.95 in the evenings.

Also, concert promoter Live Nation will improve SPAC’s concession area, including installing new canvas roofs, more storage for food vendors and new stations to cash out to speed up lines.

The changes were announced Thursday at the organization’s quarterly board meeting at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center.

“We want people to think about coming to SPAC at six o’clock,” said William Dake, chairman of the arts center board. An early arrival allows people to take part in the Hall of Springs dinners and get food and drinks before the performance.

In other SPAC news discussed Thursday, the arts center’s Junior Committee, a group of young professionals between 21 and 40 that raises money for SPAC, will host the outdoor Ballet Gala Lawn Party on July 9, which this year along with the indoor gala has a “Great Gatsby” theme.

The committee was formed last year and has grown to 34 members, said Evie Chabot, marketing associate at SPAC.

“I think people in this area are really looking for something to get involved in,” Chabot said.

Social media initiatives attracted many of the young members.

Also for the electronic media-inclined, SPAC this year will introduce a calendar application for iPhones that people can download from the calendar page at www.spac.org. It allows people to view the calendar more easily on the smaller screen and also has an easy link to buy tickets, Williams-Ness said.