Passion & Opera combine at Vintage Hotels, Ontario

Swept away by operatic passion, star-crossed lovers meet at an Alpine spa in “Tristan,” the new Canadian musical at Ontario’s Shaw Theater Festival in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Wagner’s opera “Tristan und Isolde” plays a key role in this homegrown production. Based on a novella by Thomas Mann, the musical by Paul Sortelly and Jay Turvey humanizes gifts that lovers share while at a German mountain spa. Unexpected pleasures result. Matching the romantic spirit, Vintage Hotels offers a Theatre Getaway package, which includes two tickets to any Shaw theatre performance, and one night accommodation at any of the Vintage Hotels, including Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pillar & Post, and Queen’s Landing.  

Tour the town by horse-drawn carriage, bike, or London taxi. Queen Street shops and pubs neighbor Victorian gardens and homes. Along the Niagara River, enjoy wine tastings at premier vineyards like Inniskillen, or visit a Chinese ginseng farm. Spectacular views of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side of the border thrill honeymooners and adventurers on the Whirlpool Jet Boat tour. Or head to the spa where you can sample such signature treatments as the Vinotherapy Wellness Wrap, which features wine extracts, skin, and juice from local vineyards.

For the show calendar call (800) 555-7429 or visit www.shawfest.com; Vintage Hotels, (800) 669-5566, www.vintage-hotels.com.

—Bernard Burt

September/October 2007