Rex Pickett’s wine-soaked roadtrip Sideways has been adapted for the stage. The new play will premiere this month at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica.

Adapted by Rex Pickett from his own novel, Sideways is the story of two friends – Miles and Jack – and their journey across the Santa Ynez wine country, on one last blowout trip before Jack gets married. Miles and Jack must face their uncertain futures … just as soon as they figure out how to survive their chaotic present.

Previously adapted as a major motion picture it garnered numerous nominations and awards, including an Academy Award win (best adapted screenplay). Rex is currently writing a pilot for HBO and a script for Barbara Schock called On Tour with Max.

“I hate the dispiriting nature of development – i.e. screenwriting, but the stage is a fresh vehicle for audiences to experience the original story,” said Picket. “This team at the Ruskin was so passionate about theater, so certain that ‘Sideways’ based on my novel — not the film — would lend itself to the stage, that this time the development process became truly rewarding.”

A spokesperson told us performances will feature — fitting enough! — wine tastings. Wineries on offer will include Sonoma Coast Vineyard, Dunstan Wines, Sharp Cellars, Silver Mountain, Carlton Cellars, Domaine Gerbuaut, Gioia, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Roots Wines, Leucadia Red, Waits-Mast Family Cellars, Alysian, among others.

Sideways the Play opens May 18, 2012. Amelia Mulkey directs. Jonathan Bray (Jack), John Colella (Miles), Julia McIlvaine (Maya), Cloe Kromwell (Tera), and Hamilton Matthews (Brad-The Boar Hunter) star.

Sideways the Play

World Premiere Staging

May 18, 2012 through July 22, 2012

Ruskin Group Theatre

Santa Monica

ruskingrouptheatre.com