Hello Girls! Maeve Smith directs musical theater, sells wine & talks World War One

Maeve Smith is the director of Sonoma Arts Live's latest musical, "The Hello Girls," which details the story of American women who answered the call to be switchboard operators for the US Army Signal Corps during World War I. They had to speak French, know how to operate specialized communications equipment and serve near the front lines - and yet when they returned, their time in the service was not recognized for six more decades.

"It has everything - it's funny, it's silly, it's sad. they play their own instruments," says Smith. Maeve and her husband Andrew met while studying theater and traveled with a cruise line as on-board entertainment. As part of their time at sea they were in charge of the emergency drills for the passengers, no doubt because what better way to head to the lifeboats than with a kick line?

When she's not directing plays (or acting in them), Smith is the general manager at Coursey Graves winery, located high above Bennet Valley between Sonoma and Santa Rosa. 

And, like all the guests on the Sonoma podcast, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions. This week she takes on:

Heading out in October. Prefer cabs… any suggestions on where to go? – via Facebook 

What are those green structures that look like pawns that line the sidewalks on the Plaza? - at the Visitor Center

Hi! We are looking into your Sonoma Wine Tasting Pass and I wanted to ask how it works:

Do we make online reservations with individual wineries after purchasing the pass, or do we walk in this Saturday when we plan to visit?

We will have a 9 year old girl with us, do we only purchase passes for the adults 21+? Will she be able to sit with us at the tastings or are there age restrictions? – via text

Where’s a good place in Sonoma to take your dog on nature walk? - via email
 

We are looking for smaller boutique wineries in the Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood area. Prefer Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals. Thanks! - via Facebook

Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

 

It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF