"Casting Call" opens Friday, Jan. 14th at E.B. Foote Winery in Burien. Photo by Michael Brunk.

Breeders Theater opens its 10th season with a new show, “Casting Call,” beginning Friday, Jan. 14 and running through Feb. 5 at E.B. Foote Winery in Burien.

“‘Casting Call’ takes place at a major theater festival, where they are about to launch a production of a major new play that already has been optioned to Hollywood,” said Writer and Breeders Theater Founder Dr. T.M. Sell in a statement. “With the film director scheduled to attend — in search of someone to play the lead in the film — three actors are vying for this potential role of a lifetime and might be willing to do anything to get it.”

‘Casting Call’ is directed by Doug Knoop, with music by Nancy Warren and choreography by Teresa Widner.

“Having worked with good actors for a while now, it occurred to me that if an actor put her or his mind to it, you really wouldn’t know what they were thinking,” said Sell. “So this is a play where things may not be what they seem.”

The cast includes Andrew Smith, Teresa Widner, Laura Smith, Ericka Zabelle, Eric Hartley and Stephen Scheide.

Casting Call runs Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, Feb. 2, 3, 4, 5 at 7 p.m., with doors open at 6:30 p.m.; with matinees Jan. 16, 23, 30 at 2 p.m., with doors open at 1:30 p.m.

All proceeds from the Jan. 26 show benefit performing arts scholarships at Highline College (read our previous coverage here).

Tickets are still only $20, including tasting of E.B. Foote wines.

Performances will be at E.B. Foote Winery, which is located at 127-B SW 153rd St., in Burien (map here). As this is a working winery, patrons are advised to dress warmly for performances.

Tickets are available at the winery and at CorkyCellars in Des Moines, 22511 Marine View Dr., 206-824-9462.

For more information, contact the winery at 206-242-3852, or visit Breeders Theater’s website here.

Breeders Theater will be holding a special performance of ‘Casting Call’ on Wednesday, Jan. 26th, as a fundraiser for the Highline Community College Foundation’s Breeders Theater Performing Arts Scholarship.

This special performance of this new play, written by Highline Professor Dr. T.M. Sell, will benefit the Highline Community College Foundation’s Breeders Theater Performing Arts Scholarship, an organization dedicated to raising funds that help provide quality education at Highline.

“Casting Call” centers around three actors vying for what could be the role of a lifetime. While performing a death scene in a play, one of them appears to actually die. Was it an accident, suicide or murder?

Tickets, which cost $20 each, also include tasting of four wines from the E.B. Foote Winery. Bottles of E.B. Foote’s wines will also be available to purchase.

Tickets are available from the HCC Foundation and at E.B. Foote Winery and Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Dr. S. in Des Moines.

WHAT: Special performance of the new play “Casting Call”

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011; doors open at 6:30pm; show starts at 7pm.

WHERE: E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127 S.W. 153rd St., Suite B in Burien.

COST: $20 per ticket; available from the HCC Foundation and at E.B. Foote Winery and Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Dr. S. in Des Moines.

For more information:

• www.funds4highline.org
• www.breederstheater.com

Tickets are $10 each ($9 for Wine Club Members) in advance or $12 day of the event and include two hours of smooth jazz, a sample of four wines, and snacks. The doors to the winery will open at 5:30 pm and music will go from 6-8 pm.

Wayne Miller and Friends will relax you with smooth jazz music while you enjoy a sample of four wines. Wine will also be available by the glass for $5 cash, and you can purchase bottles to take home with you. This event is for adults only. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery, or on the website at www.ebfootewinery.com.

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Scholastic Journey, a local non-profit organization, will be hosting “Wine Tasting for Education,” a fundraiser to help needy kids get school supplies, on Friday, Sept. 17th at E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127 SW 153rd Street.

A selection of six wines will be poured from 7:30pm – 9 :30pm, and all proceeds will go to Scholastic Journey, a non-profit corporation founded in 2009 to provide an opportunity for children around the world to attend school. Many families are unable to provide their children with the supplies necessary to attend school; items like school uniforms, text books, backpacks, papers, pens and pencils are outside the means of many families in severely impoverished areas.

Cost for the event will be $20, and includes six tastings, hor d’oeuvres and fun raffles. Tickets can be purchased online here. Additional glasses of wine will be available for $5 each. Cash only.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Scholastic Journey’s “Wine Tasting for Education” fundraiser.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 17th from 7:30pm – 9:30pm.

WHERE: E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127 SW 153rd Street in Burien.

COST: $20 per person, includes six tastings, hor d’oeuvres and fun raffles. Tickets can be purchased online here. Additional glasses of wine will be available for $5 each. Cash only.

INFO:

E. B. Foote Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Washington State. The grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington and are trucked in  The crush, press, fermenting, bottling, labeling, and sales are done right at the winery in Burien. These award-winning wines may include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, red blends, and Sweet Sherrill, a Riesling-like wine.

Scholastic Journey aims to fill the void in education left by extreme poverty. The organization has committed to begin with five elementary schools in Bunatan, Bali, Indonesia. Bali has a population of about 3.1million people (recorded in 2005), 93% of whom adhere to Balinese Hinduism. Bali is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. Unfortunately, a series of natural disasters, political coups and terrorist attacks severely affected tourism, bringing much economic hardship to the island. The average annual income in Bunatan and surrounding areas is less than $500, not allowing most families to provide an education for their children.

Now going into its second weekend at the E.B. Foote Winery is “Withering Heights,” the latest production from Burien’s Breeders Theater. The new show is the theater company’s eighteenth production at the winery and is another humorous and entertaining story from the mind of local playwright T.M. Sell.

The lights have barely come up when poor Clarity Fugue (Adrienne Grieco) is faced with the dying gasps of her dear father (Martin Mackenzie). A series of gasps in fact. Not to worry though, he’s left a legacy behind for Miss Clarity. The down side? There are bankers involved, two of them. Kneckerbreaker (Eric Hartley) and Sponge (Doug Knoop). And the inheritance isn’t exactly what Clarity had in mind.

Those are just the opening minutes of “Withering Heights.” From here the story sends Clarity careening madly into a society scene populated by off-kilter characters, with her loyal friend Darcy (Amber Rack) at her side.

Adrienne Grieco and David Roby

Together with the hopeless Fedora (Laura Smith) the three young women will dance and spar with the dashing Dashwood (Steven Schenck), the dour Janeway (David Roby) and Eustace (Brenan Grant), who can never get a word in edgewise. Sparks will fly, but they may not land where you expect.

Did I mention the all too brief side trip to meet Clarity’s inbred cousins, Mansfield (Martin Mackenzie) and Emma (Melissa Malloy) and their serving girl Abby (Megan Krogstadt)?

Back at the helm for “Withering Heights” is veteran J Howard Boyd, who ably directs the cast through this rollicking Victorian parody with a deft touch.

Breeders Theater fans will be happy to know that the musical numbers return for this show, courtesy of the talented Nancy Warren. Besides playing the piano she’s joined onstage by J Howard Boyd, Doug Knoop and Megan Krogstadt for several a capella performances as the “Jane Austen City Limits Quartet.” The show also features dance numbers choreographed by Teresa Widner.

Of special note in “Withering Heights” is the costuming by Melissa Sell. In a period piece like this, the costuming can make or break a show and her achievements here deliver the goods without going overboard.

Eric Hartley and Doug Knoop

The cast does such a fine job that it’s really hard to pick out highlights; there really isn’t a weak performance among them. Still, I greatly enjoyed Adrienne Grieco as the spunky and persistent Clarity and new-comer David Roby who really sold me on the character Janeway.

It was also very entertaining seeing long-time Breeders Theater players Eric Hartley and Doug Knoop together as Kneckerbreaker and Sponge. I imagine they had as much fun playing the roles as I did watching.

Finally, kudos to Brenan Grant as the long-suffering Eustace. Verbally cut off and stepped on by the other characters for most of the show, he still plays the role to the hilt through his expressions and body language. When he finally got a chance to say what was on his mind, we in the audience were thoroughly ready to hear it!

A last note here about the material. Audiences sometimes have to warm up to humor but the crowd at the performance I attended was busy laughing within minutes of the show opening. I think that’s a testament to T.M. Sell’s writing in “Withering Heights.” It’s easily one of the funniest things I’ve watched in quite some time.

Brenan Grant

Oh, and can I just say that the introduction to Act II is brilliant. We’re talking a wildly hilarious bit of sketch comedy that could stand well all on its own. You won’t regret for one moment that the intermission is over, trust me on this!

“Withering Heights” runs through August 1. Show times are 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays with 2:00 PM matinées on Sunday July 25 and August 1. Additional evening shows are at 7:00 PM on July 28 and 29. Tickets are still available for all shows.

Performances are at the E.B. Foote Winery, 127B SW 153rd Street, Burien. The show includes hors d’oeuvres and several tastings of E.B. Foote’s award-winning wines, all for only $20! Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines, 206-824-9462.

The B-Town Blog has learned that longtime Burien business (and BTB Advertiser) E.B. Foote Winery has been put up for sale, with a suggested price tag of $1.25 million, by owner Sherrill Miller.

“It’s time for me to retire,” Miller said via email Monday (July 12). “The winery just isn’t the same without Rich (my husband of 35 years) as my partner.  My family, friends and Volunteer Vintners have been great about stepping up to help me do what needs to be done.”

The winery will remain open, at least for now, with “business as usual,” according to Miller.

According to a Craigslist ad posted last Friday (July 9), the winery has been producing “2,000 cases per year using Columbia Valley grapes … with the high quality level of the wines, there is plenty of potential to increase production and have distribution statewide, regionally or nationally.”

Here’s the Ad:

Winery for sale – $1250000 (Burien)
Date: 2010-07-09, 5:55PM PDT
Reply to: see below

Owner/winemaker of E. B. Foote winery is retiring and selling this urban, turn-key winery with a long history of award-winning wines.

Price of $1,250,000 includes trademarked brand name, production equipment, bulk and bottled wine inventory, and gift shop merchandise.

Production equipment includes fruit bins, open fermenters, six stainless steel jacketed tanks, crusher/destemmer, basket press, must and transfer pumps, cold-stability refrigeration system, oak barrels, barrel racks, plate and frame filter, 6-spout bottler, semi-automatic corker, semi-automatic labeler, capsuler, forklift, two pallet jacks and lab equipment.

Wine inventory includes 150 cases of white wine and 3000 cases of red wine and red blends, and 2300 gallons of bulk red wine.

Production has been 2000 cases per year using Columbia Valley grapes. With the high quality level of the wines, there is plenty of potential to increase production and have distribution statewide, regionally or nationally.

Currently occupying 8,000 square feet. Buyer would have to negotiate a new lease with the building owner.

For a list of current releases, photos, award history, etc., see the website www.ebfootewinery.com. Interested buyers can contact Sherrill at (206) 715-3114 or at winemaker@ebfootewinery.com.

Here’s a screenshot of the Ad:

Miller also adds:

With the name recognition and high quality level of the wines, the winery is primed and ready for growth in production for distribution locally, regionally or even nationally. But I don’t have the passion or heart to expand on my own.  It would be nice if a buyer wanted to keep the winery in Burien, but obviously I have no control over that.  It could take some time before a buyer comes forward, so it’s business as usual for me.  As long as the winery is mine and the wines have my name on them as winemaker, the wines will continue to be the high quality that customers expect from an E. B. Foote wine.

As a longtime B-Town Blog Advertiser, we cherish E.B. Foote’s support during our run, and hope that Sherrill finds a suitable new owner to continue their fine, local winemaking tradition.

The show is directed by J. Howard Boyd, with music by Nancy Warren, choreography by Teresa Widner and costumes by Melissa Sell. The cast includes Adrienne Grieco, Amber Rack, Martin J. Mackenzie, Eric Hartley, Doug Knoop, Brenan Grant, David Roby, Steve Schenk, Melissa Malloy, and Megan Krogstadt.

“Withering Heights” opens on Friday, July 16 and runs through August 1. Show times are 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays with 2:00 PM matinées on Sunday July 25 and August 1. Additional evening shows are at 7:00 PM on July 21, 28 and 29.

Performances will be at the E.B. Foote Winery, 127B SW 153rd St., Burien. The show includes hors d’oeuvres and several tastings of E.B. Foote’s award-winning wines, all for only $20! Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines, 206-824-9462.

Photographer Michael Brunk attended a recent rehearsal, and between fits of laughter, shot these photos. Click the images to advance through the slideshow.

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Tickets are $20, and include tasting of E.B. Foote’s award-winning wines and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines, 206-824-9462.

“It’s a parody of Victorian romance novels, and a commentary on the financial meltdown,” says playwright T.M. Sell.  “I like Victorian romance novels, but they’re also kind of funny.  And although Jane Austen didn’t write Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte did), I liked the title.”

And, technically speaking, Jane Austen was Georgian, not Victorian.

The play tells the story of young Miss Clarity Fugue, who has an inheritance of a most difficult nature.  Will she find true love in the form of a rich husband before she hits the poorhouse?

Withering Heights will be directed by J. Howard Boyd, with music by Nancy Warren, choreography by Teresa Widner and costumes by Melissa Sell.

The cast includes Adrienne Grieco, Amber Rack, Martin J. Mackenzie, Eric Hartley, Doug Knoop, Brenan Grant, David Roby, Steve Schenk, Melissa Malloy, and Megan Krogstadt.

Show dates are 7 p.m. on:

• July 16
• July 17



• July 21
• July 23
• July 24
• July 28
• July 29
• July 30
• July 31

And 2 p.m. on:

• July 25
• Aug. 1

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for evening performances, and at 1:30 p.m. for matinees.  All shows are festival seating.

Founded in 1999, Breeders Theater remains one of South King County’s only professional theater companies.  BT is entirely self-supporting, and does not seek nor take public funds.

This will be BT’s 16th performance at E.B. Foote Winery.

E.B. Foote, founded in 1978, is one of Washington’s oldest wineries, specializing in Bordeaux-style red varietals and blends.

More information on the performance is available here.

Burien’s E.B. Foote Winery will play host to a fundraiser evening of jazz and wine tasting to benefit the Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Band from 7pm – 9pm on Friday, June 11th.

Tickets are $20 per person, and includes desserts and sampling of six award-winning E. B. Foote wines. Additional wine will be available at $5 per glass. Proceeds go towards equipment purchases and jazz festival expenses.

Seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. To reserve your seats, mail checks, $20.00/person, payable to: “Chief Sealth Performing Arts” to:

CSIHS Jazz Band
8458 Tillicum Rd. SW
Seattle WA 98136

Email: pdsampson@comcast.net for further information.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Fundraiser jazz and wine-tasting event for Chief Sealth Jazz Band

WHEN: Friday, June 11th from 7pm – 9pm

WHERE: E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127-B SW 153rd St., Burien.

INFO: From a flier:

You’re invited to a wonderful evening of jazz and wine tasting with at the E. B. Foote Winery, for a fundraising event benefiting the Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Band.

$20.00 per person, includes desserts and sampling of six award-winning E. B. Foote wines. Additional wine available at $5.00 per glass. Proceeds go towards equipment purchases and jazz festival expenses.

Friday, June 11th, 2010 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the E. B. Foote Winery 127-B SW 153rd St., Burien, WA

Seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. To reserve your seats, mail checks, $20.00 /person, payable to: “Chief Sealth Performing Arts”. Mail to: CSIHS Jazz Band, 8458 Tillicum Rd. SW, Seattle WA 98136 Email: pdsampson@comcast.net for further information.

ElderFriends is holding its second annual “Better with Age” wine tasting benefit on Saturday, May 22nd from 7pm – 9:30pm at E.B. Foote Winery in Burien.

This fundraiser will feature a silent auction, music by a local jazz trio, and food by Precise Catering.

Tickets are $35 each, and proceeds will help Elderfriends train volunteers to be paired with isolated older adults for friendly visits, as well as for programs like a popular Thanksgiving meal delivery service.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ElderFriends second annual “Better with Age” wine tasting benefit.

WHEN: Saturday, May 22nd from 7pm – 9:30pm.

WHERE: E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127-B SW 153rd Street, Burien.

INFO: From an email:

Join Elderfriends for our second annual “Better with Age” wine tasting benefit May 22 from 7-9:30pm at E.B. Foote winery in Burien. The event features a silent auction, music by a local jazz trio, and food by Precise Catering. Each $35 ticket helps Elderfriends train volunteers to be paired with isolated older adults for friendly visits and run programs like a popular Thanksgiving meal delivery service.

ElderFriends’ mission is to relieve isolation and loneliness among elders through friendly visits (sometimes known as “Adopt-A-Grandparent”) and help older adults remain independent and avoid life in isolation or nursing homes.

Elderhealth Northwest and Elderfriends have both seen their budgets shrink significantly due to the economic downturn, just as more seniors are finding themselves in need. The money raised through “Better with Age” helps Elderfriends train and match volunteers for pairings with older adults and other social services.

Featured items in the silent auction include dinner at Etta’s, brunch for four at Portage Bay Café, Northwest Film Forum passes, a night at the Mariott Waterfront, items from Fossil and JL Designs, original artwork and more.

Elderfriends is a non-profit, volunteer based program of ElderHealth Northwest that provides companionship, outreach, and advocacy to isolated older adults throughout Seattle and King County.

TICKETS/RSVP: Nate Brown: nateb@elderhealth.org or (206) 224.3764 x1142 • www.elderfriends.org.