"New T.M. Sell play lives up to 'grape expectations'"

by Aya Takechi

Special to the Times/News

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  If that is so, then a comic spoof must be flattery in its most humorous form.

The fine folks at Breeders Theater and the E.B. Foote Winery seem to know this well, and have paid a most humorous AND sincere compliment to Charles Dickens in their latest offering, Grape Expectations.

 I think you all remember Dickens' tale of poverty, suffering, hope of redemption and love.

Wait, doesn't that describe just about ALL of his novels?

It does indeed, and Grape Expectations has it all.  Here we find our hero, the young man Slop (Eric Hartley), a desperately poor fellow who is sold by his mother (Linda Mathews) to a poorhouse run by a businessman of questionable repute (Doug Knoop).

Forced into indentured slavery, Slop is made to work in a local winery.

Despite this tragic turn of events, Slop is determined to make good in the world by working his way to success in the wine business.  During his travels toward financial freedom, Slop finds romance with both a poverty-stricken, but hard-working, resident of the poorhouse and a wealthy and spoiled daughter of his employers at the winery (both played by Julie Haakenson).

But, it doesn't stop there.  Slop also encounters crime, social injustice, treachery and a healthy dose of twentieth century pop culture.  Throw in some snappy tunes, lively choreography - some local, Puget Sound regional humor - and you've danced (and drunk) your way through Grape Expectations.

Breeders Theater has once again assembled a fine cast of actors to pull off this light hearted look at an immortal classic.

Eric Hartley brings boundless energy and impeccable comic timing as he carries the show through its silly journey of pain, love and wine.

Martin Mackenzie offers fine support in multiple roles as a Howard Stern-like schoolmaster, a Cratchitt-like father figure and an absent-minded jurist.

Thumbs up also go to Carlos Calvo, who shines in several supporting roles.

Hats off to Breeders Theater founder and playwright T.M. Sell for a witty and loving send up of jolly old England.  "Bottoms up" to the folks at E.B. Foote Winery for providing their delicious wares for the evening's wine taasting.

Remember, all Breeders Theater shows include hors d'oeuvres and tasting of E.B. Foote wines.  As the audience arrives, they are treated to a 2002 Syrah and their 2002 Zinfandel.  At intermission, both the 2000 and 2001 Merlots are brought out, and after the shows conclusion, a Rainy Day Red and a 2000 Cabernet are available for sampling.

Grape Expectations runs through Feb. 1 at the E.B. Foote Winery, located at 127-B SW 153rd St. in Burien.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the winery and at Corky Cellars in Des Moines.

Call (206) 242-3852 for ticket information or log onto www.breederstheater.com