“Local towns spoofed in (not so grand) opera”

Aya Takechi

Special to the Times/ News

Ah, if only real life were like an opera! If only our humdrum existence was set to a grand musical score, then people would line in provincial towns named “Buriento,” heroes (and heroines) would be pure and noble, and our only problem would be minor military threats from neighboring kingdoms such as Des Moines and Normandy!

Alas, all of this sounds too good to be true. Such a fantasy could never happen in this lifetime – nor could it?

You may be in luck!

If you wish to search for this musical paradise, simply as the humble townsfolk in Burien if they would direct you to the EB Foote Winery, where the zany crew from the Breeders Theater will sing, dance and generally be operatic in their latest shows, Pigoletto.

But, before all the buffoonery starts, the evening of theatre begins with the tasting of EB Foote wines. For white wine lovers, the 2004 Chardonnay is a real delight, followed by their dessert wine, Sweet Sherrill IV.

At intermission, their 2000 Cab-Merlot and the 2003 Syrah is offered. Both were rated as excellent among those seated nearby.

Finally, after the conclusion of Pigoletto, EB Foote rolls out their double gold medal-winning 2001 Merlot and their 2001 Cabernet.

While sampling these delicious wines, one can enjoy hors d’oeuvres (the wines go especially well with the chocolates!) and some summer savings on your purchases of EB Foote wines in the gift shop.

What sheer delight . . .?

But, back to our show, where we meet our young, virtuous hero Pigoletto (Patrick Allcorn in his BT debut), who lives in the fair town of Buriento, but sounds suspiciously like he’s from Centre Blanc.

He is hopelessly in love with the virtuous maiden Shipi (Julie Haakenson), but cannot be with her because of Shipi’s loyalty to her best friend Simili (Marianne Everett) who is also in love with Pigoletto.

Further complicating this forbidden love affair are the military invasions by opposing kingdoms, lead by the Duke of Normandy (Jim Cooper) and the Countess Des Moines (Patricia M. Britton).

Both Pigoletto and Shipi are taken hostage (sort of) and are forced to live in Normandy and Des Moines.

Laughter was plentiful from the preview audience as the veterans from the Breeders Theater took the stage at the winery and provided their usual and reliable evening of silly entertainment.

South King County-ites will especially enjoy the humor laced with local references and the loving spoof of grand opera.

For the repeat customers of the BT and EB Foote shows, you will be pleased to meet some more new faces in the BT cast.

As the Barbara of Seville, Sandra Glover, Ph.D., is a delightful surprise and provides the real operatic moments for the show.

Scott Green is fun as the mayor of Buriento and Mak Zuljevic is an interesting mix of mystery and comedy as Rudy.

Naturally, all the other BT favorites are there: Carlos Calvo as the Constable of Buriento, Steve Coffey as the Duke’s sidekick Spezio, Eric Hartley as Dr. Medicus, Doug Knoop as Valarie/Carmen and Kirsten Olds as Bidet.

And, as usual, the wonderfully silly book was written by TM Sell, with musical direction by Nancy Warren and direction by J Howard Boyd.

If you haven’t yet caught one of the shows at the EB Foote winery, this would be a great one to see. What are you waiting for? (Not so) grand opera awaits you!

Pigoletto continues performances through July 30, with shows on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets are still $20 for an evening of theater, hors d’oeuvres and tasting of EB Foote wines.

Tickets are available at the winery, located at 127-B SW 153rd St. in Burien, or at Corky Cellars, 22411 Marine View Drive in Des Moines.

Highline Times/Des Moines News, Wednesday, July 20, 2005