“Zany Zavada right on the mark”

Review by Aya Takechi

Special to the Times/News (January 25, 2005)

Have you ever had one of those days? The alarm clock doesn’t go off, the bathtub overflows, and you’ve run out of your favorite breakfast cereal . . .

Sigh . . . it doesn’t take much to start the day off poorly. But, in the midst of burnt toast, soggy newspapers and flat tires during the morning commute, consider yourself lucky. You might by Andy Zavada.

Andy Zavada is an actor. He does trade shows. He drives a Gremlin. He has a wife and son. He’s got a big interview this morning for a potential acting gig. But wait . . . there’s more. Lots more.

This morning Andy woke up to find that the car he thought he owned doesn’t exist. His chauffeur, who he never knew he had, insists on driving Andy to work.

Work? To the important interview? Not a chance.

It turns out Andy works for a mysterious, as-yet-unexplained entity called “The Third Directorate.” Unbeknownst to Andy, he’s a mighty important (and popular!) guy in this organization. He has power, influence, respect . . . and not a clue to what he does, who this groups is, and how he got there.

Is this a case of amnesia? Brainwashing? Political intrigue? The Big Con? No, just another episode from the wacky and ultra-entertaining bunch from the Breeders Theater.

BT and the E.B. Foote Winery proudly present their latest zany installment, Viva Zavada! Featuring the cast of talented and funny BT veterans, this is the story of Andy Zavada (yes, that’s his real name!) and his journey through the world of The Third Directorate.

Along the way, Andy meets such mysterious characters as Pooz the chauffeur (Carlos Calvo), Margarita the cleaning lady (Patricia Britton), spies and counterspies (Julie Haakenson, Marianne Everett), a cheese evangelist (Eric Hartley), a wise janitor (J Howard Boyd), a crooked salesman (Jim Cooper), someone who claims to be Andy’s boss (William Hamer) and something called a Subadjutant (Kirsten Olds).

For the uninitiated among us, Breeders Theater and E. B. Foote team up twice a year to provide South King County audiences with a unique evening of theatrical entertainment, generously sprinkled with laughter, hors d’oeuvres and a tasting of E. B. Foote wines.

The evening starts out with their award-winning 2003 Chardonnay and Sweet Sherrill III. During intermission, both the 2002 and 2003 Syrahs are served. After the show’s conclusion, audience members are treated to their 2001 Merlot and a 2000 Cabernet. (For white wine lovers, the Chardonnay is rather nice!)

But, in between the wines, there is silly, hilarious theater. The preview audience laughed uproariously at the many antics of the BT actors.

Viva Zavada! also sees the return of two veterans of BT productions from long ago . . . say, a couple seasons back. Andy Zavada and William Hamer light up the stage with their wonderfully over the top performances.

The entire cast of Viva Zavada! is right on the mark. Directed by J Howard Boyd and penned by the inimitable T.M. Sell, this is a show that works very well.

With a satisfying show, some delicious wine and a plate of yummy hors d’oeuvres, there isn’t a better deal out there in all of show business.

Viva Zavada! continues through Feb. 6. All performances are at the E. B. Foote Winery, located at 127-B S.W. 153rd St. in Burien. Be sure to dress warmly, as the winery is kept cool for the wine’s sake.

Tickets are available at the winery or at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Dr. in Des Moines. Call E.B. Foote at 206-242-3852.