The raging snowstorm made the highway impassable for them all. Stranded at a small mountain inn, their fellow "inn-mates" may include an escaped killer. Not knowing whom to trust, they found themselves trusting no one.

They felt torn between their fear of danger and a sense for adventure. Do they trust their instincts and try to flush out the killer? Do they play it safe and hide in the safety of their rooms? Or do they sit and wonder what red wines will be served during intermission?

If it were me, I'd vote to wait for the merlot.

But, for the rest of the Burien community, I am delighted to report that both mystery and wine can be enjoyed together. And you know what that means.

Yes, the fine folks at E.B. Foote Winery and the Breeder's Theater are at it again, with their latest wine-tasting/theatrical event: a good old-fashioned mystery/comedy, "Snowbound."

During an unexpected blizzard through the mountain passes, a country innkeeper named Ike (Martin J. Mackenzie) finds himself playing host to a diverse band of stranded travelers. Single mother Glenda (Kelly Johnson) is vacationing with her depressed, violence-loving son Binky (Brenan Grant) and her socialite BFF named Lovely (Teresa Widner).

A troubled couple calling themselves Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Stephen Scheide and Laura Smith) are not what they seem. Then along comes a secretive stranger named Hank (Andrew Smith) who says he is traveling to Spokane to visit his sister...or did he say he was going to visit some friends?

Arousing fear and suspicion among all the travelers is Sheriff Osman (Scott Green), who announces that an escapee from the state penitentiary has fled toward their location. Accusations fly as to who's the killer, as each guest wonders if the other is a criminal.

Will the killer strike again? Can the other hotel guests flush him (or her) out before another crime is committed? 'Tis a mystery indeed.
For those loyal Breeders Theater fans who count of plenty of laughs to accompany the whodunnit and wine tasting, worry not. There is comedy to spare in "Snowbound."

Not only is there commendable acting by the talented BT ensemble, BT founder and chief playwright TM Sell offers a literary bonus as well.

Contained in the play's dialogue are all 63 titles from Alfred Hitchcock's movies.

"It occurred to me that the Hitchcock titles are kind of interesting in and of themselves. Thus began the task of getting all of the Hitchcock titles into the script. "It took a few tries," wrote Sell.

Spotting the film titles is fun, but even without that, the evening is a smashing success.

Good acting was performed by all, with special kudos to Brenan Grant, as the "emo" young man, and to Steve Scheide and Laura Smith as the feuding honeymooners, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

Music director Nancy Warren and stage manager Andrew Pogue are incredible in a surprise duet, "Baby, It's Cold Outside."

Making a welcome comeback into the BT circle of performers is Martin Mackenzie as innkeeper Ike. It sure is good to see him at the winery again.

To complete a great evening at E.B. Foote are their wonderful offerings of wine, which include their award-winning 2004 Merlot, 2006 Northwest Duet (Cab-Merlot blend) and the 2005 Cabernet.

Director Michael Brunk brings the pieces nicely together in this one. And a final "thumbs up" for choreography by Teresa Widner. This is a moment you won't soon forget.

"Snowbound" continues through January 31. Tickets, as always, are only $20, and can be purchased at E.B. Foote (127-B SW 153rd St. Burien) or Corky Cellars in Des Moines.

Be sure to dress warmly, though, 'cuz Baby, it's cold inside, too.