When family members mentions "the good old days," if you're like me, you might wonder what was so good about them.

But wait. We must remember that when families actually do have good old days to recall, it means our families are still here and have a reason to move forward. For out of the hardships of the past, come love, commitment and our own personal stories.

Sound a bit mushy? Probably. But admit it, sometimes you love mush.

The usually silly and antic folks with Breeders Theater are mushing it up too, but in a good way.
BT founder and playwright TM Sell gives us Part II of his family's journey from North Dakota to Missoula, MT in his latest show, "West."

Faithful BT fans will recall 2009's production of "Prairie Heart," the first installment of the series inspired by stories from Sell's grandmother and her siblings about their childhood on their parents' homestead near Minot, SD. From there, Sell's grandparents moved west, and so their story continues.

It is now 1914. This time we meet homesteading daughter Glenda Olson (Adrienne Grieco), who falls in love with young farmhand George Dokken (David Roby). Glenda's parents Olaf and Ingrid (Eric Hartley and Amber Rack) and George's father Harald (Doug Knoop) bless the marriage and work together to help the newlyweds establish their own farm.

At first, George and Glenda's farm is a success. But with war waging in Europe and the price of grain spelling economic uncertainty, the young couple risk their current "security" for possible future gain...a gamble that eventually forces their move westward.

This is a show that will bring smiles to the audience's faces, not from outrageous comedy but from the sweetness of the tale. The characters will move your hearts, their story will invite you to savor your own, and the fine acting will make you believe.

What a beautiful way for Breeders Theater to say goodbye.

"Goodbye?"

"West" marks Breeders Theater's 20th show at the E.B. Foote Winery. After a successful run since 2002, BT will take its final bow with this production.

Sadly, so will E.B. Foote. After the death of her husband and winery co-owner Rich Higginbotham in 2008, Sherrill Miller has found being the sole proprietor of the winery to be more than she cares to handle. Miller has put the winery up for sale and will retire as early as April, or when a buyer is found.

But, after their theatrical venue is sold, can't Breeders Theater continue on in another performance space? Well, yes, it could. But BT founders TM Sell and Nancy Warren have decided that it's been fun, but it's time to move on to new challenges (yet to be determined).

I remember interviewing Sell and Warren when BT was in its infancy. Breeders Theater was a new adventure, an original way to "do theatre." Write a fun, silly comedy, add a cast of professional actors, sprinkle in wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres and mix generously in a Burien winery. The result: one of the most popular live theatre events in South King County.

BT and their unique touch of humor will be missed. It has served well as a source of entertainment to Highline audiences and Red Hat Ladies everywhere. It became an inspiration for at least one Tacoma theatrical endeavor.

So, don't miss your chance to say thanks and farewell to BT. Help them go out with a bang.

Reserve your tickets soon for this ultimate wine-and-theatre event. "West" plays March 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 with doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starting at 7 p.m. Sunday matinee March 20 with doors open at 1:30 p.m. and show at 2 p.m., Tickets are $20 and available at E.B. Foote Winery, 127-B S.W. 153rd St., 206-242-3852; or Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Dr., 206-824-9462.