The latest Breeders Theater show at Burien's E.B. Foote Winery, Out of the Nest, is more than a fledgling.

It opens with a flock of dancing birds and a cat who struggles with its nature. From there we hear a tale of courage, sacrifice and subterfuge, but mostly of why "love is for the birds."

"Out of the Nest" is billed as a new comedy with music. This is not a full-blown musical, but a show with catchy tunes nonetheless.

The text of the play and the lyrics are by T.M. Sell, with music by Nancy Warren. Playful choreography-after all, why put a song in a play if no one dances to it?-is by Patricia Britton.

The king of the birds -- a raven, not a crow, well played by Martin Mackenzie-is ready to marry off his nestling, the Princess (Melissa Fleming). The Princess explains through song the qualities she seeks in a mate.

At least early in the play, love is not a quality the Princess is looking for. To clear his nest, the king comes up with a CAT, that is, a Consort Aptitude Test. The bird to meet the CAT will gain the Princess' wing in marriage.

A lowly Robin (Steve Scheide) takes up the challenge. His longtime feathered friend Budgie (Anjelica Wolf) agrees to go along. The antics of these two would make any birdwatcher happy.

However, the tension rises as a turkey (Eric Hartley) and a chicken (Howard Boyd) work to foil Robin's plans. It is a sad day when the brains of a turkey can overwhelm the mind of a chicken, but the fowls prove their comic timing. These fiendish fowl are fun to watch.

As Robin and Budgie follow their quest, we learn the secret of the three blind mice, and the whereabouts of another famous mouse. Mixed in with all these birds and three tasty mice lurks the cat (Jonathan Lee).

I don't know if I am just more of a cat lover than a bird watcher, but the cat's fight to restrain his instincts when surrounded by so much food made an otherwise good show great. It is almost worth the price of admission just to watch the cat and the fowl revisit the days of disco.

But the scene-stealer is the pigeon (Teresa Widmer). After seeing stoolie get paid off, I will never look at birdseed the same way again.

In the end, all the ruffled feathers are smoothed out. The birds show their true colors and the cat may finally find a meal.

Due to the creative costuming of Melissa Sell, all of the birds have bills and are well plumed. But the cat's claws were a work of art that, when needed, instilled fear in both mice and bird.

The flock is 12 strong, with all of them songbirds. Even the cat can sing.

Show dates are July 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., and July 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Doors open a half hour before the shows, and it is festival seating.

Tickets are $20.00, which includes the show, tasting E.B. Foote wines and hors d'oeuvres, at 127-B S.W. 153rd St. (206-242-3852). Tickets are available at E.B. Foote Winery and Corky Cellars in Des Moines.

For more information, visit Breeders Theater's website at breedertheater.com.