Breeders Theater of Burien takes a nostalgic turn this month with its latest production, "Prairie Heart."

Playwright T.M. Sell's latest work is a touch of Americana, relating the hardships and passions of immigrant settlers in rural North Dakota.

Told through the eyes of Ingrid, a newcomer to the harsh frontier, Sell puts a face on the strength and fortitude of the previous generations who built this country.

It's 1893, and Ingrid Thorgrimsdottir arrives at the train station near Minot, North Dakota to serve as the nanny for a local family. There she meets Olaf Olson, a bachelor farmer, who informs her that her new employers have died of fever and the children have been sent to live with relatives.

Unemployed and penniless, Ingrid reluctantly agrees to stay on as Olaf's hired hand until she can earn the train fare back to civilization.

As the play progresses, the obvious events take place. The townspeople gossip, Olaf's friends provide counsel, and Ingrid takes a fancy to the local ladies' man.

Sell leads us through the next year as Olaf and Ingrid grow together, and the story moves us, not with surprises and plot twists, but with comfort and reassurance that the "ordinary" people of our history are indeed truly special.

Sell's inspiration came from the stories told by his grandmother and her siblings, natives of the rural North Dakota.

Nancy Warren, the resident composer and musician, enhances the show with period music and Norwegian folk songs, and one original song, "Prairie Heart."

Alan Wilkie's direction skillfully moves the story through its homespun chapters without allowing it to bog down with sentimentality.

As Olaf, Luke Amundson is charming as the hard-working lug with a huge heart. Adrienne Grieco is a delight as the delicate Ingrid, traversing the battle of the sexes in a range of emotion that can't be told by words alone.

Eric Hartley and Melissa Grinley play Olaf's mentor and his wife with Steve Scheide as the local playboy.

Rounding out the cast are Melissa Malloy as the owner of the general store, and J. Howard Boyd as the narrator and various characters.

Choreography is by Teresa Widner.

"Prairie Heart" is a heart-warming tale, reminiscent of "Our Town" and "Anne of Green Gables." It takes us back to simpler times, stressing the uniqueness of the everyday pleasures, and dwelling on the important things in life - love, friendship, and family.

E.B. Foote Winery in Burien and CorkyCellars in Des Moines sponsor the event, and as always, admission includes wine tasting before the show and during intermission. A wonderful smorgasbord of hors d'oeuvres is also available and the winery gift shop is open after the show.

E.B. Foote Winery is located at 127-B SW 153rd St.

"Prairie Heart' plays Jan. 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

The show starts at 7 p.m., except for Sundays, which start at 2 p.m. Doors open thirty minutes prior to the performance.

All tickets are $ 20 and include wine tasting.

Breeders Theater has a history of selling out early; so don't delay in reserving your seats. And dress warmly, as the winery's theatre space is a little cooler that your average theater.