“Planet of the Grapes” – An Epic, Tabletop, Sci-Fi Adventure

Peter Michael Marino’s wildly inventive “Planet of the Grapes” transports audiences to a futuristic world where talking grapes reign supreme and humans are rendered speechless. Directed by Michole Biancosino, this fast-paced comedic homage blends the charm of Victorian toy theater with the sci-fi spectacle of the ’68 classic “Planet of the Apes,” creating an interactive, immersive, all-ages adventure packed into a juicy 60 minutes. Ages 10+.

In “Planet of the Grapes,” an American astronaut crew crash-lands on a distant planet where an intelligent, articulate, and evolved grape society enslaves mute humans like laboratory monkeys. What unfolds is a high-energy theatrical experience that spills off the cutting-board stage and into the audience – blending satire, spectacle, and unleashed imagination with uncorked, creative madness. Performed on a carefully concocted tabletop stage – complete with hundreds of grapes, dozens of corks, and a pocket universe of scenery – the production brings big ideas to small scale. An original electronic score by Michael Harren underscores a story that playfully explores themes of science vs. religion, class clashes, planetary concerns, and humanity’s sense of superiority.