NORTHUMBERLAND—The Westmoreland Players Theatre, 16217 Richmond Road, Callao, will present “The Spitfire Grill,” a musical by James Valcq and Fred Alley, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, February 20-March 8.
The play tells a story about regret, resilience, kindness and the slow work of healing. Unlike the film on which it is based, the musical has an uplifting and happy ending, reported director and producer Nancy Royall.
At the heart of the story is Percy Talbott, a young woman recently released from a prison term for a violent crime. Arriving in the rural town of Gilead, Wisconsin, Percy reports to the local sheriff, Joe Sutter, who takes her to a ramshackle diner called the Spitfire Grill, run by a brittle widow, Hannah Ferguson.
Joe persuades Hannah to hire Percy as a waitress. At first, Percy’s guarded demeanor and blunt honesty alienate the wary townspeople, including Hannah’s nephew Caleb Thorpe, his wife Shelby, and Effy Krayneck, the town gossip.
Facing age and financial hardship, Hannah wants to sell the grill but there are no buyers. Percy proposes an unconventional solution: to raffle the diner in an essay contest about “what home means.” The contest unexpectedly draws attention from beyond Gilead, bringing visitors, renewed hope and long-buried secrets into the open.
The experienced and musically gifted cast includes Lauren Kelley (Percy), who most recently portrayed Wednesday in “The Addams Family Musical.” In the role of Hannah, Laurie Breakwell again brings her lush and powerful voice to local audiences. Rachel Beard returns to the Players stage for the sixth time to portray Shelby. Marcia Peters, who has been directing, producing, costuming and acting in Players productions for almost 20 years, plays Effy.
The men in the cast include Ethan Parker (Joe) and Matt Johnson (Caleb), both veteran actors who most recently starred in “Clue on Stage.” Christopher Brown appears as a mysterious visitor.
Royall has been active in the Players for most of the company’s 46-year history. Royall and Bill Armstrong designed the set. The musical director is Kelly Wright.
“The folk-inspired music in this show is understated and lyrical, supporting the storytelling rather than overpowering it,” said Wright.
“The songs often function as quiet reflections, giving voice to emotions the characters struggle to articulate aloud. This approach may surprise audiences expecting big showstoppers, but it perfectly suits the musical’s intimate tone,” said Royall.
The play will open with a gala and performance at 7:30 p.m. February 20.
The production schedule will continue at 7:30 p.m. February 21, 27, March 6 and 7 and 3 p.m. February 22, 28 and March 1 and 8.
Admission is by season subscription or individual tickets. Opening night gala tickets are $55, or $42 for students. Other show tickets are $40, or $27 for students.
In addition to “The Spitfire Grill,” the Players’ current season will include the classic mystery “Dial M for Murder,” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Frederick Knott, May 1-17; and the farce “Drinking Habits,” by Tom Smith, August 14-30. The Players welcome anyone with an interest in theatre to volunteer, whether onstage as an actor or behind the scenes, building and painting sets, running lights, managing props, operating sound, serving refreshments, or welcoming the audience. Experience is not required.
For tickets or to volunteer, visit westmorelandplayers.org or call 529-9345.
