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Spitfire Grill, The

A soul satisfying...work of theatrical resourcefulness. A compelling story that flows with grace and carries the rush of anticipation. The story moves, the characters have many dimensions and their transformations are plausible and moving. The musical is freeing. It is penetrated by honesty and it glows.

The New York Times

More information

Description

  • Full Length Musical
  • Drama

  • Time Period: Contemporary
  • Target Audience: Adult
  • Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
  • Orchestra Size: Small/Combo

  • Accolades:
  • Nominee! 2013 Jeff Award for Best Production of a Musical
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin' at the Spitfire Grill.
REVIEWS:

A soul satisfying...work of theatrical resourcefulness. A compelling story that flows with grace and carries the rush of anticipation. The story moves, the characters have many dimensions and their transformations are plausible and moving. The musical is freeing. It is penetrated by honesty and it glows.

The New York Times

Soulful...The amiable country flavored tunes and lyrics are rendered with the kind of conviction and expertise that make them transcendent. What in normal times would be a joy is, in these troubled ones, sheer nourishment.

New York Magazine

Soaring melodies!...Well before the show reaches its conclusion, many...city slickers in the audience may be ready to enter Percy's raffle.

The Wall Street Journal

An abundance of warmth, spirit and goodwill!...Some of the most engaging and instantly infectious melodies I've heard in an original musical in some time.

USA Today

Characters

  • Casting: 3M, 4F
  • Casting Notes: All characters (besides Percy) speak in 'standard Mid-Western' speech, without 'countrified' intonations.
  • Chorus Size: No Chorus

  • PERCY TALBOTT - early 20s. Pretty, if a bit rough-edged, her face declares the strength of her youth and a sadness beyond her years. Her accent has a southern Appalachian cadence. Strong folk/country belt to 'D', some head voice required.

  • HANNAH FERGUSON - about 70. A tough-skinned and flinty old bird with a short, no-nonsense manner bordering on the bitter. Mezzo/alto chest range.

  • SHELBY THORPE - mid-30s. A plain, soft-faced creature with a shy, almost ethereal manner. Shimmering folk sopranco with strong high belt to 'D'.

  • CALEB THORPE - early 40s. Out-of-work foreman of the stone quarry. Frustrated working man clinging to the past. Solid folk/rock voice with an edge (Top 'G').

  • SHERIFF JOE SUTTER - mid-late 20s. A young small-town policeman with an appealing intensity and a restless nature. Strong folk tenor to a 'G' (touches an 'A').

  • EFFY KRAYNECK - 50s. Postmistress and busybody, a woman with narrow eyes and a sour tongue. Solid singer in mezzo/alto chest range. Carries close harmony.

  • THE VISITOR - mid-40s. A mysterious figure who never speaks. An actor with powerful eyes and a very strong sense of his body.

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