Cast & Crew Offer Up Something Cooking at the Historic James F. Dean Theatre in Summerville

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

First brought to the stage in 2001 by James Valcq and Fred Alley, 'The Spitfire Grill' a musical has been a regional and community favorite for the past two decades, spawning over 900 presentations worldwide, with Summerville's Flowertown Players putting a whimsical spin on their current production. 

Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, the stage play revolves around a parolee named Percy who finds new life in Gilead, helping the small Wisconsin town heal by starting a letter-writing contest to raffle off a local diner. Laced with elements of folk and bluegrass, the Flowertown Players layer this musical drama nicely with elements of redemption, forgiveness, and remorseful humor, wrapped around one woman's struggle to overcome a difficult past.

A half dozen actors bring 'The Spitfire Grill' a musical to life at the Summerville Community Theatre. The ensemble cast play delightfully off one another providing two hours of pure entertainment. However, the core of this musical drama centers around the bonding relationships of Percy, Hannah, and Shelby, respectively represented by Julia Sorenson, Rachyl Kissling, and Emily Davis.

Each portray their individual characters as strong willed women, with hints of moxie, all the while harboring personal secrets. Tracy Davidson ideally rounds out the female cast as Effy, the gossipy busy body postal worker who reads more of the town's mail than she delivers.

Zach Henderson fills the shoes of Shelby's overbearing and overly concerned husband Caleb, with Eric Hnatko doing an equally nice job depicting Gilead's lawman Sheriff Joe Sutter as a caring and restless soul, who has second thoughts about leaving town after rediscovering love and purpose.

Given the small confines of the historic James F. Dean Theatre, the set and decor crew do a stellar job of designing the stage to reflect an unpretentious diner. Using a video backdrop to open the show allows for Percy's journey to Gilead, providing a decent segue into the first scene on stage. Kudos to director Austin Peay for assembling a competent production team including choreography and costume design.

While the first act slowly builds culminating in an epic mail delivery, the second act draws the audience in emotionally as the ladies bond and open up about their lives. Can a wild bird with baggage revitalize a one-dog town. For the answer check out a performance of 'The Spitfire Grill' a musical during its limited run.

With the threat of inclement weather, Flowertown Players postponed shows on Jan 31st and Feb 1st, adding an additional matinee the following weekend, leaving theatre goers four performances during the Feb 6th weekend. For remaining dates, times, and tickets visit https://www.flowertownplayers.org/the-spitfire-grill-a-musical/