Fresh off a summer of high-energy pop/rock musicals, Reading’s Genesius Theatre is inviting audiences to a much cozier theatrical experience with The Spitfire Grill. Loosely based on the 1996 movie of the same name, this heartwarming story set in 1990s rural Wisconsin is packed with hope and nostalgia and is perfect for the change of seasons. It features a soaring folk/bluegrass score performed by a tight cast of seven.
The story opens on Percy Talbott, a young woman from West Virginia, getting released from prison. Inspired by a picture in a travel guide, Percy heads to Gilead, Wisconsin, in search of a fresh start and the image’s breathtaking fall colors. When she arrives, however, the colorful leaves are long gone and the town and its citizens are ice cold.
Percy gets room and board at The Spitfire Grill, a struggling diner run by gruff widow, Hannah Ferguson. For years, Hannah has been trying to sell the grill and embark on her own fresh start away from the painful memories it holds. As the story unfolds, old secrets are revealed and the town and its people undergo a heartfelt and inspiring transformation.
Director James Haggerty, who was last seen on the Genesius stage as Barry Mann in Beautiful and has previously directed Genesius’ productions of Head Over Heels, Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Hair, is glad to be directing this intimate and unique production. A bluegrass musician himself, Haggerty is well suited to partner with music director, Kevin Cooper, on this project.
“The Spitfire Grill is the story of a young woman seeking a new start in life and the small town she lands in,” Haggerty said. “It’s a story of change, from the woods being logged, or the quarry closing down, to the changing of the seasons – and, in turn, peoples’ hearts. Like the daily special at any diner, it’s a slice of American life, and lovingly set to gentle folk and bluegrass melodies. It’s cozy and nostalgic, like putting on your favorite sweater on the first chilly day of the year.”
“One of the most unique things about this show is that not only is it a mostly female cast, but that a main part of the story revolves around an older woman’s perspective on life,” Haggerty continued. “In most shows, older characters come on stage, crack a joke, lay down some wisdom, and leave. Here, we really get to see Hannah’s struggle. In fact, all of the women in this show get to play characters with depth and storylines usually reserved for men in other shows.”
Local actor, vocalist, and music educator, Tama McConnell, portrays Hannah Ferguson with care and complexity. She says, “Older folks are often forgotten in our society, thought of as boring, settled and uninteresting. Hannah is an integral part of the town, and she has many layers with a lot of unresolved issues. She has a secret that eats away at her every day. She is stuck – until an outsider makes her face her fears and change. It is always possible! Although Hannah is stoic, I cry every time I rehearse this material. This is a wonderful show full of love and hope.”
Sarah Althen, who was seen earlier this season as Rosannah Deluce in Brilliant Traces, portrays ex-con, Percy Talbott. Of her character, she says: “So many female characters’ stories revolve entirely around romantic love. Percy is so refreshing because the bulk of her story centers on self love and platonic love – things that, once she opens up to them, are truly transformational. At the top of the show, Percy is an outsider who shuts everyone else out. She doesn’t know anything but fighting and fending for herself; she doesn’t trust anyone, and no one trusts her. So, as the story progresses, and we see this scared, defensive woman begin to soften and let the light in, it is nothing short of incredible. When Percy finally realizes she is redeemable, the power of that moment just takes your breath away.”
The original Off-Broadway production of The Spitfire Grill garnered immense critical acclaim for its emotional story and sparkling score, but the show remains little known – largely due to the unfortunate fact that it opened just four days before the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, which resulted in a steep decrease in tourism and theatregoing. Haggerty is grateful that Genesius is taking a chance on this lesser-known gem, and excited for Berks County audiences to experience this profound and uplifting material.
“I think this story and its people – despite its midwestern setting – are so relatable to Berks County. We all know and care for these people in real life, and it’s very special to see that being played out on stage. As they watch these characters grow and transform with the seasons, my hope is that people leave this production feeling that change is possible,” Haggerty stated.
The full cast features Sarah Althen as Percy Talbott, Tama McConnell as Hannah Ferguson, Jonathan Erkert as Sheriff Joe Sutter, Rachel Himes-Dewalt as Shelby Thorpe, Tommy Heiler as Caleb Thorpe, Amy Stewart Himes as Effy Krayneck, and Kevin Adams as The Visitor.
The Spitfire Grill is a musical with music and book by James Valcq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff. Directed by James Haggerty, with music direction by Kevin Cooper, choreography by Jenny Parker Scott, and production by Lawrence Fecho, the show features a five-person live orchestra conducted by Josh Underwood.
Performances are scheduled for September 27, 28, and 29, as well as October 2-6, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and matinee performances on September 29 and October 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $35.50, and the production runs approximately two hours, including an intermission.
The production will be held at Genesius Theatre, located at 153 N. 10th St., Reading, PA. The venue is accessible to individuals who use mobility aids, and free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building, with overflow options if needed.
Genesius Theatre has partnered with the DoubleTree by Hilton to offer a Park/Dinner/Shuttle/Show program, allowing patrons to park for free in the DoubleTree garage, dine at Cheers American Bistro, and use a complimentary shuttle to and from the theater. For this offer, patrons must purchase show tickets on the Genesius website and make dinner reservations through the DoubleTree, mentioning the shuttle service when booking.
In an effort to reduce paper waste, Genesius Theatre now hosts virtual playbills on its website at GenesiusDifference.org, available one week before opening night. For more information about parking, accessibility, or to purchase tickets, visit www.genesiusdifference.org, call the theatre at 610.371.8151, or email info@genesiustheatre.org. Genesius is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
