REVIEW: Warmth and emotion carry “The Spitfire Grill”
This year’s musical offering from the Old Lyric Repertory Company, “The Spitfire Grill,” proves to be more than just a greasy spoon or fast food – it’s a pleasant stop during a summer excursion, a quiet place just off the beaten track.
Most summer musical offerings are simply a collection of past hits strung together in a fun amusement park-like fashion, ala “Forever Plaid” and such. Spitfire Grill,” instead, has a harder edge to it and ties up a little story. The musical is based on an independent film of the same name, but doesn’t follow the same exact story line. It is the story of a young woman with a checkered past who picks Gilead, Wis., as a place to start over. Her decision was based on a photo in a travel magazine she saw while in jail, and upon arriving finds that her only employment opportunity is at the local diner, the only place to eat in the small town.
The Spitfire Grill is for sale, the widowed owner is getting too old to manage it and the two concoct a raffle to spark interest in selling the diner. There are some twists and turns and some relationships to get figured out – not the least of which is the identity of a mysterious visitor who lurks outside the diner at night – but there are just enough songs to get that all done.
Because it is not just a package of well-known songs, the music and lyrics from “Spitfire” are not necessarily memorable. The tunes won’t be rattling around in audience members’ heads the next day. But the warmth and sincerity of the performances will linger. The emotions and effort ring true, even if it isn’t a toe-tapper.
Portraying the new visitor to town, Percy Talbot, Emily Heap is a true find. Her voice was unwavering and confident. She was able to carry the story from song to song without hesitation. Her duet with Sheriff Joe Sutter (Jon McBride), “This Wide Woods,” is a highlight. McBride injects just the right amount of emotion into his voice throughout the production.
Another musical highlight was “Ice and Snow,” sung by the sheriff and Caleb Thorpe, a nephew of the diner’s owner (W. Lee Daily), along with town gossip Effy Krayneck (Leticia Minharo). The three actors mixed harmonies and strength of voice very well.
Jan Hines, portraying Spitfire owner Hannah Ferguson, does not have the best or strongest voice in the troupe, but her heartfelt emotion expressed through her character is right on key.
A four-piece band provides very smooth and non-obtrusive underpinnings to the production.
Don’t expect any surprises in “Spitfire Grill,” just some comfort food and good company that might tug at your sleeve the next time you have a chance to get off the beaten track of summer musicals.
“The Spitfire Grill” plays in repertory with “Cash on Delivery,” “Picnic” and “Member of the Wedding.” Caine Lyric Theater, 28 W. Center, Logan. 750-1500 for ticket information. Directed by Sheri Williams Pannell. Running time: 135 minutes, with one 10-minute intermission.