By Marilynn Wood
As autumn approaches and the golden colors of fall descends on St. George, Utah, The Spitfire Grill at St. George Musical Theater (SGMT) is a must. If you have ever longed to drink hot cocoa on a rustic porch under the pines, then this musical will take you there. With music reminiscent of John Denver and in the style of Big River, James Valcq (music and book) and Fred Alley (lyrics and book) have taken the movie The Spitfire Grill by Lee David Zlotoff and turned it into a warm, country evening for you and those you love.
As I walked into the theater, I was immediately swept away to the Wisconsin hills. Three beautiful murals of the Wisconsin woods painted by Ashley Davenport encircle the audience. The air is smokey and smells of burning wood, pine trees, and frying bacon. Wood chips, pine boughs, and tree stumps surround the “theater in the round” stage. The Set Director Jim Blackford, Technical and Sound Director Jesika Neemann, and Lighting Director Deward Wilson have all worked together to transport you for the next two hours to another world. Center stage is the The Spitfire Grill, complete with old-fashioned tables and a hand-painted floor.
With such a small cast — only seven — every character is important and Director Laureta Swansborough has worked hard to make each character believable and distinct. Since the songs tell half the story, it is important to be able to hear the words. My compliments to Musical Director Averill Corkine. Not only are the words clear, the close harmony is delicious to the lucky audience members. Costume Coordinator Grace Wells’s rustic plaids and earth tone colors blend nicely with the woodsy scenery.
After being released from prison, Percy Talbot (Kailey Simmons) tries to start a new life in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. Simmons is perfect for this character. She looks and acts the part. As one patron put it, “That girl has pipes. She knows how to sing country.” Joe Sutter (Tim Merkley) is the sheriff of the town and also Percy’s parole officer. He persuades Hannah Ferguson, (Chrystine Potter Hyatt), the sharp-tongued owner of the Spitfire Grill to give Percy a job. Hyatt’s performance is classic. As her crusty façade melts, Hyatt’s face turns from an endless scowl to a pleasant smile. Only a true professional can do this.
Spitfire Grill is the only grill in town, and therefore, the gathering place for the town residents. It doesn’t take long for word to spread that there is a new face in town and as described in the song “Something’s Cooking at the Spitfire Grill”, not all residents think this is good. Caleb Thorpe (Caleb Christensen) and Effy Krayneck (Jane Williams) are two of these residents. Williams is the comedic relief of the show; she is pushy and gossipy, but downright loveable. Hannah’s moody nephew Caleb Thorpe is the controlling husband of Shelby Thorpe (Tamera Merkley). Tamera Merkley plays the timid and shy wife well, and sings with a strong soprano voice that blends flawlessly with Simmons, especially on “The Colors of Paradise”.
As the story moves forth, the residents of the town of Gilead reveal their struggles and disappointments – the town is dying and Joe wants to move, Hannah has a heartbreaking secret, Caleb and Shelby’s marriage is not working — but viewed through the fresh eyes of Percy, they come to believe maybe things aren’t so bad after all.
The music is a large part of this show, and both Christensen’s and Tim Merkley’s voices contribute a lot to the success of the show. They are strong and powerful and form a base for the beautiful harmony that weaves itself throughout the musical. Some of my favorite songs are: “Ice and Snow” and “Shoot the Moon”. Both songs are sung by the entire company, but it is the strong male voices that pull it altogether.
There is one other character in the show, a homeless man, played by Brian Grob. He doesn’t say a word or sing a song, but he moves your soul through his actions.
If I had to describeSt. George Musical Theater’sproduction of The Spitfire Grill in one word, it would be complete. The musical has it all — beautiful close harmony, great developed characters, and surroundings that transport you to the Wisconsin hills. It is one musical you should not miss.
Note: subject content it is not appropriate for children.
St. George Musical Theater presents The Spitfire Grill, Music and Book by James Valcq and Lyrics and Book, Fred Alley based on the 1996 film Spitfire Grill by Lee David Zlotoff.
St. George Musical Theater 212 N Main Street, St. George, Utah 84770
October 3, 2019 – November 2, 2019 7:30 Monday, Thursday-Saturday
Tickets: $19 – $23
St. George Musical Theater Facebook Page
Spitfire Grill Facebook Event
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