The Spitfire Grill is on stage at Musicalfare, 4380 Main St., 839-8540, through April 20th. By Jim Santella
Buffalo, NY – The Spitfire Grill is on stage at Musicalfare, 4380 Main St., 839-8540, through April 20th.
Plot: Based on the movie of the same name, The Spitfire Grill is a musical exploration of the loss of small town American values that have been in decline since the decade of the great depression.
Ex-con Percy Talbot, enlivened by Michele Maier?s vulnerable performance, has just been released from prison and hopes to start a new life in Gilead a small Wisconsin town whose only attraction is the golden colors of autumn on its clear cut forests.
Hope or the lack of it is the over-riding theme of this excellent production that dangles redemption like a carrot on a stick. Ultimately, the town, its inhabitants and Percy must face the consequences of their actions as expressed in the writings of the prophet, Jeremiah. "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
Pros: Director Randall Kramer has assured a successful production by "casting well" the seven characters that inhabit the well-crafted script.
In addition to Maier?s feisty portrayal there?s Sheila McCarthy as Hannah Ferguson, the curmudgeonly owner of the town?s only restaurant. She gets to sing two of the night?s most poignant songs, "Way Back Home" and "Forgotten Lullaby."
Playing against type, the affable Norm Sham is cast as Hannah?s nephew Caleb Thorpe, forever saddled with the disappoint of not being able to measure up to his cousin -? Hannah?s son, the town hero who went off to war and didn?t come back.
Debbie Pappas is Caleb?s mousy, insecure and brow beaten wife Shelby. When she finally breaks free of her husband?s domination, she sums up the journey that all the main characters must take. She expresses that journey in "When Hope Goes" her lament to the loss of her self-worth.
Sheriff Joe Sutter is played with sympathy and understanding by Adam Zelasko who transcends being just a hunky love interest for Percy. He has only one solo turn but it carries a nicely crafted "Forest for the Trees" which reveals his hopes and aspirations.
Lorraine O?Donnell-Gray gets most of the show?s laughs with her portrayal of Effy the town?s post-mistress and resident gossip. Doug Weyand plays the visitor.
I absolutely loved James Valca?s music and Fred Alley?s lyrics which utilized violin, cello and guitar in a style reminiscent of composer Adam Guettel?s Appalachia flavored musical, "Floyd Collins." Frequently the action is almost through-sung.
Clever integration of sound effects and music added to the rustic portrayal of the town that lost its pride and hope. The sounds of shovels, axes and brooms scraping the ground punctuated and underscored the lyrics. Music director Michael G. Hake and his trio of strings added yet another character to the story.
Chris Schenk?s set managed to look rustic, lived-in and appropriate while leaving the actors plenty of space to roam. It certainly added to the story and helped keep the direction crisp and fluid.
Cons: This sentimental story about the loss of small town American values may not be for those jaded by the political events of the past two presidential elections but, it is poignant without being sappy.
Summary: By the end of The Spitfire Grill, the town and its inhabitants take succor from the old African-American spiritual that affirms: "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead, To heal the sin sick soul."
Perhaps, it is asking too much of music, lyrics and story to bring revelations to an audience but there?s no denying the high quality of this touching work.
Rating: Four-and-a-half Stars (Five Star System)