The Spitfire Grill: A Musical Treat for the Soul
By: Marcia Dean Beck

Veteran Valley Performing Arts director, Larry Bottjen, has done it again with his newest gem, The Spitfire Grill.

VPA patrons will most certainly remember VPA's outstanding musical production of The Beauty and the Beast. Also directed by Bottjen, it was a smash success with its vibrant costumes, elaborate sets, and cast of thousands. While the Spitfire Grill is a musical, the similarities between the two plays cease there. Featuring one set, simple costumes, and a tight cast of seven, The Spitfire Grill relies on a balance of gritty realism countered with whimsical symbolism to enthrall the audience. Whereas Beauty was a treat for the senses, Spitfire is a treat for the soul.

The Spitfire Grill is a complex play, housing timeless identifiable themes like an economically depressed small town, a child lost to war, and a marriage on the rocks. Masterfully, Bottjen never lets the play's serious themes become too heavy. The play shifts easily between lighthearted one-liners and profoundly dramatic moments. The troubled yet engaging characters immediately captivate the audience. Bottjen has assembled an incredible cast who present their characters with depth and sincerity. And, oh, can they sing!

Taking place in the fictional town of Gilead, Wisconsin, the play begins with a haunting opening number, sung by the jaded heroine Perchance Talbot (portrayed by Heather Whittington). Recently released from jail, Percy arrives in Gilead with the hopes of making a fresh start. Gaining employment at the Spitfire Grill, she finds unlikely kinship with its owner, Hannah (played by Bonnie Honkola), and Hannah's niece-in-law, Shelby (Tammy McCallion). Hannah wishes to sell the grill, and the three devise a contest to raffle it off. For the entry fee of $100, contestants must write an essay as to why they should win the grill. The best essay wins the contest and the grill.

Heather Whittington shines as Percy, the unwitting and unlikely savior of Gilead. Heather has lived in the Valley for one year and this is her first VPA production. Although she holds a Masters Degree in Kinesiology, Heather's true calling is the stage. The vocal training she received as a child is clearly evident in her portrayal of Percy. In her musical numbers, she reveals the paradoxical aspects of Percy's personality: tough yet vulnerable, melancholy yet hopeful.

Sharing the stage with Heather's Percy is the meek and brow-beaten Shelby, played by Tammy McCallion. Last seen on stage as the wise-cracking nun from the Bronx in Nunsense, McCallion demonstrates her range as an actress in her portrayal of the depressed Shelby. Her submissive facial expressions, slouched posture, and dreary clothing convincingly combine to create Shelby's lonely and defeated demeanor. Initially, the feisty Percy and the meek Shelby are foils for one another. Seemingly opposite, their friendship softens Percy and liberates Shelby. At the conclusion of their duet "Colors of Paradise", Percy literally and figuratively lifts Shelby up by the hand.

The third member in on the plot to raffle the grill is its surly owner, Hannah Ferguson. Bonnie Honkola plays Hannah whose gruff exterior hides a whimsical soul. Skillfully, Honkola reveals Hannah as a tough-talking, bitterly independent woman who is finding redemption and salvation in her alliance with Percy and Shelby. The trio's song, "Shoot the Moon" is energetic and inspiring.

Also included in the cast is Evan Franulavich who plays Hannah's nephew and Shelby's husband, Caleb. Radiating stage presence, Franulavich presents the conflicted and domineering Caleb like a caged animal. In his solo, "Digging Stone", Franulavich owns the stage as he emits tangible tension as a man not able to provide for his family. Unbelievably, The Spitfire Grill is his first musical. VPA veteran Garry Forrester plays Joe-the-Sheriff. With a voice and character which are pure and true, Forrester presents the likeable Joe who yearns for something more. The town's chief busy-body and rumor-spreader Effie Krayneck, is the irreplaceable Patty Taylor. Always a delight on stage, Taylor cleverly allows some levity with Effie during the play's heavier moments. Finally, Tommy Johnson rounds out the ensemble cast as the mysterious man in the woods.

In addition to assembling an incredibly talented cast, Bottjen also steeps subtle but powerful symbolic gestures to highlight the play's themes. As hope grows, the stage brightens and Shelby's wardrobe becomes gently infused with color. Gilead means testimony on the hill and the emotional climax takes place on the hill. Furthermore, Bottjen's set designer, DeLena Johnson's use of the suspended windows is origional and allows effortless flow and movement of the characters.

Finally, many congratulations must be given to Megan Webb and Blaine Lee, the accompanists and instrumentalist of the play. Woven in the fabric of the play, the music captures the essence of quintessential Americana. From the heartfelt ballads to the gentle melodies which enhance the mood, the music provides a soothing backdrop to the action of the play. Like a favorite quilt, the music warms and comforts both the characters and the audience.

Rarely does a play shine on so many levels. The extraordinary musical capabilities of the cast are fulfilling on their own. Yet it is the moral message of The Spitfire Grill which touches the soul. It is hard to find one word which adequately captures the essence of the play. The power of hope? Redemption? Forgiveness? Theatre-goers will find their own message and be surprisingly and deeply moved. Don't forget to bring a tissue.

Tickets are available at Valley Performing Arts' Machentanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Ave. in Wasilla, by phone at 373-0195 or at www.valleyperformingarts.org. Performances run weekends from Jan. 16th to Feb. 15th 2009.