THE SPITFIRE GRILL Taproot Theatre March 26, 2022 Eclectic Arts

The Spitfire Grill

Music and Book by James Valcq 

Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley

Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff

TAPROOT THEATRE
Seattle, WA
Review: Saturday 3/26/22 8pm Performance


Performances through April 30th, 2022

(Marlette Buchanan, Pam Nolte, Fune Tautala, Sarah Garcia, and Brian Pucheu in The Spitfire Grill at Taproot Theatre.  Photo by Robert Wade)

The new production at the Taproot Theatre is the musical “The Spitfire Grill”. Based on the film of the same name, the musical follows the character of Percy (played by Sarah Garcia), recently released from prison, who starts her new life in the town of Gilead. Percy is put to work at The Spitfire Grill which is owned and operated by Hannah (played by Pam Nolte).


The Spitfire Grill has been on the market for ten years with no takers. Percy, along with Shelby (played by Kelly Karcher) and Hannah, decide to raffle off the restaurant in an essay contest (with an entry fee per essay of course).


Along the way in this small town, the audience learns about each character's background, struggle, and their truth.


The first act of the musical sets up the second act quite well. The truths are revealed that add the emotional weight that connects the audience to the characters. At first, I felt more like an observer than a part of the story in the first act but by the time the reveals came, I was fully invested in the narrative.


As with the other musicals I’ve seen on the Taproot Theatre stage, the production easily could have been in front of thousands of patrons. The actors all had strong voices to go along with their acting chops. Yes, all of them. Having seen at least four of the actors in previous Taproot Theatre productions, it was wonderful to see them tackle their new roles and songs with powerful artistic interpretations.


Sarah Garcia was perfect as Percy. She really developed layers within the character which only got better as the production continued. She worked very well with Kelly Karcher’s character of Shelby.


I didn’t like Brian Pucheu’s character, which is to say as an actor he aced the role of Caleb (Shelby’s husband). Brian made him difficult to root for and easy to dislike - which is a testament to Brian’s performance.


Pam Nolte of course is going to bring her A-game to any role and the character of Hannah was no different. She brought veteran leadership to the stage which raised the bar for every actor around her.


Being a musician - major kudos to the live band that performed as well. I would have loved to have seen them come out and take a bow after the actors (perhaps this could be changed for future performances) as they surely deserved it. The musicianship was spot on and ovation worthy.


“The Spitfire Grill” will give you hope that things can turn out alright in this crazy world.


Recommended.


“The Spitfire Grill” runs through April 30th. Tickets are available:  HERE!


Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts

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