Photo Flash: Musical Theatre Guild's One-Night-Only Staging of THE SPITFIRE GRILL

Musical Theatre Guild, the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critic's Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in the theatre, continued their 21st Anniversary Season with the award-winning Off-Broadway musical THE SPITFIRE GRILL. The one-night-only concert took place at Glendale's historic Alex Theatre on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Scroll down for photos!

Based on the 1996 film, THE SPITFIRE GRILL tells the story of Percy Talbot, who is attempting to find a place to make a fresh start after spending five years in prison. Inspired by a page from an old travel book, she travels to a small Wisconsin town where she finds a job at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. But the Spitfire Grill is for sale and with no interested buyers, Hannah decides to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. This musical triumph is a heart-felt and inspiring celebration of new beginnings and the power of what one person can do.

With music by James Valcq, lyrics by Fred Alley and a book by Valcq and Alley, THE SPITFIRE GRILL premiered at Playwright's Horizon in 2001 after a workshop production at New Jersey's George St. Playhouse. Tragically, just weeks before they were to start, Valcq suffered a heart attack and died. The show would go on to win the Richard Rodgers Production Award as well as being nominated for several Outer Critic Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Awards.

THE SPITFIRE GRILL starred Musical Theatre Guild company members Alyssa M. Simmons (Percy), Marsha Kramer (Hannah), Marc Ginsburg (Joe), Melissa Lyons Caldretti (Shelby), Eileen Barnett (Effy), Christopher Carothers (Caleb), Glenn Shiroma (The Visitor) with guest artist Tara Battani providing narration. The concert was directed by Linda Kerns with musical direction by Brent Crayon and was under the production supervision of David Crane.

The Musical Theatre Guild's 21st season continues with HALLELUJAH, BABY! (February 12, 2017) and STATE FAIR (May 7, 2017).

Photo Credit: Alan Weston

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