Meadow Brook Theatre Presents THE SPITFIRE GRILL

A newcomer has arrived in quiet Gilead. She raises her new neighbors' suspicions, as strangers in small towns do, but Percy is a breath of fresh air in the small, Wisconsin town. The musical The Spitfire Grill tells Percy's story, as well the Spitfire Grill's. The owner wants to sell, but there are no takers.

"That's when Percy suggests to Hannah-the owner of the grill-that she raffle the grill off," explains MBT director, Travis Walter. "People are asked to write an essay on why they want the grill. The best essay will win. As word spreads and the mail starts pouring in."

The Spitfire Grill with music and book by James Valcq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, runs February 13 through March 10, 2019, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

"The music is very moving," says Walter, who also directs The Spitfire Grill. "I think our audience will enjoy the sounds and stories. It's a powerful show, but also playful at times."

Emily Hadick plays Percy with Mary Robin Roth as Hannah. The rest of the cast includes Cory Cunningham (Joe), Dan Fenaughty (Caleb), Kimberly Rachelle Harris (Effy), Larissa Klinger (Shelby) and Michael Brian Ogden (The Visitor).

The Spitfire Grill is directed by Travis W. Walter, with musical direction by Jeffrey Campos. Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager with scenic design by Kritsen Gribbin, costume design by Liz Goodall, lighting design by Phillip Hall and sound design by Mike Duncan.

Jeffrey Campos also plays keyboard. The remainder of the band is comprised of Michael McGillivray (violin), Joan Hovda (cello), Sig Helper (guitar/mandolin) and John Orischak (accordion).

Tickets range from $30 to $45 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

The Spitfire Grill is made possible through the generous support of Extended Stay Hotels, The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com or call 248-377-3300. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years.

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