Showtunes Presents THE SPITFIRE GRILL In Concert at The Cornish Playhouse

Showtunes Theatre Company will continue its new partnership this season with The Cornish Playhouse as they feature a concert production of The Spitfire Grill, with music by James Valcq, lyrics by Fred Alley, and a book by both artists. The Spitfire Grill continues Showtunes' theme for its 19th season, "Underestimated - Stories about Redefining the Rules," and will feature some of Seattle's amazing actresses in this powerful, intimate story of healing and hope. Directed by Jessica Spencer and with music direction by RJ Tancioco, the show will have four performances only: Saturday, May 4 at 8pm, Sunday, May 5 at 2pm, Saturday, May 11 at 8pm, and Sunday, May 12 at 2pm.

Based on the award-winning film by Lee David Zlotoff, The Spitfire Grill depicts the journey of a young woman just released from prison who decides to start her life anew in a rural Wisconsin town. She finds a place for herself working at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. The diner is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town. Newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off, with the best essay on "why you want the grill" inheriting the diner. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow, and Percy's ability to see beauty and worth in both the town and the people grows, while the townspeople have epiphanies of their own.

When the show debuted Off Broadway in 2001, it received numerous nominations from the Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and Drama Desk awards. It also received a good deal of critical praise, including this quote from John Simon of New York Magazine: "It is not often that material moves me to tears, but this was one of those occasions. The Spitfire Grill has the heart and soul that your Producers and Full Montys cannot begin to approach. What even in normal times would be a joy is, in these troubled ones, sheer nourishment."

RJ Tancioco, Showtunes' Music Director for The Spitfire Grill, summed up his deep love for and appreciation of this show: "The story for me is about second chances, forgiveness and retribution. It is about the ferocity of living fully, no matter what the odds. I have found myself identifying with all the characters at some point in my life." Director Jessica Spencer added, "When I think about this show overall the most striking theme that always touches my heart is the reminder that we are not alone, no matter where our circumstances or choices have led us."

The music of The Spitfire Grill is driven by an incredible folk and bluegrass score, which will be presented in its original, full form in this production. Alvin Klein of The New York Times had this to say about the music of Spitfire: "The warm, indigenous American folk sound of Mr. Valcq's score is, harmonically and melodically, as theatrical as it is grass roots...the musical is freeing. It is penetrated by honesty and it glows."

This concert presentation of The Spitfire Grill features Tori Gresham in the role of newcomer Percy Talbott, Suzi Hunt as diner owner Hannah Ferguson, Nicholas Tarabini as Sheriff Joe Sutter, MJ Sieber as Hannah's nephew Caleb Thorpe, Mallory King as Shelby Thorpe, Alexandria Henderson as Gilead's postmistress Effy Krayneck, and Fune Tautala as The Visitor.

The production team for The Spitfire Grill includes Associate Music Director and show pianist/conductor Claire Marx, Sound Designer Lisa Finkral, Set/Lighting Designer Christopher Mumaw, Costume Coordinator Brynne McKeen, and Stage Manager Melissa Hamasaki.

Single tickets ($30-$45) are available now exclusively through Showtunes Theatre's online Vendini portal: http://bit.ly/2N7etHV. For group sales information, contact Alex Robinson, alex@showtunestheatre.org. On performance days, the Box Office will open 90 minutes prior to curtain for in-person purchases using cash, check or credit card.

Due to some of the mature themes in The Spitfire Grill, Showtunes Theatre Company is regarding the show as PG-13. The main characters in the story come from difficult backgrounds, and the musical contains mentions of murder as well as sexual and physical abuse. You'll want to consider this when deciding whether to bring your children under 13 to the show.

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