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 $100.00, 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 Honkala plays Hannah whose gruff exterior hides a whimsical soul. Skillfully,
Honkala 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 Calab 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. Joe-the Sherriff is played by VPA
veteran Garry Forrester. 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 Talyor. 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 additional 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 original 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 just one word which adequately captures the essence
of the play. The power of hope? Redemption? Forgiveness? Theatre-goers with find
their own message and be moved. Don’t forget to bring a tissue.

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