“The Spitfire Grill”

[rating=4]Refuge Theatre Project, one of Chicago’s new theater companies, has been making a lot of “noise”. When I say “noise”, I am speaking in a POSITIVE way! this new company was founded with the goal of utilizing the appeal of musical theater to foster a broader and more accessible theater community. They produce their shows in “found” theater spaces creating a unique and very affordable, “only-in-Chicago theatrical experience. Hats off to them for the work they have brought to our city to date. Many became aware of this company when they produced “High Fidelity” manufacturing a record store on Ashland Avenue as their theater.

They are now doing “The Spitfire Grill” with a book by James Valcq and Fred Alley and music by Valcq with lyrics by Alley, on Chicago Avenue, in a real-life diner, the Windy City Café ( one of those breakfast/ lunch diners that close at 3 p.m.) which is very fitting as the play is about a small diner, named the Spitfire Grill. The size of the diner’s main dining room allows only 40 patrons to view each performance, making this a limited production, indeed. The diner itself is divided into two sections, so those who do come for the play, can order from a limited menu ( beverages and a few edibles) in the main room, pay, and then carry the purchase to the other area where the play will take place. These are general admissions booths and chairs, so I suggest you come early so you can get a better choice on your seat. This is definitely a “store-front” production!

Directed smoothly by Christopher Pazdernik, who utilizes the actual entrance of the restaurant ( second door) and the other parts of the dining room, this is a story about “second chances”. Based on a 1996 film, the story is about a young woman, Percy (powerful performance by Lauren Paris), who has just been paroled from prison. While in prison she tore a page out of a travel magazine that mentioned a town in Wisconsin, Gilead, where a new start would be ideal. So, this is where she headed. With the aid of the local sheriff , who is also her Parole Officer, Joe (deftly handled by Alex Christ) she lands a job at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. While Hannah( a lovely character study by Katherine Condit) is a bit reluctant to take on this parole, she does so and as time goes on, we see the change of heart in this woman’s feelings toward the “ex-con”.

Percy finds out that she is not the only person in this town that is in need of a second chance and as she becomes more involved with the townsfolk, we learn more about who they are and why they are the way they are. In fact, as we learn, the grill itself has been for sale with no response for ten years. Seems Hannah, who would have loved her son to inherit it, after losing him has decided to sell it, but to date no takers. Percy, along with her new friend and co-worker, Shelby ( the adorable Emily Goldberg, who has the voice of an angel), come up with the idea to offer a contest. People can send in $100 and a letter as to why they want the Spitfire Grill.

From this point on, the entire play is geared towards the change in the townspeople and their feelings about the ex-con. There are some other little stories that evolve from all this and some key surprises regarding another second chance and the entitlement to same. The musical numbers are not ones that you will hum on the way home or to be honest, even remember, but they are there to propel the story and its emotions. “Shoot The Moon” is probably the one that “might” stick in your brain, and “Wild Bird” is a beautiful piece. The music -a piano, guitar and harmonica, all handled by Musical Director Jon Schneidman, fill the diner with music and a hats-off to the props people for handling so many props ( Evan Frank and Ross Egan- great work!). Collin Helou did some amazing lighting things in this diner and I guess we need to give credit to the Windy City Diner for the set ( after all, this is their restaurant).

The other cast members were Gerald Richardson as Caleb and Nicole Michelle Haskins as the comic relief character, the nosy Effy, and last but not least, the “stranger” is played by Matt Patrick. This is an interesting character that should be paid attention to. He is vital to the story ( as it turns out).

This is a two- hour musical piece with a 15 minute intermission. Perhaps it could be cut down to 90 minutes with no break for a tighter production. I am sure there are few numbers that can be cut without hurting the story being told. The seating is not the most comfortable as half of us were in booths and the rest in chairs lined up facing the other booths ( where the action takes place). There were times that my neck was hurting as I had to turn all the way around to see the back of the room. While the Windy City Café is a great spot for this show, it is not like sitting in a theater seat, so dress comfortable and bring a pillow or cushion.

“The Spitfire Grill” will continue at the Windy City Café located at 1062 West Chicago Avenue ( at Milwaukee Avenue and Elston) thru May 5th with performances as follows:

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  8 p.m.

Sundays  7 p.m.

Industry night-Monday, April 16th  7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 ( open seating) and can be reserved at www.refugetheatre.com

Parking is a bit of a problem – watch the meters and the signs, The blue line is right there, so that might be the best way to get to the theater and there are few dining spots in walking distance.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Spitfire Grill”