THERE’S A HOT HIT COOKING IN ROSS
In ancient biblical texts, Gilead is not only a place of final peace, but also invokes healing and hope. How appropriate that playwrights James Valcq and Fred Alley chose this name as the location of The Spitfire Grill, a café in a down-on-its-luck small town, grown smaller by the exodus of industry and population. As one of the characters bemoans “This is a place for leaving, not for coming to.”
Kyle Stoner as Sheriff Joe Sutter
Directed by Jay Manley for Ross Valley Players at The Barn Theatre, the voices in this terrific musical are top-notch, with the harmonies especially delightful. The cast portrays seemingly ordinary yet multi-layered personalities who vacillate between amusement, angst, anger, and care. A heartfelt and beautifully performed production, The Spitfire Grill is a triumph from start to finish. And more than a musical; it’s a drama with many nuggets of wisdom.
Kyra Lynn Kozlenko as Percy Talbott
When Percy, a young stranger, steps off the bus and takes a job at the Spitfire Grill—the town’s only café—she instantly raises suspicion. Why is she here? And why does the local sheriff keep such a close watch on her?
The townspeople soon discover that Percy has recently been released from prison and has chosen Gilead as her new home. Drawn by a travel magazine’s photo showcasing the small town’s breathtaking autumn colors, she arrives instead in the harsh grip of a Wisconsin winter. But despite the cold welcome and frigid landscape, Percy is determined to start over in a place where no one knows her. The fall foliage can wait—her fresh start comes first.
Brad Parks as Caleb Thorpe, Kyle Stoner as Sheriff Joe Sutter
and Kelly Ground as Hannah FergusonThe Spitfire Grill captivates from the very first note, opening with Percy’s haunting rendition of “Ring Around the Moon,” beautifully sung by Kyra Lynn Kozlenko in the stark light and shadows of a jail cell. This poignant moment seamlessly transitions into her interrogation by Sheriff Joe, played with a perfect balance of authority and empathy by Kyle Stoner. Despite the skepticism of the café’s tough-as-nails owner, Hannah—portrayed with grit and warmth by Kelly Ground—Joe arranges for Percy to work at the Spitfire Grill. Hannah’s doubts prove valid when Percy confesses, “I never cooked a meal that didn’t start in a can.” Kozlenko and Ground, both AEA actors, elevate the entire production with their outstanding performances.
Kyra Lynn Kozlenko as Percy Talbott and Juliannne Bretan as Shelby Thorpe
The show truly soars when Percy and her new friend Shelby (Julianne Bretan) deliver a breathtaking rendition of “The Colors of Paradise.” Meanwhile, Brad Parks brings raw intensity to Caleb, Shelby’s unemployed husband, with his powerful solo, “Digging Stone.” Adding humor and energy, Jane Harrington steals every scene as the town gossip, her comedic timing matched by a stellar vocal performance. Without uttering a single word, Bradley Marwick conveys volumes with his presence alone. The entire ensemble brings the house down with the rousing Act I finale, “Shoot the Moon.”
Brad Parks as Caleb Thorpe
Who could deny that when hope fades, hearts close? Yet Percy’s fresh perspective awakens something in the town, allowing its jaded residents to see new possibilities. As hope rekindles, the colors of what could be come into focus.
Kelly Ground as Hannah Ferguson and Kyra Lynn Kozlenko as Percy Talbott
The production cooks along smoothly and seamlessly with the addition of Nick Brown’s onstage band of keyboard, violin, and guitar. Cleverly using the side wings as a forest, Ron Krempetz‘s café set—built by Michael Walraven—evokes a past era. Bruce Viera’s sound includes the tinkling bell as characters go in and out of the café. Loved this attention to detail.
If you’re hungry for meaty characters, refreshing voices and a sweet-and-salty ending, don’t miss The Spitfire Grill.
photos by Robin Jackson
The Spitfire Grill
Ross Valley Players
The Barn Theater, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross
ends on February 23, 2025
for tickets, visit Ross Valley Players
