A story of redemption and resilience takes the stage this weekend as Encore Musicals presents “The Spitfire Grill” at the Jack T. Wells Activity Center.
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff, the musical follows a young parolee seeking a fresh start in a small town. After finding work at the local diner, she begins a journey toward belonging and community.
Performances are scheduled for May 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., with a final matinee on May 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at encoreowensboro.com.
For Director Kevin Clayton-Brown, this production marks a decade-long journey with the material.
“This is my second time doing this show,” Clayton-Brown said. “The first time was 10 years ago as an actor.”
The production features a live orchestra composed of five local musicians under the direction of Lisa Clark. The cast represents a wide spectrum of experience, ranging from musical theater veterans with decades of performance history to newcomers who joined the craft within the last year. The dedication to the production spans state lines, with two cast members traveling from Evansville for every rehearsal.
“The Spitfire Grill” carries a unique history in the theatrical world. The original Off-Broadway production opened on Sept. 7, 2001, just four days before the 9/11 attacks. While its initial run closed a month later, the show found a second life in regional and community theaters, surpassing 900 productions worldwide.
The production features music and book by James Valcq with lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the original film by Lee David Zlotoff. Under the leadership of Clayton-Brown and Music Director Lisa Clark, the cast includes Abby Clayton-Brown, Susan Dant, Jordan Fulkerson, Jesse Hibbs, Collin Horn, Kayla Renee Kelley, and Ellie Pluckett.
