Book By James Valcq and Fred Alley
Lyrics By Fred Alley
Music By James Valcq and Fred Alley
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Director: Justin Giroux
Assistant Director: Kristin Mazzocca
Stage Manager: Jason Kriner
Music Director: Kristin Mazzocca
Assistant Music Director: Rosemary Allmann
From June 2 to June 18, 2023

Audition Notice: THE SPITFIRE GRILL
Audition Dates: Sunday, March 26th and Monday, March 27th at 7 PM

Audition form (PDF)

Show Dates:
Friday, June 2nd, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Friday, June 9th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 10th, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 10th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 11th, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Thursday, June 15th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 18th, 2023 at 2:00 PM

SYNOPSIS
Based on the hit 1996 film, The Spitfire Grill is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah's Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin' at the Spitfire Grill.

Available Roles:
PERCY TALBOTT – early to mid-20s. Strong-minded parolee determined to start over. Kind but feisty and perhaps a bit rough-edged, her past has given her wisdom and sadness beyond her years, (strong folk/country belt to 'D', and some head voice required.)

HANNAH FERGUSON – late 50s to 70s. The tough-skinned owner of the Spitfire Grill. A fiery old bird with a short, no-nonsense manner bordering on the bitter. (Mezzo/alto chest range.)

SHELBY THORPE – early to mid-30s. Caleb's meek, but soulful, wife. She begins to show confidence under Percy's influence. A plain, soft-faced creature with a shy, almost ethereal manner. (Shimmering folk soprano with strong high belt to 'D'.)

EFFY KRAYNECK – 40s to 50s. Gilead's Postmistress and resident busybody. A nosy and opinionated woman with narrow eyes and a sour tongue. (Solid singer in mezzo/alto chest range. Must be able to carry close harmony.)

CALEB THORPE – mid-30s to early 40s. Hannah's bitter nephew, an out-of-work foreman of the stone quarry. Fiercely protective of his aunt, he is frustrated as he loses control over most aspects of his life and tends to exert control over his wife. (Solid folk/rock baritone with an edge (Top 'G').

JOE SUTTER – mid-20s to 30s. The local sheriff and Percy's parole officer. A likeable sort with an appealing intensity and a restless nature, eager to leave the town of Gilead for good. (Strong folk tenor to a 'G' (touches an 'A').

THE VISITOR – mid-40 early 50's. An important, central, nonspeaking role requiring very strong acting ability. An actor with powerful eyes and a very strong sense of his body.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Song:
Please prepare 32 bars of any musical theatre song. The characters at the Spitfire Grill are all experiencing challenges in their lives, so a heartfelt song that touches upon something meaningful to you would be a great choice to showcase your emotional connection to the material. Feel free to show off character choices, different voices, facial expression, physicality and range.
Note – an accompanist is provided. Please bring in sheet music clearly marked. No recorded music please.

Accents: Most characters speak in a 'standard Mid-western' speech, without a noticeable accent. The actor playing Percy may speak in a southern Appalachian cadence, but this is not necessary.

Dance: Dance experience is not necessary. There will not be choreography or stylized dance in this production. We may add simple movement or playful/natural dance moves to enhance some of the musical numbers, but previous dance training is not needed.

Headshot and Resume: Please bring one copy of each if you are able.