Stone Soup Theatre Company's "The Spitfire Grill" Paints a Realistic Picture of Small-Town Life

Morgan Parpan, Mickey Reed, and Meg Laskey star in Stone Soup Theatre Company's Production of The Spitfire Grill.

Starting over is a scary prospect for anyone. For Percy (Meg Laskey), the protagonist of The Spitfire Grill, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff and onstage now through Stone Soup Theatre Company, under the direction of Melissa S. Craib Dombrowski, it’s downright terrifying. Yet, “starting over” is exactly where she’s at when she arrives in small-town Gilead, Wisconsin, following a stint in prison. Luckily, the local sheriff, Joe, played by an endearing Brady Bowman, is there to greet her and help her get started on the right foot. He introduces Percy to Hannah (Mickey Reed), the owner of the titled grill.

This all-important restaurant, around which the entire story revolves, is beautifully brought to life in the intimate space of The Center Theater. The rustic set, designed by James Vollers and Melissa Dombrowski, features vintage beer posters, cozy tables, and a warm, welcoming feel. It is here that Percy meets her friend, Shelby (Morgan Parpan); Shelby’s domineering husband, Caleb (Bruce Rosenbloom); and the town’s gossiping mailwoman, Effie (Hannah Lingafelt).

When Hannah suffers a fall, Percy is left with no choice but to take over the Spitfire Grill herself. And, while she faces many challenges along the way, Shelby is there to help. Plus, Percy gets to find out at least a little bit more about the mysterious “visitor” (Tristan Smith) who lurks outside the restaurant . . . as well as about herself and her changing place in the world.

What unfolds is a beautiful tale of hope, redemption, and self-discovery, not just for Percy, but for the many lives she touches. Laskey’s characterization ranges from funny—particularly when Percy is flustered—to profoundly emotional. During the pivotal scene in which she reveals why her character spent time in prison, she handles the monologue with incredible tenderness and vulnerability. Likewise, Parpan’s Shelby is instantly likable, and viewers will root for their friendship and their empowerment. Together, these two talented women bring a fun “girl power” feel to the show.

Once the two have the restaurant (mostly) under control, they learn that Hannah has been trying to get rid of the grill. They cook up a scheme to “raffle” it off to the person who can write the best essay explaining why they want it. This decision throws the whole town, especially the incredibly nosey Effie, into an uproar. Fortunately, Lingafelt never wastes a chance to add humor with her snooping, determined portrayal. Reed makes for a nice, no-nonsense counterpart, though, like Laskey, she knows how to effortlessly shift into her character’s softer, more emotional side as well.

As the raffle essays pour in, James Valcq’s music and Fred Alley’s poignant lyrics, aided and intensified by gorgeous live orchestrations, really ramp up. While every song is effective at moving the story along, some later selections are especially touching and beautiful, and this cast has the talent to deliver them effectively. Bowman and Laskey are particularly adept singers, and Rosenbloom’s baritone is one of the highlights of the production.

And, speaking of those later scenes, they contain quite a few surprises. To say too much would spoil the fun, but suffice it to say that everything is wrapped up nicely. With mysteries solved and questions answered, viewers are left with a renewed sense of hope. However, Valcq’s well-written book never shies away from some of the harsher realities of the human experience. Instead, he creates a  well-rounded, honest story that paints a realistic picture of small-town life. He just remembers to include the beautiful parts as well.

This charming, original musical is proof that community theatre can produce a magic all its own. The show runs through June 9th, so don’t miss your chance to take a seat and enjoy a drink at The Spitfire Grill.

-Susie Potter