BSC Theatre’s “Spitfire Grill” Examines Hope in a Time of Change

For Immediate Release
Apr. 20, 2022

Birmingham-Southern College’s production of “The Spitfire Grill” opens Thursday, April 28 and runs through Sunday, May 1. Based on a 1996 movie, the show features lyrics by Fred Alley and music by James Valcq and tells the story of recently paroled Percy who comes to town seeking a fresh start. The folk musical is the story of an ember of hope that brings a whole community back into the light.

The show is directed by Lusie Cuskey, visiting assistant professor of theatre, and music directed by Samuel J. Tumminello.

“The Spitfire Grill is that rare gem of a musical that offers both a sweet, crowd-pleasing story and real substance for audiences and actors alike,” Cuskey says. “The musical is firmly entrenched in its context, a rural Wisconsin town weathering the many post-Vietnam changes to economic and social systems, and the story beautifully illustrates the ways in which macro-scale movements impact daily lives. In addition to navigating a folk score with close harmonies, actors have had the challenge of inhabiting characters that require deep social and historical framing.”

The production has incorporated swings and understudies from the beginning of the process – almost every named character has an understudy who is ready to step on at any time, with swings covering the ensemble roles if an ensemble member must go on as an understudy.

“Understudies and swings have always been vital in the field, but they've been receiving a lot more mainstream media attention in the past few months with COVID so frequently hitting cast members in major commercial productions,” Cuskey says.

The cast includes BSC students Sara Kaye Carpenter as Percy, Audrey Chatfield as Shelby, James McKay as Joe, Mark Middleton as The Visitor, and Shyla Williams as Effy. The crew includes BSC students Daniel Blake as assistant light designer, Mary Kate Brooks as props crew head, and Tivona Thomas as wardrobe/dresser.

“The Spitfire Grill” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 28, 29, & 30 and at 2:30 p.m. May 1 in the College Theatre Mainstage. Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 for students. Reserve tickets by calling the Theatre Box Office at (205) 226-4780 or purchase online here. Box Office hours are 1-4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.