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Regional Reviews: St. Louis The Spitfire Grill Also see Richard's review of Heisenberg
Yes, this is an unadulterated rave. But as the story grows, another dimension, or question, arises: how can the pure joy that organically develops onstage here exist side-by-side with all the troubles of the world? For, even as a happy remedy comes along, so does exposure to every kind of earthly heartache, in letters from around the country, from people hoping for a better life. Nevertheless, joy persists—partly because of the beautiful music and wry lyrics of James Valcq and Fred Alley (who also teamed for the libretto), with songs that are rustic and exuberant without being precious. And there is quiet, layered realism in the entire production. Under the direction of Ken Clark, the thrill of renewed life comes as a gentle promise, despite an earthly veil of tears: To save a small, neglected restaurant, a nationwide raffle is held, and many heartbreaking tales arrive in the mail from would-be owners, along with their entrance fees. The wonderful Kathy Boozer Fugate is Hannah, owner of the diner in Gilead, Wisconsin. She reminds us of a plainspoken, silvery-voiced Barbara Cook circa the 1990s. And Stefanie Kluba is remarkable in her acting and singing as Percy, the hard-edged Detroiter who's just spent five years in a women's correctional facility. (She begins the play behind iron bars before a glorious, hopeful tone emerges from stubborn ground.) Hannah and Percy are brought together by gawky young Sheriff Joe Sutter (played by the adorable Colin Dowd, a surprisingly adept singer), who ends up spending a lot of time at the diner over the course of the nearly two-and-a-half hour show. So does the local postmaster and town gossip, Effy Krayneck, played by the delightful Trish Nelke (no relation to the long-time Florissant choreographer Dodie Nelke). But some traditions live on, and Ike Eichenberger is once again the musical director, drawing a beautiful sound from all concerned. Joining Hannah and Percy in staffing the diner is Melanie Kozak, as Shelby (she may remind you, in her callow earnestness, of the novitiate in Sister Act, Mary Robert). Danny Brown plays her husband Caleb (Hannah's nephew) and, though he may not remind you of anyone famous, he is excellent as every guy in the Rust Belt who never was. All of them proceed, reluctantly, out of a world of despair into the unknown, and toward something better. A remarkably strong production, The Spitfire Grill runs through November 12, 2017, at the Florissant Civic Center at 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant MO. For more information visit www.hawthorneplayers.com. Cast: Orchestra: Artistic Staff: |
