Performance Preview Guide for The Spitfire Grill

Performances: July 18-27 at First Stage Theatre, 120 Front Street North, Issaquah

Patrons have different ideas of what material or themes are appropriate for them or their families. For this reason, we provide the following information:

The Program and Process The Village Theatre Summer Independent Production program is excited to present The Spitfire Grill. The Summer Independent Production is a program that allows young people ages 13-20 to produce a full-length show. The production team is composed entirely of students, who work with Village Theatre professionals in a mentorship program. Through this experience, the students learn how to direct, choreograph, build, and manage a professional production.

The Production The Spitfire Grill may not be appropriate for children ages 13 and under.

The Spitfire Grill is the story of a young woman’s and a small town’s re-birth after a scaring past. The show explores the various perspectives of each characters life as well as their specific dispositions about the town of Gilead. Ultimately, the story reflects a feeling of hope. Controversial subject matter includes violence, gambling, addictive behaviors, prison and language. The team has strived to treat the challenging material with respect to assure the story is compelling and honest.

Versions Available to Preview A script is available at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Box Office in Issaquah for you to read.

Synopsis The Spitfire Grill is based on the award-winning 1996 movie written and directed by Lee David Zlotoff. Freed on parole from a lonely prison cell, Percy Talbot's search for a fresh start leads her to the dusty town of Gilead, Wisconsin. When Percy gets a job in the Spitfire Grill, this unlikely hero reawakens not only her spirit, but also the dreams and passions of everyone around her. Full of folksy, uplifting music to soothe the American soul, including "A Ring Around the Moon," "Wild Bird," and "Shine." The Spitfire Grill is a breath of fresh country air

Script Content Details Please note: the following information contains plot spoilers.

Prison: On more than one occasion the fact that Percy has just left prison is mentioned.

Addictive Behavior: Percy attempts to smoke a cigarette. There is some drinking on stage.

Gambling: Some of the characters enter a contest where people send one hundred dollars and an essay to possibly win the Spitfire Grill. This results in some singing about gambling.

Description of Violence/Death: There is discussion of the death of Hannah’s son Eli who went MIA during the Vietnam War. There is also a description of Percy’s former life and the crime she committed; where she killed her stepfather with a razor blade.

Language: Some of the characters are a bit hot tempered which results in an occasional swear word. Examples: “damn” and “shit”.

Abuse: It is inferred that there is spousal abuse between one couple although it is not depicted on stage.