Ridgefield Theater Barn Will Host Connecticut Premier Of ‘Spitfire Grill’

RIDGEFIELD — On Friday evening, June 16, The Ridgefield Theater Barn will open its final mainstage production of the 2005-06 season with the magical new musical, The Spitfire Grill, based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff with music and book by James Valcq, lyrics and book by Fred Alley.

The show is being directed by E. Kyle Minor and co-produced by Gene Golaszewski and Craig David Rosen with musical direction by Aurora Marin.

The talented cast includes Cheryl Boyd, Laurie Brearley, Charlotte Delaney, Tom Devlin, Rick Hulswit, Suzanne Penepinto-Yankowitz, Peter Waugh.

Winner of the Richard Rogers Award for New American Musicals and New York Magazine’s choice as one of the Five Best Musicals of 2001, the play was also nominated for Drama Desk, Drama-League and New York Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical. Since its debut in 2000, The Spitfire Grill has become one of the most produced musicals in the nation, with productions in Chicago, Cincinnati, Seattle, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, San Francisco and — for the first time in Connecticut — in Ridgefield.

The Spitfire Grill is an upbeat, well-crafted show with an enjoyable folksy score that works hand-in-hand with its story of hope and redemption. The plot concerns Percy Talbot, a young woman with a troubled past, who arrives in Gilead, Wisc., to start a new life.

There she discovers that she is not the only one who is haunted by the past. Under the watchful eyes of the skeptical townspeople, she is befriended by Hannah — the feisty owner of the town’s only café, The Spitfire Grill — and Shelby, Hannah’s timid niece. Together this unlikely trio breathes new life into one another and the entire town.

Performances will run Friday and Saturday evenings, June 16 through July 15, at 8 pm, with Sunday matinees on June 25 and July 2 at 2 pm.

Seating at Ridgefield Theater Barn is cabaret style, so patrons are welcome to bring their own food and beverage; doors open at 7.

Tickets are $24 adults, $20 for seniors (62) and students.

Online ticketing is available at the theater’s website, TheaterBarn.org, which offers ticket availability and immediate confirmation of reservations. Reservations can also be made by leaving a message at 203-431-9850.

The theater barn is at 37 Halpin Lane. Directions are available online or at the phone number above.