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Gossip, Drama Aplenty at 'The Spitfire Grill'

Solo-Driven Drama Now Playing at Fort Peck Summer Theatre

When an ex-con arrives in a small Wisconsin town, rumors run rife. But, could this hardened criminal be exactly what this town teetering on the edge of oblivion needs?

Thus unfolds "The Spitfire Grill," now showing at Fort Peck Summer Theatre.

"The story line follows a young woman by the name of Percy, who has fallen on some hard times," said Director Pam Veis. "She is actually just released from prison."

Veis was mum about the reason Percy was incarcerated, leaving that detail to be discovered by the audience during the show.

"She circles a town on a map to start fresh," Veis said. "She chooses Gilead, Wisconsin, which is really down and out and pretty bleak. Of course, she is the newcomer. Everybody knows she was released from prison. There is a lot of gossip. But, The Spitfire Grill is one of the only places to work and the only place to eat in Gilead."

The greasy spoon is managed by Hannah, a "feisty older woman" portrayed by Alicia Bullock-Muth. Hannah is none to pleased with this uninvited guest who has blown into town from points unknown.

"The parole officer hands Percy over to Hannah and there are all kinds of gossip and coffee that happens, small town stuff," Veis said. "I think any small town in America can relate to this, including any small town in Montana."

The cast includes Taylor Noll as Percy, Brittany Archambeault, Alicia Bullock-Muth, Chae Clearwood, Darren Green, Andy Meyers and Jay Michael Roberts.

The cast and crew spent last week working out the kinks for the production. Their final full dress rehearsal was Thursday.

"There were things that could change for opening night," Bullock-Muth said. "Bad dress [rehearsals] makes for good performances. There were some hiccups with props and little things like that."

The two said they were ready for Friday's debut.

The play celebrates second chances, Veis said.

"Some of the themes are heavy. There is a quick scene, which is very sad. And then, a song follows. There is a lot of drama. I have never read a script before that reads so much like a novel, even though it is sung."

Other themes are "renewal, forgiveness and hope," Veis added. "It is a really heartwarming, uplifting story, and it is largely sung. The music is folksy-bluesy, with some ballads thrown in. It is really nice."

Musical Director Luree Green-Chappell has been astounded by the musical talent of the seven member cast, she said.

"It is amazing. I listened to the Off-Broadway recordings and they were alright. Then, I worked with these guys. They are so much better than any recording I have ever heard of this show."

The cast "came to rehearsals knowing a lot of the music already," Green-Chappell added. "My job was, really, to line up entrances and stylize their tone. I have listened to them, taught them, helped tweak and analyze everything like 1,000 times by now, so it is all I hear as I go to bed at night."

There is no auto-tune in live production theatre, and no second chances.

"Thankfully there is not a whole lot of choreography in this show," Green-Chappell said. "It is very story driven. It is not a big song and dance show. It is really about relationships in this town. The music just helps really tell the story. Listen to the lyrics because it is telling a lot of what is going on in the town."

The show is solo-driven, Green-Chappell continued.

"There is not a lot of ensemble stuff," she said. "It is much more emotional. They really are delivering the lyrics from their gut. There is not a lot of harmonies. We are just really listening to how we can deliver the song rather than perfect pitch and perfect technical stuff."

The actors and actresses sing with their hearts on their sleeve during each performance, Green-Chappell said.

"If you don't cry during this show, you are dead inside."

BRINGING IT TO LIFE

The cast digs deep to bring forth the complex emotions they are portraying, said Noll and Bullock-Muth. Knowing what drives the characters helps immensely, they added.

"Learning the story - it is touching, just to read it at first," Noll said. "Then, once you have really delved into why everyone is doing what they are doing, you get the human heart behind it. You realize, these are normal people. This happens in real life. It is easy to get in touch with a real person."

Bullock-Muth often delves into her personal history to relate to Hannah.

"The writing is so superb. I relate to memories in my own life or experiences. I am old enough to have stuff like that. That really helps your recall feelings."

Much of the emotions are conveyed through facial expressions, even if the thespians are unaware.

"I never think about the facial expressions," Bullock-Muth said. "I just think about what I am thinking as the character."

Noll agreed.

"It just comes."

This stage version of "The Spitfire Grill" alters slightly from the movie version, which was released back in 1996, Veis said.

"This is a little bit different. The ending is a bit different. There is a twist. There is all kinds of interesting stuff. Then, there are love interests. It covers the whole gamut. It is a lot. It is good stuff. I think people are going to be really able to relate to this show."

The drama includes moments of levity and mild-adult language.

"There are a couple [cuss-words], but it is appropriate," Veis said. "I don't think anyone would have any problems with bringing their kids."

Fort Peck Summer Theatre is at 201 Missouri Avenue, in Fort Peck.

The 2021 Season continues with:

• Baskerville (opening July 16).

• Godspell: July 28 – 31

• Terms of Endearment: August 20 – September 5

 

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