Refuge Theatre Project Presents THE SPITFIRE GRILL Review – Intimate, Inventive Theatre

Refuge Theatre Project continues its mission of bringing unique theatrical experiences to its audience with its production of THE SPITFIRE GRILL. This intimate musical set mostly inside a diner keeps the audience close, both literally and figuratively. 

DARK AND INTIMATE STORY

The musical centers on a woman named Percy who has just been released from prison. She chooses the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin to begin her new life. Upon arrival, Percy becomes employed at the only local eatery, the titular Spitfire Grill. Percy soon becomes entangled in the small town’s happenings and the lives of its residents. Mystery surrounds her as she keeps most of her life’s details to herself and remains in the dark about the diner owner’s past as well.

REFUGE THEATRE COMPANY’S ORGANIC SETTINGS

As per its mission, Refuge Theatre Company sets productions in organic environments that fit the story. The Windy City Cafe, an actual working diner, provides the venue for this show. Audience members sit in actual diner booths among salt and pepper shakers and packets of jam. The small space provides a perfect arena for the amazing unamplified singing and music. Music director Jon Schneidman plays the piano, guitar and harmonica (sometimes all at the same time) bringing an extra layer of harmonious closeness between the characters and the audience. At times, the actors are so close to the audience, the line between the fake diner and the real diner simply disappears.

Creative lighting design is key to creating the realistic atmosphere of a diner at different times of the day. The colors and timing of light changes are masterfully created by lighting designer Collin Helou. The actual lights over each booth move and change seamlessly with the action of the play. The actual entrances and exits come in directly from the street. The realness of the piece is immeasurable.

A CAST FULL OF TALENT

The small cast is full of amazing talent. Lauren Paris leads this show through its darkness with grace and just the right amount of brutal sadness. She brings the audience along on Percy’s journey through her second chance at finding happiness with obvious affection for the character and genuine admiration for the story. Emily Goldberg is both strong and sweet as Shelby; a woman dealing with trying to be herself despite her life with a controlling husband. Nicole Michelle Haskins provides a much-needed laugh every time she makes one of her glorious entrances as the town busybody.

The show is definitely a one of a kind experience, as are all productions by one of Chicago’s most ambitious theatre companies. You will never see a production of this show in this manner anywhere else.

Editor's Note-- Click here to find more Picture This Post reviews by Stephanie Dykes.