A Production That Shines

The Spitfire Grill – Refuge Theatre Project

 

Refuge Theatre Project’s latest offering, which deserves a second helping, doesn’t just touch your heart; it enfolds your soul in warmth and caresses you with its humanity. It’s impossible to enjoy this folksy musical without shedding a tear or feeling a lump in your throat. At its core, this little musical is about being alive. With music by James Valcq, lyrics by Fred Alley and a book co-adapted by these two from the film of the same name, this is a heartfelt story of redemption and hope. The composers eschewed a big, brassy score to instead create a gentle mixture of folk, country, pop and bluegrass, spiced with just a touch of Celtic influence. Musical director Jon Schneidman brings the lovely score to life, employing his skill on the piano, guitar and harmonica. This simple tale, although told primarily through its music, mainly rejoices in its quieter, more reflective moments.

As with Refuge Theatre’s past musicals, presented in environments that reflect the actual locales of each show (“High Fidelity,” for instance, was presented in a record store), director Christopher Pazdernik has wisely chosen to stage his immersive production in the tiny Windy City Cafe. In this intimate diner, the actors and accompaniment are mere inches from the audience. Indeed, the line between theatergoer and actor almost disappears as the theatergoer is made to feel at home and a part of the story. Collin Helou’s simple lighting conveys the earthiness of Gilead, Wisconsin, especially within the titular Grill. Coupled with Gina Francesca’s realistic costumes, Pazdernik takes us on a journey. The seasons along with the small town attitudes are at first cold but, like the Spring, gradually warm up with love and light.

The cast is exceptional. Each actor fully inhabits his character. Their powerful voices full of pain, eventual healing and blissful happiness. Lauren Paris carries the show as tough, ex-con Percy Talbott. As her own tragic story begins to meld with the suspicious, gossiping folks around her, Paris’ protective walls start to crumble and secrets are revealed. Katherine Condit is grounded, humane and spot-on as Hannah, the bitter, yet motherly owner of the Spitfire Grill; and lovely Emily Goldberg’s shy, withdrawn and badgered Shelby, is at once heartbreaking and hopeful. 

All three actresses display excellent, trained, subtly expressive voices. Ms. Paris’ “A Ring Around the Moon,” which opens the play, is stunning. Ms. Goldberg’s exquisite “When Hope Goes” explains to theatergoers how the town and its residents have changed over the years. The two women share their hopes and dreams in the wonderful “The Colors of Paradise.” In “Forgotten Lullaby,” Hannah finds that deep-seated memories have stirred up buried feeling and begin haunting her.

Completing the cast are handsome Alex Christ as Joe, the local sheriff and Percy’s parole officer. He sings of his own wishes for the future in “This Wide Woods.” Gerald Richardson plays Shelby’s abusive husband, a man who’s melancholy can be attributed to losing his job after the local quarry closed (“Digging Stone”). Matt Patrick is gentle and touching as the Stranger, a role guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. Nicole Michelle Haskins is very funny as Effy, the town’s big-voiced, outspoken postmistress and aggressive gossipmonger. Although this comic actress brings much humor to the production, Ms. Haskins sometimes tends to over-sing her role. In such a confined space, less is definitely more.

Christopher Pazdernik’s wonderful production is pitch perfect in every way. He presents a gorgeous story, with characters and music as welcome as any comfort food, in this heartwarming prelude to the arrival of Spring in Chicagoland. This is a must-see production, by gifted theatre company, that absolutely “Shines.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented March 23-May 5 by Refuge Theatre Project at The Windy City Cafe, 1062 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available  by going to www.refugetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.