‘The Spitfire Grill’ at Cabrillo Playhouse

OC Theatre Guild
31 minutes ago
4 min read

Musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of fresh starts and the power of what one person can do.

From left: Ramy Alhawari and Mimi Franks. Photo courtesy of Cabrillo Playhouse

By Anne Reid

Cabrillo Playhouse will open its production of “The Spitfire Grill” this summer, bringing the acclaimed musical about redemption, forgiveness and finding home to its intimate San Clemente stage.

Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, “The Spitfire Grill” features music and book by James Valcq and book and lyrics by Fred Alley. After serving a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter, Percy Talbott arrives in the struggling Wisconsin town of Gilead looking for a fresh start.

The local sheriff, who also serves as her parole officer, finds her a job at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill, the town’s only diner, which is also for sale. When Hannah decides to raffle off the restaurant after failing to find a buyer, hopeful entrants from across the country begin sending essays explaining why they deserve to win, changing not only the future of the diner but also the lives of those around it.

The musical premiered Off-Broadway in 2001, earning critical acclaim and the Richard Rodgers Production Award. Its folk-inspired score and themes of second chances, found family and healing have made it a favorite among regional theaters.

From Left: Mary Grant, MiKayla Thomas-Turner and Mimi Franks. Photo courtesy of Cabrillo Playhouse

Director Ella Behrens said she was immediately drawn to the show because it gave her the opportunity to approach material she had never seen performed.

"I love directing shows I've never seen before," Behrens said. "It really allows me to go at it completely unaffected by any other productions and without any preconceived notions of what it should be. Plus, the music is gorgeous and the themes of forgiveness, found family and redemption are timeless."

Although Behrens previously directed Cabrillo's interactive murder mystery at Casino San Clemente, this marks her first production inside Cabrillo Playhouse. She previously performed in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the theater nearly two decades ago and directed youth productions there through another organization.

Cabrillo Producing Artistic Director Michael Lopez said Behrens' collaborative approach and storytelling made her a natural choice to return.

"This is the second show that Ella has directed for us," Lopez said. "She has a great work ethic, actors like working with her and she has a good eye and talent for keeping the action onstage moving and never stagnant."

Rather than portraying Percy as simply innocent, Behrens said she wanted audiences to see a young woman shaped by hardship. "She also has quite an edge," she said. "She is gritty, wild, guarded and has seen a lot in her short life. The character really needs to reflect that."

That realism extended to the casting process, where Behrens looked for performers who could combine emotional vulnerability with strong vocal performances.

"We really had such amazing talent come out for this production," she said. "I really wanted these characters to be very vulnerable and grounded in reality. Ultimately, the combination of their powerhouse vocals and realistic character portrayals allowed me to pull together this dream cast."

From Left: Mary Grant, Jae LaRosa, MiKayla Thomas-Turner, Sam Murie, Mimi Franks and Ramy Alhawari. Photo courtesy of Cabrillo Playhouse

For Behrens, the heart of “The Spitfire Grill” lies not in romance but in the relationships among its women.

"This really isn't a show that revolves around a love story," she said. "It's about finding love in yourself and in found family. The relationships between the women are really what the show is about, and it's refreshing to see."

She believes Cabrillo's intimate performance space is especially well suited for the production.

“'The Spitfire Grill' is the perfect show to do at Cabrillo," she said. "It's intimate and real, and hopefully that makes the audience connect to the story and characters even more."

Jeremy Plant designed the lighting while Lopez created the scenic design. Alberto Hernandez constructed the set and Wendy Harris painted it.

"As soon as we started talking about ideas for this show, I knew we had the same vision," Behrens said. "The collaboration on this show has been lovely."

The production will feature a live band performing the show's Americana-inspired score, which Behrens believes enhances its emotional impact.

"At its core, 'The Spitfire Grill' is a story of forgiveness, not only of others but also of ourselves," she said. "The characters are real, flawed people carrying guilt about their pasts, and throughout the show they learn that despite those pasts they still deserve happiness."

Behrens, who has directed and taught theater for more than 20 years and teaches drama at San Clemente High School, said live theater has become increasingly important.

"With the expansion of AI, there is nothing more important than live performance and genuine human connection," she said. "Seeing a living, breathing piece of art in front of you at the theater is more important than ever in this world of disconnection."